Joseph Goldsborough Bruff
J. Goldsborough Bruff | |
|---|---|
Self portrait of Captain Bruff | |
| Born | October 2, 1804 Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Died | April 14, 1889 (aged 84) Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Draftsman and cartography |
| Known for | Leading 1849 expedition to California |
Joseph Goldsborough Bruff (October 2, 1804 – April 14, 1889) was an amateur artist and adventurer as well as a professional draftsman and cartographer. He attended West Point for two years before becoming a merchant seaman. He later served as a draftsman for the United States Navy and a mapmaker for the United States Army. In 1849, he formed the Washington City and California Mining Association and led an expedition to California seeking gold. He kept a detailed journal of the expedition that was later published in two volumes. After returning from California, Bruff worked as an architectural designer in the United States Department of the Treasury.