George B. Sanford Collection

Collection

Identifier: MSS-74

Scope and Content Note

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The George B. Sanford Collection includes a journal transcript, correspondence, newspaper clippings, a scrapbook, financial records, and printed matter. Although the collection extends from 1861 to 1908, the bulk of the material concerns Sanford's command of Fort McDowell and his participation in the Indian Wars against the Apache in Arizona from 1866 to 1871.

Sanford's Journal consists of transcripts of correspondence and reports that Sanford and other Fort McDowell personnel sent and received. The journal describes several expeditions sent to locate and attack Apache Indians and their rancherias from 1866 to 1871. Later entries describe Sanford's exploratory expeditions by the 1st US Cavalry from Fort Lapwai, Idaho Territory from 1871 to 1872.

Sanford's correspondence is comprised of letters that he received concerning military administration, political issues, and personal matters. Five letters from Richard C. McCormick (then US Congressional Representative from the Arizona Territory) are included.

The newspaper clippings generally concern Sanford's activities in expeditions against Apache Indians. The Special Orders are routine communications regarding leaves of absence and reporting for duty; General Orders and Expedition Accounts are published descriptions of four 1st Cavalry expeditions against the Apache Indians.

Dates

Creation: 1861-1908
Creation: 1866-1871

Creator

Sanford, George B. (George Bliss), 1842-1908 (Person)

Language of Materials

Material in English

Access Restrictions

To view this collection, make an appointment at least five business days prior to your visit by contacting Ask an Archivist or calling (480) 965-4932. Appointments in the Wurzburger Reading Room at Hayden Library (rm. 138) on the Tempe campus are available Monday through Friday. Check the ASU Library Hours page for current availability.

Copyright

Arizona State University does not own copyright to this collection. Distinctive Collections recognizes that it is incumbent upon the researcher to procure permission to publish information from this collection from the owner of the copyright.

Biographical Note

George Bliss Sanford, US Army cavalry officer, was born at New Haven, Connecticut on June 28, 1842. He attended Yale University until he accepted a commission as second lieutenant in the 1st Dragoons (Later 1st Cavalry) on April 26, 1861. During the Civil War, he fought at Antietam and in the Battle of the Wilderness. He arrived in Arizona in 1866 and served as commanding officer at Fort McDowell. In 1892, he retired from the Army and eventually relocated with his family to Litchfield, Connecticut. Sanford passed away in New York City on July 13, 1908.

Full extent

2 Box(es)

Full extent

0.75 Linear Feet

Additional description

Abstract

Arrangement

This collection consists of two boxes.

Provenance

The George B. Sanford Collection was received in two accessions in 1969 and 1977. The Sanford journal and the majority of the materials in Box 1 were received from the Litchfield (Connecticut) Historical Society in 1969 (ACC# 1969-00073). The Military/Personal scrapbook, Ancestral Tablet, and photographs were received from Sanford's grandson Mr. George M. Landon of Phoenix in 1977 (ACC# 1977-00073).