Matthews, Washington, 1843-1905
type Collector
dates 1843-1905
city Washington
stateDC
other citiesDublin, Ireland;
sex M
history Washington Matthews (1843-1905), U.S. Army Major and Surgeon, was based in the Southwest for a number of years. Conversant in Navajo, he was one of the earliest recorders of Navajo culture.

Washington Matthews (1843-1905) was an army surgeon who was stationed in Dakota Territory (1860s-70s), California (1875-1880), New Mexico (1880s and 1890s), and Washington, D. C. (late 1880s).

In Dakota Territory, Matthews started his self-training as an anthropologist by working with the Mandan and Hidatsa. Unfortunately, most of the unpublished material relating to this study was destroyed in a fire.

In California, Matthews carried out limited studies among the Modoc. In New Mexico, he undertook work for which he is perhaps best remembered among the Navaho.

In Washington, stationed at the U. S. Army Medical Museum, he carried on physical anthropological work, especially on the specimens from the Hemenway Expedition.
decades1860-1870
1870-1880
1880-1890
1890-1900
1900-1910
updated 11/24/2025 10:11:49
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Repository Description Links
Cornell University Libraries
Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections
Hemenway Southwestern Archaeological Expedition papers, 1886-1896. see details...
NM State Records Center and Archives
Archives and Historical Services
E.H. Plummer papers, 1888-1937 (bulk, 1888-1897).
see details...
The Brooklyn Museum Libraries and Archives
200 Eastern Parkway
Letter: to Dr. Washington Matthews, July 17, 1890. see details...
National Anthropological Archives
Smithsonian Institution Museum Support Center
Papers of Washington Matthews Papers ca. 1864-1905 microfilm see details...