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1878 Ferdinand Vandeveer Hayden
$ 245.00
Description

Fine map of the central part of Wyoming, published as part of Hayden's Survey in 1877.

The map illustrates the central part of Wyoming Territory, centered on the Sweet Water River, with the Wind River Shoshone Reservation at the top of the map and extending west to the Big Sandy River.

A number of important early roads are shown, along with the course of the Union Pacific in the southeastern corner of the map. A number of mountains and elevations are given.

In 1867, Congress established the Geological and Geographical Survey, which in time would include the survey of all the territories on either side of the Rocky Mountains.  Dr. Ferdinand Vandeveer Hayden was appointed geologist in charge.  Hayden led the surveys and issued reports between 1867 and 1883, including information on the geography, geology, ethnology and many other scientific subjects.   Hayden's surveys were a landmark in the history of the exploration and documentation of the American West.  This map is of particular interest as it shows the South Pass and has markings for the “Old Emigrant Road” and “Old Wagon Road.”

Condition Description
Minor toning at folds
Ferdinand Vandeveer Hayden Biography

Ferdinand Vandeveer Hayden, known to the Sioux as "man-who-picks-up-stones-running," stands among the pantheon of eminent geologists of the 19th century.

Hayden's academic career commenced at Oberlin College, and he furthered his education at Albany Medical College, where he received his M.D. in 1853. Despite his medical training, Hayden was primarily engaged in geology, a field to which he would dedicate his life's work.

Hayden commenced his geological career with a survey in the Nebraska Territory in 1856. In 1859 and 1860, he conducted further exploratory work in the Rocky Mountains, particularly in Colorado, which was then part of the Nebraska and Kansas territories. His early work in the field earned him the respect of Native American tribes, with the Sioux reportedly dubbing him "man-who-picks-up-stones-running" due to his avid and energetic collection of geological samples during his expeditions.

By the 1860s, Hayden had risen to prominence as a geologist and was appointed the United States Geologist for the Geological Survey of the Territories. This role would define his career, leading numerous surveys in the Western United States. Notably, from 1871 to 1872, Hayden led a survey into the region that would become Yellowstone National Park, and his reports significantly contributed to the establishment of Yellowstone as the first National Park in 1872.

Hayden's most significant contribution to geological literature was the Geological Atlas of Colorado, published in 1877. This work was the result of comprehensive surveys conducted across Colorado, meticulously documenting the state's geography and geology. The atlas offered detailed maps on a scale previously unseen, encompassing not only Colorado but adjacent areas, including parts of Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico.

Hayden's influence extended to academia, as he was affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania for a period, where he held the position of professor of geology. His academic and field work combined to form a substantial body of knowledge that would be used by future scholars and explorers.

Ferdinand V. Hayden passed away on December 22, 1887, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His enduring legacy is reflected in the numerous natural features named after him, including Hayden Valley in Yellowstone and Mount Hayden in Colorado. His contributions to geology during the 19th century remain a cornerstone of American geological and geographical sciences.