The collection includes correspondence, publications, service records, diaries, memorabilia, articles, research notes, speeches, genealogical information, photographs, and scrapbooks created or collected by Carlton J. Corliss. The majority of the papers are related to railroads, various railway companies that Corliss worked for, and publications about railroads. Topics include the Florida East Coast Railway, the Illinois Central Railroad Company, the Association of American Railroads, Abraham Lincoln, Florida, public relations, and his book, MAIN LINE OF MID-AMERICA. The collection also includes some writings of Robert S. Chilton from his service in the State Department.
