Kessell, John L.

John L. Kessell (photo courtesy of John Kessell)

After receiving his M.A. from the University of California at Berkeley, John L. Kessell worked for a number of years as resident historian at Tumacacori National Monument in Arizona. Later, he returned to his studies by enrolling in the Ph.D. program at the University of New Mexico. He received his Doctorate in History in 1969. Aside from ultimately publishing his dissertation, Kessell also published a number of articles in journals such as the New Mexico Historical Review and the Journal of Arizona History on topics related to his earlier work in Tumacacori and his studies on the Spanish Colonial presence in Arizona and Sonora.

Kessell later returned to the National Park Service and took several contract positions. While on assignment he wrote Kiva, Cross, and Crown: The Pecos Indians and New Mexico, 1540-1840. He also conducted some preliminary research on Salinas Pueblo National Monument.

John L. Kessell is retired from the History Department at the University of New Mexico.

Sources: Kessell, John L. Friars, Soldiers, and Reformers. Tucson, University of Arizona Press, 1976.

National Archives website

Kessell is a historian and professor emeritus at the University of New Mexico.