Descriptive Summary
Huff, William P., 1811-1886
Huff, William P., Journal
1849-1850
Materials are written in English.
2001-174
2 vols.
Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The
University of Texas at Austin
Comprising two typescripts of a journal, the William P. Huff Journal, 1849-1850, documents Huff’s overland journey from Richmond, Texas, to Mariposa, California, during the Gold Rush.
Biographical Note
Born in Georgia, William P. Huff (1811-1886) was the son of George Huff, one of Stephen F. Austin’s Old Three Hundred colonists. In 1825, he moved with his family to San Felipe de Austin, Texas, where he worked as a newspaper editor. Huff was also a paleontologist and geologist, collecting fossils as well as remains of mastodons and prehistoric bison, some of which have been exhibited in the British Museum. From 1849 through 1850, Huff traveled from Richmond, Texas, to Mariposa, California, in search of wealth during the Gold Rush. Following the Civil War, he served as county and district clerk in Fort Bend County, Texas.
Sources:
Huff, George. Handbook of Texas Online. Accessed June 16, 2011. http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/fhu10.
Meet William P. Huff. Texas Parks and Wildlife. Accessed June 16, 2011. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/learning/webcasts/huff/huff.phtml.
Scope and Contents
Comprising two typescripts of a journal, the William P. Huff Journal, 1849-1850, documents Huff’s overland journey from Richmond, Texas, to Mariposa, California, during the Gold Rush. The journal discusses the geology and geography of the landscape, flora and fauna, and the route to southern California. Additionally, maps and drawings illustrate parts of West Texas, the Rio Grande River, and the San Saba silver mine, among other sites.
Access Restrictions
This collection is open for research use.
Index Terms
Subjects (Persons)
Huff, William P., 1811-1886 -- Archives.
Subjects
Gold mines and mining -- California.
Silver mines and mining -- Texas -- San Saba.
Places
California -- Description and travel.
Texas -- Description and travel.
Preferred Citation
William P. Huff Journal, 1849-1850, Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The
University of Texas at Austin.
Processing Information
Basic processing and cataloging of this collection was supported with funds from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC) for the Briscoe Center’s History Revealed: Bringing Collections to Light project, 2009-2011.
Detailed Description of the Papers
Inventory
3H124
Two typescripts of journal,
1849-1850