Diary, 1849

File — Box: 1, Folder: 1

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

From the Collection: The John H. Benson diary [typescript] (1849) details his journey from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Sacramento, California. The diary was kept daily for 142 consecutive days. Benson started out traveling with the Louisa Company, but he and one other broke away to go at it alone on the 107th day of the record. Benson records his surroundings, mileage traveled, animals, food prices and loads, the weather, and Indian encounters.

Dates

1849

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.