Abstract

Samuel Brannan has almost become a legend in the history of the American West. Having led a group of Mormons around the Horn to California in 1846, he became a business and political leader in early California. He gained great wealth in speculation and merchandising, and is noted for his activities in the Vigilance Committee of 1851, his part in heralding the gold rush, and his developments in Calistoga and elsewhere.
Although much has been written about Brannan, very little of it deals with the last years of his life. Very little factual information has been available on his activities during this period. These last ten years of his life are the focal point of this thesis. A large number of letters written by Brannan during this period have recently been found and with various secondary sources have shed light on his activities during these years.

Degree

College and Department

Family, Home, and Social Sciences; History

Rights

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