Founded in 1894, the United Daughters of the Confederacy is a national organization of women whose ancestors served in the Civil War, 1861 - 1865. It began as groups of Southern women who decorated soldier's graves, which in 1868 was instituted as "Decoration Day" and later became "Memorial Day" to include all military personnel who died during active duty in the United States. In addition to locating, marking, and decorating graves, the group cared for veterans and their widows.

The Emma Sansom Chapter No. 449, the fourth chapter founded in California, was formed in Santa Ana on May 24, 1899 by Charlie Louise Montgomery. She was elected president of the chapter and held the office for fifteen years. She also served as the second California Division president from 1903 - 1905. The chapter's namesake, Emma Sansom, guided General Nathan Forrest to a narrow crossing of a nearby river, thereby aiding in the Northern General Abel Streight's surrender. The city of Gadsden erected a monument to Emma and named a high school in her honor.

At their November 1981 meeting, the members of the Emma Sansom Chapter voted to donated their records to the CSUF Patrons of the LIbrary. The donation was facilitated by long-time UDC member and chapter historian, Virginia Carpenter.