Contains manuscript accounts, letters, notes, speeches, and other materials relating to the Kane family, the development of western Pennsylvania, and Thomas L. Kane's principles. Materials date from between 1815 and 1874.

Contains correspondence, notes, speeches, and other materials related to Kane's interest in exploration and colonization in Mexico and Alaska. Materials date from between 1868 and 1930.

Contains journals and notebooks belonging to Kane, as well as manuscripts, letters, passports, and other materials. Items include lists of Kane's everyday dealings, his poetic and philosophical writings, his last will and testament, and his obituary. Materials date between 1839 and 1884.

Contains material relating to Kane's related activities connected with the development of the American West. Includes information on his lobbying for appointment to territorial governorships, his interests in Alaska and Mexico, Western railroad development, and his correspondence with a variety of state and national politicians.

Contains the more personal papers of Kane. It includes papers relating to his youth, a large collection of letters he sent home from England and France, his early correspondence with Elizabeth Wood, and their correspondence following their marriage. It also includes his correspondence with Elizabeth's father, William Wood, as well as with other Kane family members. Materials date between 1835 to 1886.

Contains letters of correspondence written and received by Kane throughout his travels in England and France. The materials span the years of 1835 and 1854, the bulk of the material dating from 1840 to 1846.