Washington Allon Bartlett
| Washington Allon Bartlett | |
|---|---|
| 1st Alcalde of San Francisco | |
|
In office August 22, 1846 – February 22, 1847 |
|
| Succeeded by | Edwin Bryant |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
ca. 1816 Maine, United States |
| Died | February 6, 1865 (aged 48–49) Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, New York City, New York |
| Profession | Naval officer, surveyor |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/branch | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1833-1855, 1861 |
Washington Allon Bartlett (ca. 1816 – February 6, 1865) was the first alcalde (mayor) of the American-era San Francisco serving from August 14, 1846 to January 31, 1847.
While some sources state that Bartlett was born in Maine, citing dates of 3 September 1812 to 1820, other sources have stated he was related to Josiah Bartlett, a signatory of the United States Declaration of Independence; however, there is no independent evidence for either proposition. Much of the biographical data regarding Bartlett in the period before 1856 is found in a memorial he submitted to Congress. He was originally appointed as a midshipman in the United States Navy on January 22, 1833, having had some previous at-sea nautical training. Between 1833 and 1837, Bartlett served on board the sloop USS Vincennes on a lengthy Pacific Ocean cruise. On July 8, 1839, he passed seventh in a class of 32 in examinations for the rank of passed midshipman. Between 1839 and 1844, he was principally engaged in surveying duties, until he was commissioned a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy in November, 1844, at which time he joined the sloop USS Portsmouth for a cruise which lasted until May, 1848.
It was during this cruise that Bartlett achieved his greatest professional fame. The Mexican–American War broke out during this cruise. Commodore John D. Sloat claimed California for the United States on July 7, 1846, and Commander John B. Montgomery of USS Portsmouth arrived at the coastal village of Yerba Buena on July 9, 1846 to take control of the area for the United States.
As Lieutenant Bartlett was a fluent speaker of Spanish, and was well read in legal matters, he was detailed by Commander Montgomery on August 14, 1846 to take command at Yerba Buena. Accordingly, Lt. Bartlett became the first American alcalde, or mayor, of Yerba Buena. Lt. Bartlett was elected to succeed himself as mayor at the first election held under the new regime, on September 15, 1846. Bartlett was involved in the Donner Party tragedy; upon news being received at Yerba Buena of the disaster, Bartlett collected clothing and provisions to relieve the survivors. For a period of a month in December, 1846, he was taken prisoner on December 8, 1846, by "an irregular body of Californians" while on a provisioning expedition.
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