Raymond S. Brandes

Raymond S. Brandes (January 2, 1924 – April 16, 2014) was an American archeologist and historian. His work focused specifically on the American West as well as on his hometown of San Diego.^[1]

Brandes was born in San Diego, California on January 2, 1924^[1] to Theodore Brandes and Mary Peters.^[2] He served in the United States Army for six years during World War II.^[1]

Brandes received both his bachelor's degree and his Ph.D. from the University of Arizona. During his time as a student, his aunt, niece, and first wife were killed by a drunk driver, leaving himself and his infant daughter as the sole survivors.^[2]

After his service, he worked for the National Park Service's Southwestern Monuments Headquarters.^[1] While working for the National Park Service, Brandes conducted an archeological survey of the San Carlos Indian Reservation, during which he excavated one of the earliest Hohokam ball courts, built in approximately 700-1200 AD.^[1] During his time as a student at the University of Arizona, Brandes became director of the Arizona Historical Society as well as the state of Arizona's second state historian.^[2]

Brandes was editor of the journal Arizoniana, a historical journal published by the Arizona Pioneers' Historical Society, from 1961-1964. In 1964, he became Assistant Director of the San Diego Historical Society.^[3]

Brandes died of natural causes at his San Diego home on April 16, 2014. He was 90 years old.^[2]