The Chester Versteeg papers, 1910-1993 (bulk 1921-1960), include materials produced and collected by Versteeg relating to the Sierra Nevada and, in a more limited scope, other mountainous regions of North America.

Chester Versteeg (1887-1963) was a Los Angeles-based insurance broker, Sierra Club officer, researcher, and author whose hobby was the Sierra Nevada. He was an avid hiker and mountain climber; he first hiked the Sierra in 1909 and climbed over 250 peaks in the range, including 40 first ascents. He served on the Sierra Club's editorial board and was the first chairman of the Geographic Committee of the Sierra Club. In this capacity he was involved in proposing names for Sierra Nevada features. He also organized the Desert Peaks section of the Sierra Club. He was an amasser of information and collected historical data including maps and photographs, and he conducted interviews with over 400 pioneers, explorers, and settlers of the Sierra Nevada.

5 cartons, 1 oversize folder, 1 oversize roll; 6.5 linear feet

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Collection is open for research.