University of Arizona

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Papers of Ralph H. Cameron

Ralph H. Cameron at Cameron Hotel and an Old Post Office, Grand Canyon, AZ, 1906

Ralph H. Cameron (1863-1953) was a businessman and delegate to the U.S. Congress from Arizona, (1909 to 1912); and U.S. Senator, (1921 to 1927); he operated Cameron's Hotel and Camps and developed Bright Angel Trail at the Grand Canyon.

Collection includes correspondence and other papers relating chiefly to Cameron's term as U.S. delegate, Arizona statehood, political appointments, bills, and projects. Arizona statehood materials include congratulatory letters and telegrams; as well as petitions by citizens of Phoenix regarding right of recall of the judiciary. Political bills represented include the Gila River Project, (1910-1912); site for Federal building, Tucson, AZ.; Grand Canyon Scenic Railroad bill, (1909-1911); Hamilton-Owen bill; and the Territorial Tax bill, (1910-1911).

Grand Canyon materials include letters and legal papers relating to Bright Angel Trail, mining claims, a proposed power project, (1907-1912); and four guest registers of Cameron's Hotel and Camps, (1903-1907). Correspondents include Territorial Gov. Richard E. Sloan, J.L. Hubbell, C.N. Cotton, Louisa Ferrall, Grand Canyon postmistress; Clarence Spaulding, operator of Indian Gardens; and E.L. Kolb, photographer. Also present are maps of Arizona national forests including Garces, Coconino, Prescott, and Chiricahua National Forests.