Featherstonhaugh, George W.; Report of a Geological Reconnoissance made in 1835 from the Seat of Government by the way of Green Bay and the Wisconsin Territory to the Coteau de Prairie, an Elevated Ridge Dividing the Missouri from the St. Peter's River. Washington, 1836. Octavo, pp. 168, 4 plates containing 20 figures, and two large folded maps.
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The volume is complete with both of the very rare maps present. The volume is in a modern quarter calf over marbled boards with gilt spine titles. Light foxing to the first and last text pages, stamp of the Ecole Nationale des Mines on title page with exchange stamp above it. The two maps are very clean with only minor foxing at two folds and a very short tear to the inner edge of one map. Over all this is a very good copy of Featherstonaugh's work with both of the important maps present.
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An English geologist, farmer and businessman; Featherstonhaugh (1780-1866) lived and traveled extensively in the northern and western interior of America between 1806-1839 recording his geological observations. During this time he also maintained a very successful farm in New York State, and established one of the first railroads in America; the Albany & Hudson. As a scientist he also founded the short lived "Monthly American Journal of Geology and Natural Science". He lobbied for the establishment of an American Geological Survey and during this time made several surveys as the first appointed "United States Geologist". The work offered here is Featherstonaugh's report as United States Geologist on the Abert expedition to Wisconsin territory. His geological observations are some of the first made of the region. Featherstonhaugh began his journey in Washington, D.C. and traveled via Pittsburgh and Cleveland before visiting Detroit, and traveling by canoe on Lakes Huron and Michigan to Mackinac and Green Bay, thence via the Fox and Mississippi Rivers to Saint Anthony and Fort Snelling, where Featherstonhaugh's party ascended the Minnesota River as far as Lake Traverse on the Dakota border, and back again via Lake Pepin, Galena, and Saint Louis. Featherstonaugh provides detailed observations of the topography, geology and mineral resources of the country. In addition, this copy includes both of the major maps issued for the work. Usually one sees one map and not both. The maps are:
Map of a portion of the Indian country lying east and west of the Mississippi River to the forty sixth degree of north latitude from personal observation made in the autumn of 1835 and recent authentic documents. Constructed for the U.S. War Department Topographical Bureau, by G. W. F[eatherstonhaugh]. Washington: 1836. Scale: 1 in. = 16 mi. Size: 40.5 x 28 inches.
Map of a Reconnoissance of the Minnay Sotor Watapah or St. Peter's River to its Sources made in the Year 1835. Washington: 1836. Scale: 1 in. = 8 miles. Size: 42 x 25 inches.