The Franciscan Missions of California album contains 35 albumen prints taken by Carleton E. Watkins circa 1876-1882. Watkins probably began photographing the missions while returning from a trip to Southern California in 1876, during which he also photographed scenes along the newly constructed Southern Pacific Railroad line. The album is believed to be the earliest general photographic collection produced of the California Missions, and includes photographs of most of the missions found in the state.

Carleton E. Watkins was born in Oneonta, Oswego county, New York, on November 11, 1829. He was the youngest of five children of a Scottish innkeeper. During his youth he became acquainted with Collis P. Huntington, who frequented his father's hotel. Soon after the discovery of gold, both young men went to California, where Huntington later became one of the Big Four who built the Central Pacific Railroad.

1 album of 35 albumen photographic prints; images measure 8 1/2 x 12 in., mounted to 13 1/4 x 18 1/4 in. 35 digital objects

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Original prints are restricted and may not be viewed unless permission is granted by the Curator of Pictorial Collections. Viewing prints are available under the call number: BANC PIC 1972.008 --PIC.