Materials include correspondence, genealogical notes, diaries, business records, drafts of writings, speeches, and collected research and reference materials including manuscripts, letters, legal documents, maps, photographs, and newspaper clippings. The materials pertain primarily to the history and settlement of the American West, the American Indian Wars and American Indian culture, and the preservation of western historical landmarks. Dated 1833 to 1951.

Contents include a collection of Robert S. Ellison's maps, mostly dealing with historical landmarks and famous old west battles. Materials dated 1850 to 1935.