Phelps, Dodge & Co. records

1818-1883 [bulk 1834-1860]

Phelps, Dodge & Co. was founded by Anson G. Phelps in 1834 as the successor to the firm of Phelps and Peck of New York City, the leading importer of metals in the U.S. The company imported metals, mainly tin, from Great Britain and distributed them throughout the U.S., and exported cotton to England. In addition to the metal trade, Phelps & Dodge invested in the lumber industry, brass, copper and iron manufacturing, iron mining, railroads, real estate, and banking. In 1883 the firm purchased copper mines in Arizona and was transformed into one of the nation's foremost mining companies, dealing in the mining, smelting, refining, and manufacturing of copper. In 1917 the assets of the firm were acquired by Copper Queen Consolidated Mining Co. and the name was changed to Phelps Dodge Corporation. Collection consists of incoming correspondence, financial and legal documents of Phelps and Peck, 1818-1834, and its successor Phelps, Dodge & Co., 1834-1869. Letters are from commission agents, customers, suppliers, and those concerned with the firm's manufacturing, lumber, real estate, railroad, and banking interests. In addition, there are letters from Daniel James of Phelps, James & Co., the firm's branch in Liverpool, England, discussing the British side of the business; letters pertaining to the estate of Anson G. Phelps; and some family correspondence. Financial and legal records include accounts of sales of Phelps, Dodge & Co. goods, invoices, receipts, 1818-1865; copies of partnership agreements, 1834-1882; the will of Anson G. Phelps; and account books, bank books and memoranda books, 1831-1864.