Chittenden (1845-1909) was employed as a survey engineer during the construction of the Union Pacific transcontinental rail line in 1868. During this time, he wrote many letters to his family in East River, Connecticut, describing his life and conditions and events in the construction camps. There are two letters from Chittenden, one written from Fort Sanders, Wyoming Territory (near present day Laramie), on March 2, 1868; and one from Bear River City, Wyoming Territory (near present day Evanston) on November 22, 1868, which mentions events of the Bear River City Riot of November 19. A third letter was written by Nathan O. Doolittle from Laramie, Wyoming Territory, to Chittenden in 1874, describing Doolittle's work for the railroad.
Additional content for this collection can be found in the "Inventory for collection.”
Letter from Samuel Chittenden to his family, written from Fort Sanders, Dakota Territory, March 2, 1868
Chittenden describes his journey through the Laramie plains. Transcription provided at the end of the letter.
Letter from Samuel Chittenden to his family, written from Bear River City, Wyoming Territory, November 22, 1868
Chittenden offers a short description of the Bear River City Riot. Transcription provided at the end of the letter.
Letter from Nathan O. Doolittle, Laramie, Wyoming Territory, to Samuel Chittenden, 1874.
Describes Doolittle's work for the railroad. Transcription provided at the end of the letter.