Important Early Work on Cincinnati and the Miami Country
One of the most important early Ohio books, authored by one of Cincinnati's most famous residents. Drake based his book on Jefferson's Notes on the State of Virginia. The work provides a marvelous overview of the geography, antiquities, topography, medical conditions, and government of southern Ohio. "[Drake's] work is almost entirely original and has been drawn upon largely by all subsequent writers on the subject" - Thomson.
Drake's work is the first study of the geology of the western Ohio Valley, with special attention given to “elephant fossils” at Big Bone Lick (later discovered to be Mammoths). It also details Indian mounds within Cincinnati proper. The book includes to excellent early maps:
- Plan of Cincinnati Including All the latest Additions & Subdivisions . . .
- Map of the Miami Country . . .
"Drake's 'Picture of Cincinnati' excited a great deal of interest in the East and even on the continent of Europe, where parts of the book were translated for the benefit to the people who contemplated emigrating." Juettner. "
Dr. Daniel Drake, a prominent early physician in the Western United States, significantly contributed to the founding of several institutions in Ohio and Kentucky. His prolific writing, particularly on medical topics, was influential in the region. His book, released when he was thirty, garnered national attention, despite the 1815 imprint date. The publication was delayed until February 16, 1816, due to a wait for maps engraved in Philadelphia, while the book was printed in Cincinnati.
Drake's close association with Josiah Meigs, the commissioner of the General Land Office and an acquaintance of Thomas Jefferson, is notable. Drake requested Meigs to send Jefferson a presentation copy of his work, "Picture of Cincinnati." On March 1, 1816, Meigs wrote to Jefferson, endorsing the work as "elegant and valuable" and commending Drake as a steadfast supporter of the nation's free institutions, underscoring his Republican values. Describing this book on April 7, 1816, Jefferson wrote to Meigs:
I have referred [sic] asking the favor of you to return my thanks to Dr. Drake for the copy of his account of the state of Ohio which he has been so kind as to send me until I could have time to peruse it. I have done this with great pleasure and may now express my gratification on this able addition to the knowledge we possess of our different states; and I may say with truth that were all of them as well delineated as that which is the subject of this volume, we should be more accurately and scientifically known to the rest of the world.
With my thanks for this mark of attention be pleased to accept the assurance of my great esteem & respect. Th: Jefferson.