Louis Scholl papers, 1852-1920

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Scholl, Louis, 1829-1911
Title
Louis Scholl papers
Dates
1852-1920 (inclusive)
Quantity
0.4 cubic feet, (1 legal document case)
Collection Number
Mss 300
Summary
Papers of and relating to a German-American military architect who traveled overland to Oregon in 1852 and later designed Fort Dalles and other military installations. Collection includes correspondence, a letterpress copybook, pension application materials, and a book of sketches made during the overland journey. Some materials are in German.
Repository
Oregon Historical Society Research Library
1200 SW Park Avenue
Portland, OR
97205
Telephone: 503-306-5240
Fax: 503-219-2040
libreference@ohs.org
Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research.

Languages
English, German

Biographical NoteReturn to Top

Louis Scholl (1829-1911), a native of Germany, was the architect for Fort Dalles, Fort Walla Walla, Fort Simcoe, and Fort Colville. He explored for new emigrant roads from the Salt Lake Valley to California to Fort Lane. During the Civil War, he worked in a civil capacity for Rufus Ingalls, quartermaster of the Army of the Potomac.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

The collection consists of papers of and relating to Louis Scholl, in English and German. The materials include loose correspondence (1856-1910) and a letterpress copy book (1856-1862), with many letters written in German. Much of the loose correspondence is from E. J. Steptoe and Rufus Ingalls; the collection also includes a small quantity of correspondence with George Himes of the Oregon Historical Society. Transcriptions and English translations of some of the materials are provided. A significant portion of the papers relate to Scholl's application for a pension, including his application materials, related correspondence, and the text of legislation to authorize a pension for him. Other materials in the collection include a sketchbook made during Scholl's overland journey, 1852; a handwritten guidebook with illustrations, 1859; and biographical materials, ephemera, and clippings.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Preferred Citation

Louis Scholl papers, Mss 300, Oregon Historical Society Research Library

Restrictions on Use

The Oregon Historical Society owns the materials in the Research Library and makes available reproductions for research, publication, and other uses. The Society does not necessarily hold copyright to all materials in the collections. In some cases, permission for use may require seeking additional authorization from copyright owners.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Arrangement

The collection is arranged in two series: Series 1. Correspondence, 1856-1910; Series 2. Sketchbooks and general materials, 1852-1920.

Acquisition Information

Gift of the estate of Heister Dean Guie, October 1978 (Lib. Acc. 14594).

Processing Note

Collection contains material previously designated Mss 300-1. Collection guide was revised in March 2023 to conform to current standard; revise some folder titles for clarity; and correct some dates.

Related Materials

Other materials at the Oregon Historical Society Research Library related to Louis Scholl include plans for Fort Dalles, Mss 3116; and a collection on the preservation of the surgeon's quarters at Fort Dalles, Mss 1094.

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Series 1:  Correspondence, 1856-1910,   (bulk 1856-1862) Return to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box Folder
1 1
Correspondence
1856-1910; 1856-1860
1 2
Correspondence (handwritten copies)
1856-1860
1 3
Letterpress copybook (original, entries in English and German)
1856-1862
1 4
Letterpress copybook (photocopy)
1856-1862
1 5
Letterpress copybook, German transcriptions and translations
1856-1862
1 6
Letterpress copybook, English translations
1856-1862
1 7
Correspondence with George Himes
1904

Series 2:  Sketchbooks and general materials, 1852-1920Return to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box Folder
1 8
Guidebook, handwritten, with sketches
1859
1 9
Sketchbook (photocopies)
1852
1 10
Sketchbook (original)
1852
1 11
Pension application materials and correspondence
1862-1911
1 12
Pension application materials, typescript, notarized, with handwritten corrections
1906
1 13
Pension application materials, typescript
circa 1907
1 14
Pension legislative bills
1908-1909
1 15
Biographical materials and ephemera (in English and German)
1860-1907
1 16
Clippings
1909-1920; undated

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • German Americans--Oregon
  • Indians of North America--West (U.S.)
  • Mormons--United States--History--19th century
  • Nez Percé Indians
  • Pioneers--Oregon
  • Yakama Indians

Personal Names

  • Ingalls, Rufus, 1818-1893--Correspondence
  • Scholl, Louis, 1829-1911
  • Steptoe, Edward Jenner, 1815-1865--Correspondence

Geographical Names

  • California--Description and travel--19th century
  • Fort Dalles (Dalles, Or.)
  • Fort Simcoe (Wash)
  • Fort Walla Walla (Wash.)
  • Great Salt Lake (Utah)
  • United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865

Form or Genre Terms

  • correspondence
  • letterpress copybooks
  • sketchbooks