The collection focuses on Modoc Indians and the Modoc War of 1872-1873, John Charles Frémont's Second and Third Expeditions to the American West, and U.S. Supreme Court litigation between California and Nevada about a boundary dispute. Francis S. “Van” Landrum was a businessman, registered engineer and land surveyor in Klamath Falls, Oregon as well as a noted amateur historian and author.

The Modoc War between the Modoc Tribe and the US Army lasted for 8 months between 1872 and 1873. Collection contains correspondence and records of interviews of the main participants of the conflict.