National Archives at San Francisco: A Treasure Trove of American History
The National Archives at San Francisco is a vital repository of the United States' rich historical legacy. The institution is part of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), an independent agency of the federal government tasked with preserving and documenting important historical records. Located in San Bruno, California, the National Archives at San Francisco serves as a valuable resource for researchers, historians, genealogists, and the general public interested in exploring and understanding the past.
In this article, we will delve into the National Archives at San Francisco, its history, collections, and the role it plays in preserving America's historical heritage.
A Brief History of the National Archives at San Francisco
The story of the National Archives at San Francisco begins in 1935, when the United States Congress established the National Archives as the nation's official record-keeper. The San Francisco branch was founded in 1969 as a result of the growing need to store and manage the vast number of historical documents generated by the federal government in the western states.
Today, the National Archives at San Francisco is one of the 14 regional archives across the United States, each of which is responsible for maintaining the federal records of specific geographic areas. The San Francisco branch serves the states of California, Nevada, Hawaii, and the Pacific territories such as Guam and American Samoa.
The Collections at the National Archives at San Francisco
The National Archives at San Francisco houses over 70,000 cubic feet of textual records, maps, photographs, and architectural drawings. The collection spans a vast range of subjects and time periods, from the 1850s to the present. Some of the notable collections found at the National Archives at San Francisco include:
Federal Census Records
The National Archives at San Francisco holds federal census records from 1790 to 1940, which can provide invaluable information for genealogists and family historians. These records contain data about individuals, such as their names, ages, occupations, and birthplaces.
Military Records
The National Archives at San Francisco is an important resource for those researching military history or tracing the service of their ancestors. The archive holds records from various branches of the military, such as the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. These records include service documents, pension files, and draft registration cards.
Immigration and Naturalization Records
The National Archives at San Francisco preserves a wealth of information related to immigration and naturalization. The collection includes passenger arrival lists, border crossing records, and naturalization petitions, offering a fascinating glimpse into the lives of those who sought a new life in America.
Court Records
The National Archives at San Francisco houses an extensive collection of federal court records, which document the legal history of the United States. Among these records are civil and criminal case files, bankruptcy filings, and appellate court documents.
Maps, Aerial Photographs, and Architectural Drawings
The National Archives at San Francisco also maintains a vast collection of maps, aerial photographs, and architectural drawings. These materials can provide valuable insights into the development of cities, transportation networks, and other infrastructure projects.
Accessing the Collections at the National Archives at San Francisco
The National Archives at San Francisco is open to the public, and there are several ways to access its collections:
In Person
Visitors to the National Archives at San Francisco can explore the research room, where they can view original documents, microfilm, and digital resources. Researchers are encouraged to make an appointment in advance to ensure that the materials they need are available.
Online
The National Archives at San Francisco understands the importance of accessibility and provides online access to a significant portion of its collections. Through the NARA website, researchers can search and browse digitized records, photographs, and other documents. This online resource enables individuals to conduct research remotely and access valuable historical materials from the comfort of their own homes.