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ENGINEER DEPARTMENT, IT. S. ARMY.
REPORT
UPON
United States Geographical Surveys
WEST OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH MERIDIAN,
IN CHARGE OP
CAPT. GEO. M. WHEELER,
CORPS OF ENGINEERS, V. S. ARMY,
UNDER THE DIRECTION OF
THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, TJ. S. ARMY.
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY OF THE HONORABLE THE SECRETARY OF WAR,
IN ACCORDANCE -WITH ACTS OF CONGRESS OF JUNE 23, 1874, AND FEBRUARY 15, 1875.
IN SEVEN VOLUMES AND ONE SUPPLEMENT, ACCOMPANIED BY ONB
TOPOGRAPHIC AND ONE GEOLOGIC ATLAS.
VOL. I.-GEOGRAPHICAL REPORT.
WASHINGTON:
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE.
1889.
1
AT, I
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Page.
Letter of transmittal 7
Introduction 8-20
Chapter I. Areas occupied— Passes, Western Rim of Great Interior Basin-
Altitudes and distances Yosemite Valley and summary of re-
sults 21-146
II. Itinerary of Colorado Grand Cafiou and river tip of 1871, with
map 147-171
III. Population, industries, communications, irrigation, and artesian
wells 172-210
IV. Indians 21 1-222
V. Land Classification 223-227
APPENDIXES.
A. List of certain latitudes, longitudes, etc 229-233
B. Description of atlas sheet maps 235-329
C. Formulated methods and examples, with illustrations 331-104
D. Notes on survey and disposal of public domain, with map 405-413
E. Considerations upon National Government Land and Marine surveys, with
map 415-479
F. Memoir upon the Voyages, Discoveries, Explorations, and Surveys to and
at the West Coast of North America and Iuterior of the United
States west of Mississippi Itiver, from 1500 to 1880, with notes
on certain old maps and later bibliographical and other refer-
ences to geographical co-ordinates for permanent official Topo-
graphic Atlas of the United States 481-745
G. Synoptical table of contents of qu irto volumes with summary list of re
ports and separately published maps (topographic, land class-
ification, and geologic) 747-760
H. Origiu, organization, functions, progress, and cost of geographical surveys
west of one hundredth meridian 701-704
Index 765-780
372354
LIST OF PLATES.
Page.
I. Section of a cave in Cave Valley, Nev opposite . . 25
II. Alpine lake in the Sierra Nevada, near Camp Independence, Cal.
opposite.. 40
III. Kearsarge Mining Works, Kearsarge district, near Camp Inde-
pendence, Cal opposite.. 41
IV. Scene at mouth of canon of the Virgin River, near Shonesburg,
Utah opposite. . 51
V. Dripping Pool, Kanab Canon, near the Colorado opposite. . 52
VI. Headwaters of Paria Creek, from rim of the basin, Southern
Utah opposite.. 52
VII. El Vado de los Padres, Colorado River opposite. . 53
VIII. Crossing of the Colorado River near mouth of Paria Creek.
opposite . . 74
IX. Aboriginal life in the Navajo country, near old Fort Defiance.
opposite.. 75
X. Sandstone walls in Canon de Chelle, N. Mex. opposite. . 75
XI. Cooley's Park, Sierra Blanca Range, near Camp Apache, Arizona.
opposite.. 7G
XII. Alpine lake, summit of Cerro Blanco, near Fort Garland, Colo.
opposite.. 77
XIII. Beaver Park, valley of Conejos Hiver, Colo opposite. . 87
XIV. Lost lakes, head of Conejos River, Colo., glacier peak in the
distance opposite. . 87
XV. Fisherman's Peak or Mount Whitney, highest of the Sierra Ne-
vada, near head of Kern River, Cal opposite. . 97
XVI. The start of the river party from Camp Mohave, Arizona.
opposite.. 156
XVII. Black Canon of the Colorado River, camp 8 opposite.. 158
XVIII. Maimum, a Mohave Indian of the river party opposite. . 158
XIX. Black Canon of the Colorado iver, from Mirror Bar.. opposite.. 159
XX. Mouth of the Lower Grand Canon of the Colorado River.
opposite.. 163
XXI. View looking south into the Grand Canon of the Colorado Hiver,
from Sheavwitz Crossing opposite. . 164
XXII. Grand Canon of the Colorado River, near mouth of Kanab, Wash.
opposite. . 168
XXIII. Grand Callon of the Colorado River, near Paria Creek . . opposite . . 168
XXIV. Colorado River party reaching mouth of Diamond Creek.
opposite.. 169
XXV. Mountain stations (Form I Horizontal Sketch); scale, 1 inch to 1
mile (approximate) opposite. . 353
XXVI. Mountain stations (Form II, Horizontal Sketch); scale, 1 inch to
4 degrees opposite . . 355
5
507
500
(3 LIST OF PLATES.
Page.
XXVII. Main route and side meanders, and topographical stations
(Form III), scale, 1 inch to 1 mile 356
XXVIII. Topography (sample from plotting sheet); scale, 1 inch to 2 miles 397
XXIX. Tlie Island of Antilia, by Benincasa, 1403 '- - - 498
XXX. America, from Ptolemaeus, Edit. Romae, 150S 499
XXXI. America, from a Frankfurt globe, about 1520, and from map of
North America, by (Melius, 1589 501
XXXII. North America, by Zaltieri, 1506 504
XXXIII. From " Hondius" Ed , 1609, Amsterdam 506
XX XIV. North America, from Purchas, 1625
XXXV. From map of North America, by F. de Wit, Amsterdam, about
1670
X XXVI. From map of North America, by John Senex, F. R. S., 1710 510
XXXVII. From map of North America, by Edward Wells, M. A., 1722 511
XXXVIII. From map of North America, by Thomas Jeffreys, 1782 512
LIST OF MAPS.
1. Map showing routes of parties exploring Grand Canon of the Colorado;
scale, 1 inch to 6 miles opposite. . 170
2. Sketch indicating advancement of public land, military, and geographical
surveys, west of Mississippi River; scale, 1:3000000 opposite.. 412
3. Sketch indicating distribution of the United States into convenient dis-
tricts for Government topographic surveys, with index rectangles
for topographic atlas opposite.. 436
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.
United States Engineer Office,
Geographical Surveys "West of the One Hundredth Meridian,
Washington, D. C, June 1, 1879.
General: I have the honor to forward herewith manuscript of Volume
I, the last of the quarto reports of this office, the publication of which is
authorized by acts approved June 23, 1874, and February 15, 1875.
This affords a pleasing opportunity once for ail to express my thanks
to the large number of assistants, officers, civilians, and others whose
genuine enthusiasm for their various tasks has alone made possible the
systematic production of so great an amount of geographic, geologic, and
other scientific material.
The aid extended by the supply "branches of the War Department has
added materially to the augmentation of results.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. M. WHEELER,
Captain of Engineers,
In charge.
Brig. Gen. H. G. Wright,
Chief of Engineers, United States Army, Washington, D. C.
Note.— This report, brought substantially to a close in June, 1879, was
not presented for publication until 1887, from press of other duties and sub-
sequent prolonged illness.
INTRODUCTION.
The area within the United States west of the one hundredth meridian
of longitude (1,443,360 square miles) embraces, entire, the basins of the
Colorado (270,000 square miles), Interior (208,600 square miles), Coast
(100,900 square miles), and Sacramento (64,300 square miles) ; also, that
part of the Columbia (215,700 square miles) south of the forty-ninth par-
allel, and portions of the basins of the Missouri (338,200 square miles),
Rio Grande (123,000 square miles), Arkansas (75,500 square miles),
Brazos (34,800 square miles), and the Red River of the North (3,360 square
miles).
Of the above approximation 993,360 square miles is of a mountainous
structure, the many ranges surrounding interior plateaux and valleys, while
the remainder (450,000 square miles) is composed of the "mauvaise terre"
of the northern," plains" of the interior, and the "staked plains" of the
southern, latitudes.
The approximate average elevation above sea of the total area west of
the one hundredth meridian is approximately 4,225 feet, the volume of the
mass above this level being 1,155,201 cubic miles, while the approximate
average altitude of the area of 359,065 square miles covered by the survey
is approximately 5,000 feet, or corresponding to a volume of 340,024 cubic
miles.
The Colorado, Columbia, Missouri, Rio Grande, Arkansas, Sacramento,
Brazos, Pecos, and Red Rivers are the principal lines of drainage of the fol-
9
10 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
lowing approximate total lengths and parts thereof comprised within the
above area:
Name of river.
Total
length.
Length
west of l«0th
meridian.
Name of river.
Total
length.
Length
west of 100th
meridian.
Milet.
1,678
1,350
2,824
1,800
1,539
Miles.
1,678
1,350
1,600
1, 5:'0
500
Miles.
270
770
1,200
600
Miles.
270
150
175
600
The Great Interior Basin that, on account oi its present state of desic-
cation, is without outlet to the sea, has its own system of drainage and
reservoirs, marked by a number of minor streams, such as the Humboldt,
Sevier, Bear, Carson, Walker, Truckee, and Owens Rivers.
The following determined volumes have been noted for the streams
oiven herewith :
No.
Name of river.
Total
length, ap
proximated.
Lower or main Mississippi
Yazoo
Saint Francis
lied
Arkansas
Upper Mississippi
Missouri
Columbia
Sacramento
Colorado of the "West . . .
Rio Grande
Miles.
1, 2KU
500
380
1,200
1, 514
1,330
2, 008
1,350
270
1,078
1,800
Total drain-
age area,
approximated.
Square inib'S
1,256.050
13, 850
10, 500
97,000
189,000
109, 000
518, 000
215,700
04, 300
279, 000
(West of 100th
meridian.)
123, 000
Length in area
west of 100th
meridian.
Miles.
o
175
500
1,600
1,350
270
1,678
Navigable west of 100th meridian.
To what point.
All oast of 100th meridian
Not navigable
do
Not navigahle west of 100th me*
ridian.
.... do
All oast of 100th meridian
To Fort Benton ,
To the Cascades
Ttha ma Rapids
Mouth of Grand Canon
Not navigable west of 100th me-
ridian.
Miles,
approx.
1,225
130
233
400
No.
Volumes of discharge.
By-
Locality.
Date.
Velocity in
feet per
second.
Discharge
per sec-
ond.
Hem ark s.
Humphreys & Abbot.
...do
...do
...do
.do.
.do.
.do-
Cxibicfeet.
675, 000
43, 000
31, 000
57, 000
63, 000
105, 000
120, 000
Physics and Hydranlics of Missis-
sippi River, pages 92 and 93.
Physics and Hydraulics of Missis-
sippi River, page 93.
Physics and Hydraulics of Missis-
sippi River, page 92.
3,300 square miles in area west of
100th meridian; Physics and
Hydraulics of Mississippi
River, page 92.
75,500 square miles In area west
of 100th meridian; Physics and
Hydraulics of Mississippi
River, page 92.
2,824 miles to mouth of Three
Forks; Physics and Hydraulics
of Mississippi River, page 92.
INTRODUCTION.
11
Volumes of discharge.
No.
By-
Locality.
Date.
Velocity in
feet per
second.
Discharge
per sec-
ond.
Remarks.
8
9
10
Estimate of Board of
Engineers.
W. H. Dall, State en-
gineer of California.
Lieutenant Bergland .
Do
Cubic feet.
300, 000
(Average.)
30, 000
18, 413. 38
11, 623. 43
7, 658. 74
16, 232. 00
6, 249. 00
856. 40
640. 75
4, 685. 50
(Mean). Sen. Ex. Doc. No. 13,
Highest known.
Ordinary high
flood.
Stone's Ferry
Camp Mohave —
Fort Yuma .
Near Camp Mo-
have.
Mouth Gila River
Polonas, N. Mex . .
> Discharge. 5
Ang. 11, 1875
Sept. 3,1875
Mar. 15, 1S76
Sept. 15, 1871
Dec. — , 1854
Sept. 19, 1878
205,000cu.ft.
165, 000 cu.ft.
3,217
1,250
2,80!)
3,006
3,000
2,560
2, 222
5,300
47th Cong., 2d seas., page 3.
Snag-boat has reached Red Bluff,
248 miles.
United States Geographical Sur-
Do ...
veys west of the 100th meridian.
Lieutenant Michler. ..
L Xell
Mexican Boundary Survey.
Lowest water; United States
Do
Lieutenant Bergland .
FortSelden, N. M.
Del Norte, Colo...
Oct. 3, 1878
June 22, 1877
Geographical Surveys west of
the luOlh meridian.
High water. do.
Note— The following measured discharges have been found for minor streams, a part or nil of which lie west nf the
100th meridian ■ (I) Kansas River, between Wamego and Saint Mary's, 2,500 cub;, feel per second, in September, 1878,
liken at sta^e of about 4 feet above low waters (2) 1'ellowstone, at Fort Keogh, near mouth of Tongue River September,
i'h;s 14 46' rubie b-et -at Mine point i" October, 1870, 6,505 cubic feet per sec. .ml; Willamette, at oueioutth mile below the
northern boundai j of Portland, in fall of 1S76, at stage of 3J to 4 feet above or low water, 13,108 cubic teet per second,
averaee velocity 3 <>8 feet per second, and later at 9 feet (approximated) above low water, 51,590 cubic feet per second;
(4) confluents of Great Salt Lake (Bear, Weber, and Jordan Rivers and miscellaneous), March and April, 1878, 4,386 cubic
feet per second (during rising water and prior to commencement of irrigation); (5) Gunnison, below iumivhi Creek, *«■
"'"For au^niiv'^tue^:!-, 1 ''^'^ a! R. C. of E. 1879, App. O, p. 1092 J D. McKowr, .under Major Suter; (2) A R.
C of E 1880 App. R, p. 1470, Lieut. Magnire ; (3) A. R. C. of E., Ib77. App. JJ, p. 1009 R. A. Habersham, under
Mnjor Wilson ; (4) A. R Geographical Surveys, 1879, App. D, p. 229, Lient. Young; (5) A. R. Geographical Surveys, 1878,
App. A, p. 105, Lieut. Bergland.
The backbone of the continent within the boundaries of the United
States, or the water-shed between the Interior and Pacific (approximately
1,850 miles in length;, consists of a number of distinct ranges separated by
noticeable passes easily approached from the eastward or westward, and to
which the appellation "Rocky Mountains " has been given.
This name fades away as the true condition of its topography be-
comes known from actual surveys, and each of the several ranges claims a
title.
The mother mass of this water-shed consists of the Saguache and
Snowy Ranges in Colorado (about 425 miles in length) that, begin-
ning at the head of the broad San Luis Valley, extend northwardly with
a single break or marked depression at the head of the Arkansas, and be-
come lost in the lower levels only as the ridges leading from Long's Peak
reach the plains in this direction.
To this group of serrated ridges the name of "Sierra Madre" has been
given, and no other mountain mass within our borders so well deserves the
title, except perhaps the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Ranges, that within
12 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OP 100TH MERIDIAN.
United States territory are more local in their position, neither do they so
truly form part of the great main line of continental uplift extending from
the Isthmus of Darien to the Arctic Sea.
To describe the physical characteristics of the multitude of ranges as to
their more important topographic relations alone, would fill volumes, and,
indeed, even that could not be done for parts of the area that have not yet
undergone instrumental survey.
Among the most important are the two just named, the Sierra Nevada,
Cascades, Wahsatch, Uintah, Salmon River, Humboldt, Wind River, and
many others.
The Coast Ranges of California and Oregon, and the large number of
subordinate chains of the Great Basin, and other portions of the elevated
plateau aggregate not less than 161 distinct ridges or mountain chains, with
serrated axial profile of not less than 20 miles each in length, disposed ac-
cording to political divisions as follows: Nevada, 49; Arizona, 15, New
Mexico, 27; Utah, 25; California, 24; Colorado, 11; Wyoming, 4; Mon-
tana, 1; Idaho, 4; Oregon, 1 (part of Cascade Range only); Wyoming, 0;
Texas, 0; Nebraska, 0; Dakota, 0; Kansas, 0; and Indian Territoiy, 0.
Total, 161.
Of the above 143 distinct and separately named mountain ranges, dis-
tributed as follows: Nevada, 46; Arizona, 12; New Mexico, 25; Utah,
25; California, 20; Colorado, 11; Idaho, 3; and Oregon, 1; total, 143;
independent of numbers of isolated groups of mountains as well as plateaux
and mesas, have fallen within the area under survey.
Of the groups of named mountains, having no regular trend, there are
found 103 within the surveyed area, and 93 exterior; and of the 41 prin-
cipal plateaux, already named, lying west of the one hundredth meridian,
36 fall within the surveyed limits and 5 without
The aggregate number of ranges, mountain groups andplateaux(not in-
cluding a number of minor subdivisions, that make up the Great Colorado
Plateau) is three hundred and ninety-eight (398).
The ranges, mountains, and plateaux (37, 72, and 5 in numbers, re-
spectively) lying outside the region surveyed, are taken from the names
INTRODUCTION. 13
given upon the latest edition of the "Western Territory map of the En-
gineer Department, which number will doubtless be augmented when a
detailed instrumental topographic survey of this territory is made.
The great mountain forms, which consist for the most part of up-
turned and corrugated strata, have been divided into ranges and mountains,
the former confined to persistent ridges with distinct axial trend of not less
than 20 miles in length each, the latter referring to the groups of mountain
masses thrown above the general level with distinctive orographic features.
The plateaux are tabular shaped formations, usually of sedimentary
character, although often volcanic capped, standing apart and above the
general level, being of irregular form and height, showing usually bold es-
carpments along at least one well-marked portion of their perimeter.
An attempt has been made to confine where possible the adjective use
of the word "Mount" to a single isolated structure, as " Mount Taylor,"
and attaching names to the summit of the peaks, the latter being a topo-
graphical feature, appreciable in extent, susceptible of exact geographical
location, and more easily described with a definite individuality.
The passes from east to west are more limited in numbers, and yet the
practicable ones for routes by rail or common roads are found to increase
upon diligent search, while ranges considered impassable a decade since
are now climbed by the narrow-gauge tracks in their search for mining
and other markets found in the local objective points of these rugged regions.
The extended plateaux of the Colorado Basin and other localities west
of the Continental Divide, and between it and the Sierra Nevada and
Cascade Ranges, exceed in dimensions the plateaux and mesa system of
Old Mexico, and the dry interior climate at elevations irom 3,000 to 7,000
feet and above, south of the 40th parallel, is doubtless as lovely as any of
the typical Mexican climes of the high interior valleys, and, when clearly
understood as civilization advances, will furnish numerous spots noted for
their climatic efficacy.
The Colorado Plateau, first named by the writer in 1868, covers, in
its various mountain plateau and mesa forms, at least 100,000 square miles
in Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona.
14 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
The sub-plateaux, denned by the varying uplifts and subsequent de-
nudations, are severally named. Erosion, through the sediraentaries that
are the basis of its structure (and of the primitive rocks in some instances),
has given rise to the Grand Canon of the Colorado, a gorge without par-
allel, so far as known, for its high and nearly perpendicular walls, tortuous
windings, and great length. Other canons of extraordinary magnitude are
the Glenn and Uinta of the Colorado River, the "Grand" of the Arkansas,
the Canon of the Yellowstone, while the Colorado, for the greater part of
its length, is essentially a canon river, and the Snake River flows through
deep rocky gorges for much of its distance, and minor canons of varied
dimensions are to be found in or along the flanks of every prominent,
mountain range.
The principal falls are those in and around Yosemite Valley, more
noted for their vertical dimensions than those of the Yellowstone, the Great
and Little American on Snake River, and certain minor instances along the
Columbia and Colorado Rivers.
The Yosemite Gorge has become justly famed as one of the most
picturesque, and is especially unique at the season of high water.
The Yellowstone Park (so called) is one of the later wonders, on ac-
count of its geysers, mud and thermal springs, waterfalls, and beautiful
lakes.
But few of these Western valleys are of erosion, and these compara-
tively narrow and occupying but a small area. The great detrital, plain-like
valleys occupy the interior spaces between the positive ranges and plateaux,
while the character of the extended plains, uniform as to elevation, the
wrinkles of which are mostly from erosion, extending from the 100th me-
ridian to the base of the mountains, is well known from descriptions of
travelers and explorers of all grades.
The deserts (so called) are portions of the Lower Colorado Valley
(now crossed by a railroad), the Mohave, Death Valley, Amargosa, Ralston,
Humboldt, Quinn's River, and the Snake, thus reaching in patches from
the Mexican border to the Columbia, between the meridinal limits of the
Wahsatch and Sierra Nevada.
INTBODUCTION. 15
Sand dunes are noted particularly in the Colorado, Death, Amargosa,
Termination, and San Luis Valleys.
Numbers of natural parks or extended glades have been discovered in
the mountainous portions of Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona, and
especially by the writer in the area embraced by the heads of Little Colo-
rado, Gila, San Francisco, and Salt Rivers.
The name has been erroneously applied in Colorado to those extended
systems of detrital valleys inclosed by high encircling ridges called North,
Middle, and South Parks, that are not particularly different from similar
encompassed valleys, debouching abruptly in the direction of the flow of the
waters, but wanting in that apparently artificial distribution of nature's
bounties to be found in the glade-like parks above mentioned, and indeed
others along the southeastern portion of the Great Colorado Plateau.
The number of peaks between 10,000 feet and 15,000 feet within the
entire area, so far as now known, and measured and computed by this office,
is (560) five hundred and sixty, Mount Whitney, or Fisherman's Peak, in
the Southern Sierras, enjoying an elevation of 14,470 feet (barometric), be-
ing the highest that has been carefully measured barometrically. The num-
ber both measured and computed by the Survey within the limits between
5,000 feet and 10,000 feet can only be given quite approximately as (882)
eight hundred and eighty-two.*
Areas of depression below the level of the sea are found in the Colorado
Valley north and west from Fort Yuma, covering a space of approximately
1,600 square miles, and portions of Death Valley, in Eastern California.
The lakes of the Great Interior Basin, acting as reservoirs, are largely
saline and alkaline, while the number in other localities is large, especially
those little lakes near the crests of important mountain ranges. The most
remarkable one, examined and called Crater or Mystic Lake, northwest of
Fort Klamath, on the summit of the Cascades, evidently occupies an old
eruptive vent, the surface of the water being not less than 900 feet from
the lowest point of the rim of a number of lava beds of various colors and
separate flows, that constitute the incasing walls of an oval of approximately
"These represent only a part of all existing peaks, as also but a portion of those determined in
altitude. (See Appendix A and special volume Geographic Positions, &c, royal 8°.)
16 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
7 by 9 miles. The greatest height of the almost perpendicular wall is about
2, "200 feet. A small conical extinct crater of basalt rises out of the western
end of the water, which is pure and cool. Although no visible outlet is
known, yet one is possible, and the relative elevations permit that streams
emerging from beneath the lava beds at both the eastern and western slopes
of the Cascades should have their actual sources in this unique reservoir.
The sedimentary strata and crystalline rocks are broken through in many
localities by basalts and older lavas, the vent points being marked in some
instances by the residual typical cone, great fields of which are noted near
San Francisco Mountain in Arizona, while the lines of eruption of the many
overlying and intercalated masses of the more ancient lavas is naturally
veiled from view.
The areas embraced by these lavas, except the basalts and trachytes,
prove in most instances as indexes to deposits of the precious metals where
search has been made, and will gradually become the alphabet of the more
careful and intelligent prospecting of the future as mining advances into
this extensive region.
The high mountain areas, that are perpetually covered with snow, are
comparatively slight, and confined to the ravines sheltered from the sun's
direct rays. This is due largely to the relatively small amount of rain and
snow fall existing at the present stage of desiccation of this portion of the
continent, the elevation of many ranges being amply sufficient with proper
humid conditions to justify the presence of extensive active glaciers.
The permanent source of supply from glacial masses, so efficacious in
rendering certain the plans for irrigation in India and Italy that have the im-
mense snow and ice storehouses of the Himalaya and the Alps, respectively,
is wanting in the West; the winter snows melt rapidly and their moisture is
soon transmitted below the lower levels, that most require irrigation, hence
all plans looking to a successful recuperation of parched lands by the use
of water must depend upon a larger than the usual modulus, upon the
minimum of the running waters for the season, assuming a safe percentage
of the additional volume that may be obtained by storage reservoirs.
Artesian wells may be made to increase the practicably arable areas by
appreciable amounts at minor spots, but on no considerable scale.
INTRODUCTION. J 7
Observations for the classification of the lands for map delineation into
(1) Arable or agricultural, (2) timber, (3) pasturage or grazing, ^4) arid
or barren, having been conducted over an area exceeding 175,000 square
miles in California, Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado. New Mexico,
and Arizona, there appears as a result the following approximate percent-
ages: (1) Arable, 4.77 percent; (2) grazing, 4!J 37 per cent.; (3) timber,
26.1)4 per cent; (4) arid, 16.95 per cent.; water and marsh, 1.01 per cent;
and chaparral, 0.96 per cent.
The locations of hundreds of points at which the precious and economic
minerals occur but substantiate the belief gradually gaining ground of the
almost unlimited prospective supply ; the development of which is constantly
being rendered more economic and certain.
The highest percentage reached for any single sheet by the "arid and
barren" is 53.32, while the "arable," although relatively of meager amount
(23.83 per cent, being the highest noted), will be increased somewhat by the
artificial process of irrigation systematically conducted.
Evidences of extinct glacial action are numerous; and have been noted
by observers for periods of years. The detrital tli >< >rs of many of the valleys
are the result of this action, and the detailed shapes of several prominent
mountain ranges, especially in Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Califor-
nia, have been governed by the grand carving of glacial beds.
A possible connection between the lacustrine beach of the ancient
Lake Bonneville, that once covered the present Salt Lake and Sevier Lake
Basins entire, and the deep-fluted carvings along the eastern flanks of the
Suake Range in Eastern Nevada was observed in 1872, indicating that
glaciers existed during the period that portions of the Great Interior Basin
were covered by extensive lakes draining toward the Pacific.
Mineral and thermal springs in considerable numbers have been noted
in this region, and, up to 1875 not less than 120 had been located and
reported upon. (See vol. 3, p. 150)
The lower levels of the detrital plain-like valleys, more especially of
the Great Interior Basin, are marked by alkaline and saline flats, or mud
lakes, of many square miles in extent, impassable in seasons of rain and
snowfall, and the plague of these desert-like areas in times of drought.
2 WH — VOL I
18 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
The various sedimentary systems have been made in many localities
to give forth their treasures of invertebrates and vertebrates, thus adding
new forms and marking a wider distribution of others.
To the paleontologist the vision of still rich fields in which are en-
tombed the remains of the faunal and floral life of the fossil-bearing forma-
tions is as attractive as the belief in the hoped-for bonanza to the miner,
and somewhat alike ; the surface alone has been but skimmed in either
regard.
Great additions have been made by the Government and other explor-
ing parties during the past twenty years in the identification and distribution
of the living fauna and flora, still there is a vast field for intelligent re-
search into the details of distribution and variations of the multitudinous
forms of animal and plant life.
While the geologist has ample room to reduce to a system the rock
exposures as well as their origin and history, and the mineralogist to inves-
tigate and determine as to their constituents in this area of, approximately,
1,500,000 square miles, possessed of altitudes varying from 200 feet below
to nearly 15,000 feet above sea-level, the student of antiquity of the ancient
races and their ruins and the present aboriginals has a horizon the value
of which is but just dawning upon the popular mind, and from the many
monuments marking the habitations of prehistoric peoples must come much
to aid in making clear the nature of the pre-aboriginals and their modes and
circumstances of life.
The approximate number of Indians (pueblos and nomads) within the
area of survey was found to be 60,000, belonging to not less than thirty-
three distinct tribes.
The white population therein, approximately, according to the census
of 1880, was 631,067, that on account of the rapid influx of miners and an
associate population stimulated by constant discoveries of gold and silver,
and ever increasing railroad facilities, will doubtless be at least doubled in
the enumeration of 1890.
Of the different industries, mining takes the lead, except in the States
of California and Oregon, where agriculture has reached a distinctive
status.
INTRODUCTION. 19
The commercial relations are principally of mining necessities toward
the interior, agricultural products toward the coast, and transcontinental
traffic by the Pacific railways.
The future principal loci of the fixed industries of the entire country,
no matter to what point the center of population may drift, are, for •agri-
culture, the empire of the broad drainage of the Mississippi Valley entire;
for commerce, at or near the principal harbors of the Atlantic and Pacific
coasts, the Gulf of Mexico, the great lakes, together with a number of
entrepot points on the main navigable streams; for manufactures, mainly in
the valleys leading to the Atlantic and Pacific, north of latitude 40 degrees;
while mining for the precious metals belongs more particularly to the
mountainous area of nearly 1,000,000 square miles of the western, or
Pacific coast slope, with exceptional localities in the Apalachian region.
The great Mississippi Valley may be made the home of not less than
200,000,000. Millions more can find a reward for industry in the area
from the eastern base of the Continental Divide to the Pacific, while the
comparatively narrow belt called the "Atlantic Districts" (see sketch map
accompanying appendix E), being the strip along that coast, limited toward
the interior by the water-shed of the Atlantic streams, already numbers
its many millions.
The reports of the "Geographical Survey West of the One Hundredth
Meridian" relate to 359,065 square miles, situate in fourteen of the fifteen
political divisions lying west of that longitudinal line.
The actual area of survey from 1869 to 1879 (359,065 square miles) is
distributed in the following proportions in the basins of drainage herewith:
1. Colorado. 130,200 square miles; 2. Interior, 106,500 square miles; 3.
Rio Grande, 50,400 square miles; 4. Arkansas, 23,100 square miles; 5.
Sacramento, 22,900 square miles; 6. Coast, 11,900 square miles; 7. Co-
lumbia, 11,300 square miles; 8. Missouri, 2,765 square miles.
At the commencement (1869) the only transcontinental railroad through
this area was that of the Union and Central Pacific and their eastern connec-
tions ; while to-day (January, 1887), the Southern Pacific meets the Atchi-
son and Topeka, the latter branching to the Mexican coast at Guaymas,
making a through route, with connections to San Francisco and San Diego
20 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF I00TH MERIDIAN.
The Atlantic and Pacific has been constructed westward along the Colorado
plateau beyond San Francisco Mountain to join a branch of the Southern
Pacific at or near the Needles on the Colorado River, thus establishing- within
a brief period three distinct lines to the Pacific, independent of the Guay-
mas connection: while the more northerly line (outside of the survey area),
the Northern Pacific, has been completed, and the Denver and Rio Grande
narrow gauge has penetrated westward to Utah and southward toward old
Mexico. North and south lines have been opened, notably from the Cen-
tral Pacific Railroad at Ogden,Utah, Palisades, Battle Mountain, and Carson,
New, and local roads reach to the centers of production in many directions;
and thus gradually this land of mountain and desert, forest and waste, with
arable stretches at irregular intervals, is being reached by rapid transit from
thickly settled regions, and the products of the ranch and mine may now,
from a constantly increasing number of points, be carried with ease to an
ever-increasing circle of consumers.
The Atchison and Topeka Railroad also has connection at El Paso
with the Mexican Central, already built to the city of Mexico, and other
routes are projected to enter Mexico from Texas, and other rail communi-
cation with our southern neighbor has been successfully inaugurated.
AREAS OCCUPIED. 2l
CHAPTER I.
AREAS OCCUPIED.
The several expeditions, from 1869 to 1879, inclusive, were enabled to
extend the observations required, upon which to base a detailed topographic
map, to embrace an area of 359,065 square miles, distributed as follows, viz:
New Mexico, 80,052 square miles (or 66 per cent, of its total area) ; Cali-
fornia, 64,906 square miles (or 41 per cent, of its total area) ; Nevada,
fi2,181 square miles (or 60 per cent, of its total area); Arizona, 61,876
square miles (or 54 per cent, of its total area) ; Utah, 38,969 square miles
(or 46 per cent, of its total area); Colorado, 33,041 square miles (or 32 per
cent, of its total area); Idaho, 8,877 square miles (or 10 per cent, of its
total area); Oregon, 8,842 square miles (or 9 per cent, of its total area);
Wyoming, 231 square miles; and Texas, 150 square miles. In addition to
these detailed topographic surveys, initial astronomic or geodetic points
were established in Nebraska, Montana, and Washington Territory.
Topographic sheets have already been issued that delineate 326,891
square miles of the above area, while the sum of small areas (mostly re-
maining in plotting-sheet form) insufficient to publish as entire atlas sheets
reaches 32,174 square miles.
A number of geologic maps, the initiative of a projected Geological
Atlas, based upon the above topographic sheets, have been issued as
material was gathered.
The annual reports comprise, besides the simple operations for the
year, special descriptive and technical details.
22 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
Tlie main quarto volumes (eight in number), devoted to special sub-
jects (as astronomy, geology, &c), are within themselves complete, as to
the subjects embraced, at the date of issue, and there but remains the gen-
eral Geographical Report from the main body of which all allied and
technical material will be excluded.
EXPEDITION OF 1869.
The expedition of this year traversed an area of (approximately)
24,428 square miles, including '-^.O'J.S square miles in southeastern Nevada
and 400 square miles in western Utah.
The basins explored and mapped were southern portions of the "Great
Interior'' and central parts of the Colorado, north and west of the great
southern bend. The principal streams encountered other than the Colorado
from south to north, are the "Virgin River" and Muddy Creek, a tributary
heading: in Pahranasrat Valley, with a small affluent having; its source at the
head of Cedar Valley near the Utah boundary; also portions of the western
part of the Sevier Lake Basin, the Humboldt, and a number of southern
tributaries, independent of minor streams issuing from the mountain sides
and sinking within the confines of the neighboring; troug-hlike valleys, that
are generally subordinate interior basins, integral parts of the elevated,
mountain-inclosed area, without ocean outlet, known as the "Great Interior
Basin.''
Note. — The general route pursued by Lieutemint Wheeler iu the expedition of
1 SCO was as follows: San Francisco, OaL, to Ilalleek Station, Nev., on the Central
Pacific Railroad; thence to Camp Halleck, Nev.; thence to Elko, Nev.; thence to Old
Fort Ruby, via Huntington Valley ; thence to Hamilton, White Pine District, via Long
Valley; thence to Cave Valley via Steptoe Valley; th nee to Preuss Lake, (so-called),
CTtah, and return; thence to Panacea and Pioche via Cedar, Eagle, and Rose Valleys;
thence to West Point via Grape Vine Cafion and Meadow Valley Wash; theuce to Las
Vegas via mouth of Virgin River, and northern bank of Colorado River to El Dorado
Caiion; thence to Indian Spriug via Spring Mountain Range; theuce to Pahranagat
District via Quartz and Summit Springs; thence to Moute Cristo Mill, White Pine
District, via Quinn Canon and Railroad Valley; theuce to Camp Halleck via White
Pine and Huntington Valleys; thence via Halleck Station to San Francisco.
The departure from the routes above stated, in this as lor all other years, con-
sisted principally iu the detours necessary in the ascent of prominent mountain peaks,
and in traversing the adjacent ranges, and in visiting important mining camps.
EXPEDITION OF 1869. 23
The measured mountain peaks above 10,000 feet approximately, are,
Halleck, Humboldt Range, with four others unnamed; Grafton and White's
Peaks, Schell Creek Range, and one other; Union, Snake Range, and one
other, and Charleston, of the Spring Mountain Range, or eleven in all.
The trough-like detrital valleys between the nearly meridional ranges
have sensibly the same trend, and with few exceptions are valuable only
for grazing, on account of too great an elevation, poor soil, or want of water.
The exceptions are Ruby, Steptoe, Duck Lake, and Pahranagat Valleys,
with a number of smaller size near the borders of Utah, and where the
Mormons had tilled the scanty-sized fields to good purpose.
The plateau system, so well marked in the area surrounding the Grand*
Canon of the Colorado, and so widely developed in the central portion of
the basin of this stream (named the " Colorado Plateau" by the writer in
1871), has but a slight representation in the 1869 area, consisting princi-
pally in a number of detrital mesas, adjacent to and on the northwesterly
banks of this river, and along the most southerly area of the reconnaissance.
The population of the area embraced was sparse and confined to the few
cultivated valleys and occupied mining camps, and counted by a few thou-
sand except for the temporary influx into the White Pine District, while so
far as concerns topographic material, relating even to horizontal dimen-
sions, the then existing map of this region was almost a positive blank.
The early Government explorers who had previously crossed this area
in any direction, and whose reports have come under my notice, were
Colonel Steptoe, along the northern portion in 1855; Captain Simpson,
Corps of Topographical Engineers, to the southward and in nearly an east
and west direction while en route from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Carson, Nev.,
in 1859; Captain Fremont, in 1844, while en route to California, along the
lower route across the Great Basin first named by him; while in 1867 Major
Sidney Lyon, formerly an Army officer, traversed southeasterly from Austin,
Nev., to the Mormon settlements in southwest Utah. So far as can be ascer-
tained, no one of these parties determined astronomical latitudes or longitudes,
at points within the expeditionary area of 1869, except Captain Simpson.
The land surveys had advanced but little into this section, only ap-
proximately 3,500 square miles having been subdivided at the date of the
expedition, since which time, however, marked advances in settlement are
24 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OP 100TH MERIDIAN.
shown by the advance of the surveys and by the mining claims in numer-
ous localities that have been entered and subdivided in accordance with the
mining law of 1872.*
The Indian tribes noted, and of which the total number approximated
2,500 men, women, and children, were the Shoshones, Grosiutes, Snakes,
Pah-vants, and Pah-Utes. None of these wer,e on reservations, and roamed
at pleasure, eking out a purposeless existence, principally by hunting, fish-
ing, and from the store of pinon nuts found at infrequent intervals along
the foot-hills and lesser mountain groups.
AVhile the greater number of these Indians profess to be peaceful, yet
massacres of small parties in isolated canons were still of frequent occur-
rence.
It was impracticable, on account of the rapid nature of the reconnais-
sance, to collect data by which to classify the lands, although it may be said
that grazing everywhere predominates, except for the many barren locali-
ties, while timber, mostly pine of the larger varieties, is found in the mount-
ain ranges at the higher altitudes, the pinon being noticed along most of the
rolling foot-hills in greater or less profusion.
A number of mining camps were visited, and areas, composed entirely
of the earlier grades of volcanic rocks, or of the junction between them
and the sedimentaries, indicated fields for careful and intelligent prospecting,
much of the former of which has since been done, while for long periods
these many ranges will hold hidden their mineral secrets, only to be revealed
as time, forced on by American activity, shall come to the rescue, and one
series of mining ventures after another follow in rapid succession, until this
industry, as applied to the precious metals, shall become more systematic
and fixed.
The water supply of the greater part of this area is extremely limited,
the rainfall of the valley portions seldom exceeding 4 to i") inches per an-
num, although that of the mountains, including the winter snows, is con-
siderably greater. The Colorado River bounds the southern portion of the
area that is along its immediate northern banks, a mountainous and valley
* Survej s I'.v General Laud Office bad subdivided 1)2,793,702 acres, or 51,240 square miles, in Nevada
up Id June 30, 1886, nut of an estimated area of 112,090 square miles for the wbole State.
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EXPEDITION OF 1869. 25
desert, interspersed with mesas. The Humboldt, an inconsiderable stream
of the Great Interior Basin, skirts the northern portion. A few lakes are
noted in the valleys tying east of the Humboldt Range — the reservoir of
Sevier River and in Pahranagat Valley. But comparatively little land can
be restored bv irrigation so far as could be determined from a cursory view.
Artesian wells will doubtless some day prove of local service along the
mountain flanks at selected localities.
The average mean temperature at the Signal-Service station at Pioche,
Nev., toward the southern portion of the reconnaissance area, for the years
L878, 1879, 1880, 1881, and 1882, was found to be 49°.8 Fahr. The max-
imum monthly average was 74° foi August, 1878, and the minimum 26°.4
for January, 1882.
The average precipitation for the same period was 6.71 inches per
annum; the annual means varying between 8.36 inches and 4.67 inches.
The mean relative humidity for the above five years varies between
32.9 and 43.8.
The means of communicating along northerly and southerly lines are
amply practicable. Such routes have been availed of for the small number
of wagon roads needed in the condition' of settlement of the country ex-
isting in 1869.
The position of east and west routes is practically determined by the
mountain passes that exist in the several longitudinal ranges, and hence are
more limited in number. Upon favorable developments in the mineral areas
these valleys will be finally traversed by a system of narrow-gauge railways
(north and south), with feeders or arms extending laterally, east and west, tnti i
the mountain canons.
Note. — Plate I is here introduced showing the plan and section of a cave in the
mountain limestone partially explored in Cave Valley lying- due south of Steptoe Val-
ley, that appears to underlie a number of small buttes westward from the main range,
in which the same limestone appears heavily bedded. Its exploration was made by a
party of 23 to a right-line distance of 3,000 feet from the orifice, developing walls of
700 to 800 feet in height, with dry chambers for nearly 2,000 feet of the distance tin-
balance approaching the sink at the furthest distance from the opening, showing the
presence and action of percolating waters, reaching a pit apparently terminal for this
level which it was found impracticable to explore for lateral connections, that may, for
all that is known, extend in any direction.
26 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
North from Old Camp Ruby a distance of several miles a stream of
considerable dimensions was found emerging from the flanks of the Hum-
boldt Range, which could be followed for a distance within its limestone
walls to an orifice nearly filled by the volume of the discharge. This
volume was not less than 2,000 feet per second, hence its cutting power
with the velocity of emergence was very great, and doubtless along its
course in the interior of the mountain structure passages of no little size
have been eroded, to appear at some later day in the drainage of this basin
as cave amphitheaters and avenues.
Thermal springs were noted at the following points: Near Elko; also
in Spring, Rub} 7 , White Pine, and Pahranagat Valleys, at Panacea, in
Meadow Valley, and in the wash to the southward. (See vol. 3, p. 150.)
The mountain ranges are generally anticlinals, with doubtless the cor-
responding synclinal, with a similar strike, below each adjacent detrital
valley. Heavy limestone and quartzite beds are a marked feature, over-
laid with rhyolitic or other eruptive masses, or as intruded beds, in many
cases the sedimentary formations being entirely covered. The rapidity
of the march gave no opportunity for either geological examination or
collection of specimens. Parts of the area of 1869 were again entered
in 1871 and 1872, when geologists and other collectors were added to the
personnel.
The superficial evidences of vein phenomena were many in the several
districts then located, and as a better understanding is had of the relation-
ship of the volcanic beds that are mineral bearing and the accompanying
country rock, there will be found, it is- believed, much more to tempt the
miner. This wilderness of ranges and mountain ridges found in the great
interior basin and other portions of the west visited by the parties of the
several expeditions impress one fully with the opportunities for persistent
mining when the same is converted, as is now rapidly being done, from
the position of a sporadic effort to that of a fixed industry. The number of
north and south mineral belts so called can scarcely be estimated; on the
thirty-ninth parallel it cannot be less than fifteen, according to present dis-
coveries, and. the ground is scarcely scratched.
EXPEDITION OF 1869. 27
Boundaries of the Great Interior Basin but imperfectly known along the
southern and southeastern rim were traced and many sub-basins, the waters
of which sink in the detritus or rocky strata of the plain-like valleys, were
made known for the first time.
The interior plateau climate of this so thoroughly desiccated region at
all elevations above 2,000 feet, during the summer months was found superb
in the extreme. From August 10 to the evening of October 27 not a rain
cloud had been noticed by night or day by the valley parties, and the brill-
iancy of the moon often made it possible to read by its light.
Partial lake terraces were noted in certain of the more prominent val-
leys, and it now seems evident from the lacustrine beaches, discovered in
1871 by the expedition of that year and by Clarence King along the fortieth
parallel, that the larger share of the " Great Interior Basin" was not long
since the bed of great lakes having outlets northwardly or southwardly to
the ocean
These bodies of water have drained away, and residuals of a secular des-
iccation have dwindled to that condition of semi-desert now so well known,
the small reservoirs of Great Salt, Sevier, Humboldt, Winnemucca, Carson,
Walker, Owens, and a few minor lakes being the only water surfaces of the
former expanse.
The artemesia of the plain-like valleys holds sway throughout the
area, the bunch-grass clothes the foot-hills and the semi-mesas except for
the more desert part of the area on the south and near the banks of the
Colorado.
Certain of the valleys in the eastern part of Nevada are clothed with
well-bedded grasses in the bottoms that afford a natural annual yield of
both fair quantity and quality.
The mountain streams are stocked with trout. The varieties of fish
and animals of all descriptions are extremely few, as also the individual
specimens. The area is almost destitute of game except for such smaller
varieties as duck, geese, crane, and sage-hens. A few blue-winged grouse
are found in the higher elevations, and quail to the southward near the val-
leys, and deer have been noted in the Humboldt and other like prominent
ranges. In the southern or desert-like portions of the area rattlesnakes
28 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
and reptiles were abundant. No Indian ruins were seen, and, indeed, the
student of antiquities will find but little to reward him in the region visited
by the expedition of this year It was determined that the hypothetical lake
named "Preuss," after Fremont's chief topographer, and hitherto placed on
the maps as being crossed by the boundary line between Nevada and Utah,
was without doubt the alkaline flat (overflowed from Sevier Lake at seasons of
high water) lying to the southward of this lake, and between the Hawawah
and Beaver Creek Ranges. It determined also that several Mormon settle-
ments, containing about 2,500 inhabitants and several thousand acres of
tillable land, heretofore supposed to be in Utah, were actually in Nevada.
The minerals noted were mostly gold, silver, copper, lead, antimony,
iron, salt, gypsum, alum, and cobalt (silver predominating), the well-
known Meadow Valley mining district, with Pioche as a center, having
been the largest producer.
The towns were few, sparsely settled, and uninteresting ; the many
short creeks from the mountain sides usually sink before reaching the cen-
tral portions of the valley. The discharge of the Muddy (more a creek
than a river) at West Point is not less than 5,000 inches, and of the peculiar
springs near Las Vegas, 1,500 inches approximately. The Colorado River
(traversed for To miles along its. northern bank), with a drainage of 175,000
square miles, was afterwards gauged at Camp Mohave and Fort Yuma (see
years 1875 and 1876), and circumstances of its navigation were ascer-
tained during the river trips of 1871.
Of the twenty-three valleys traversed there was found not to exceed
250 square miles of arable land, of which 18,000 acres lie in Pahranagat
Valley, all of which practically requires irrigation.
The mountain peaks vary between elevations of 8,500 to 13,000 feet;
the vegetation reaching 11,500 feet where observed on the thirty-ninth par-
allel. The other elements regulating the superior altitude of vegetation
being (1) grade of slope, (2) mean temperature, (3) relative humidity. The
principal timber is of the pine, pinon, cedar, fir, spruce, and Cottonwood
varieties, and may be noticed, in sparsely distributed forests, along the Hum-
boldt, Schell Creek, Snake, and other ranges; in the mountains south of
EXPEDITION OF L869 29
White Pine and east of Railroad Valley: southeast of Clover Valley and
along the southern extension of Schell Creek Range at three points before
reaching the headwaters of the Muddy. Covering the foot-hills pinon and
stunted cedar abound. The bunch grass of the rolling foot-hills, so luxuriant
and fine of fibre, is changed within the Colorado River Valley zone into a
coarser variety known as "hard tack."
Wherever land is cleared of large sage brush and brought under culti-
vation by means of irrigation, the underlying vegetable mold, always dark,
is found to furnish a most prolific soil.
In the portion of Southeast Nevada visited, the maximum temperature
of points up to 7,1 '()() feet altitude noted was 100° Fahrenheit; the mini-
mum winter temperature reaching, as has been recorded, 15° below zero.
Mid-day temperatures in the shade, of 118° and 120°, were noted on
the banks of the Colorado, but scarcely so oppressive as those of 95° to
100° Fahrenheit in the more humid climate of the eastern seaboard. A
system of strictly scientific observations at selected points in the great in-
terior basins and the plateaux of the Far West at elevations from 3,000 to
8,000 feet will develop, it is believed, equable conditions of climate, show-
ing small actual and large relative humidities, and promising a salubrity that
cannot be found in other portions of the United States, where the rainfall
is so much in excess, and equal if not superior to the far-famed mesa sec-
tions of old Mexico; for the distinctive mesa and plateau forms only receive
their full development upon reaching the latitudinal confines of the United
States.
The rich, succulent bunch grass has been found most valuable for stock-
raising, and the areas suitable have been already largely, if not entirely,
utilized for this purpose. In 1869 cattle and sheep were being driven in
from distant points, even as far as from Texas, but horses and mules were
scarce. The soil is generally good for mountain roads, but they had been
poorly made, with scarcely an exception, and were wanting in repairs.
The highest point in this area is the summit of the Snake Range (baro-
metric height 12,063 feet). This peak had been named Jefferson Davis in
1854-'5n by Colonel Steptoe, after the Secession and Confederate leader of
that name. Mr. White, State mineralogist of Nevada, at the date of its as-
30 I 1 ". S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
rent for the first time by himself, myself, and party, suggested a change to
that of my own, which idea was abandoned when it was learned that Cap-
tain Simpson in 1859-'60 had, from the valley below, passed this locality
and suggested the appellation of "Union," which name has been adhered
to in the office of Geographical Surveys. Although narrow-gauge railways
have not yet (January, 1883) entered any portion of the 1809 area, yet
elsewhere, in many sections traversed in the West, they have been intro-
duced with economic effect, and the prediction of the writer in 1868 to the
effect that for short meridional lines and local mountain routes this means
of communication would prevail in the main, has been realized in scores of
instances. Special maps of this reconnaissance were made on scales of 1
inch to 6 miles and 1 inch to 12 miles; the material, later on, being incorpor
ated into the atlas on scale 1 : 500,880, and where necessary into sheets, scale
. C, March 23, 1871.
Sir: The Secretary of War, in bis orders of March IS, 1871, a copy of which has
been furnished you, has assigned you to the charge of the exploration, under the
direction of the Chief of Engineers, of those portions of the United States territory
lying south of the Central Pacific Railroad, embracing parts of Eastern Nevada and
Arizona.
The main object of this exploration will be to obtain correct topographical knowl-
edge of the country traversed by your parties, and to prepare accurate maps of that
section. In making this the main object, it is at the same time, intended that you
ascertain, as far as practicable, everything relating to the physical features of the
country, the numbers, habits, and disposition of the Indians who may live in this sec-
tion, the selection of such sites as may be of use for future military operations or
occupation, and the facilities offered for making rail or common mads, to meet the
wants of those who at some future period may occupy or traverse this portion of our
territory.
In ascertaining the physical features, your attention is particularly called to the
mineral resources that may be discovered, and, where the indications would seem to
justify it, you should have minute and detailed examinations made of the locality and
character of the deposits.
The influence of climate, the geological formations, character and kinds of vegeta-
tion, its probable value for agricultural and grazing purposes, relative proportions of
woodland, water, and other qualities which affect its value lor the settler, should lie
carefully observed.
32 U. S. GLOGPAPIIICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
The latitude and longitude of as many as possible of llie important points should
be accurately determined, and in order to assist you in this, it is suggested that you
make arrangements with the officers in charge of tlie United States Lake Survey and
United States Naval Observatory, so as to determine by telegraph the longitude of
those points nearest to your tield of labor, with which your field-work can be con-
nected.
The following places are designated as convenient for depots, viz : Gamp Inde-
pendence, California; Camps Mohave, Hualapais, Whipple, and Apache, in Arizona;
ami Camps Wingate and Bayard in New Mexico.
You will use your own judgment in modifying the plan proposed in the event of
any unforeseen circumstances or physical obstacles preventing an adherence to it.
To aid you in the discharge of these duties, Lieut. D. W. Lockwood,of the Corps
of Engineers, has been ordered to report to you, and you are authorized to employ ten
assistants as topographers, geologists, naturalists, &c, at salaries already authorized
from this office in letters of previous date ; also, the necessary number of packers,
-aides, and laborers to complete your party, the whole number of civilian employes
not to exceed thirty in number. You will procure your assistants, employes, equip-
ments, supplies, &c, at those points which seem to insure the most economical and
effective organization for the party, and are authorized to pay their actual transporta-
tion to and from and to subsist them while in the field.
You will communicate with this office as often as the means of communication
will allow, forwarding the usual reports and returns required by the regulations, and
such other reports as will keep this office apprised of your movements, and the progress
of the expedition under your charge.
# # # * * * *
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. A. HUMPHREYS,
Brigadier- funeral and Chief of Engineers.
Lieut. George M. Wheeler,
Corps of Engineers, Washington, D. C.
Pursuant to these instructions the operations of the season were carried
out with great vigor, and a preliminary report, accompanied by a skeleton
map, scale 1 inch to 24 miles, was submitted and published shortly after
return from the field.
The routes of early explorers traversin»- this area are those of : (1)
Padre Escalante, 177C, en route from Santa Fe, N. Mex., to Great
Salt Lake, Utah; (2) Fremont, in 1844, also 184f>, in his southern
EXPEDITION OF 1871. 33
route along the rim of the Great Basin, also from vicinity of Austin
to eastern base of the Sierras, emerging via Owen's Lake; (.'!) Emorv.
1846-47, with the California column along the Gila River; (4; Captain
Sitgreaves, in 1852, from the Zufii villages, westward to the Colorado
River, and thence along its banks to its mouth; (5) Lieutenant Whipple,
1853, along the 35th parallel route from Sunset Crossing to Los Angeles,
Cal. ; (6) Lieutenant Parke, along the 32d parallel, in vicinity of Tucson,
to the east; (7) Colonel Steptoe, 1854-55, from Salt Lake City into and
along the valley of the Humboldt; (8) Captain Simpson, 1859, from
Great Salt Lake, westward to Carson City; (9) Major Lyon ( 1867), from
Austin, Nev., to Southwestern Utah.
The areas were joined with those occupied in 1869, and so on for the
successive seasons the work was developed to cover contiguous sections of
territory.
When the large latitudinal and longitudinal expanse, the extensive
area, the long lines traversed, the broken mountain and desert tracts
entered and for the first time made known as a whole, the multiple number
of parties, their successful connection and co-operation, over a country
where supplies had to be transported to advance depots, is considered, and
when taken in connection with the successful ascent of the Colorado, the
determination of its practical head of navigation, together with the fact that
the regions south of the Colorado River, as well as a part of those to the
Note. — Tbe route traversed by the officer in charge in 1871 was generally as
follows: Washington, D. O, to Halleck Station. Nev.; Halleck Station to Camp Ilal-
leck and return; Halleck Station to Carlin; Carlin to Bull Run district and return;
Carlin to Eureka, via Mineral Hill; Eureka to Morey district; Morey to Meadow-
Creek, near Belmont, via Tyboe district; thence to Hyko, Pahranagat Valley; thence
via Oasis Valley to Camp Independence, Cal.: thence to Cottonwood Springs via Cot-
tonwood Canon, Death Valley, and Ash Meadows; thence to Camp Mohave via Ivan
pah ; thence to mouth of Diamond Creek via Colorado River and Grand Canon : thence
to Truxton Springs; thence via Mineral Park to Hualapais Springs and to Camp
Hualapais; thence to Prescott; thence to San Francisco Mountains; thence via Rim
of Plateau to Touto Basin and Camp Apache; thence to Old Camp Grant, Ariz., and
to Tucson, Ariz.; thence by stage to San Diego, by steamer to Sau Francisco, ( !al., and
by rail to Washington, D. C.
3 wn— vol i
34 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
north of it, were infested by hostile Indians, making a perpetual guard a
necessity by night and day, all of this, coupled with the unflinching courage,
perseverance, and tenacity of the personnel, one and all, make it apparent
that the exploration of 1871 was one of the most important and useful of
those intrusted to my charge during eleven expeditionary years.
Indians to the number of several thousand were noted, belonging to
the following tribes : Shoshones, Pah-Utes, Chemehuevis, and Utes of Ne-
vada and California; the Seviches of Utah, and the Mohaves, Apache-Mo-
haves, Hualapais, Cosninos, the Tontos, Pinals, Coyoteros, Mescaleros, and
Arivaipas of the Apaches in Arizona.
No census or enumeration claiming accuracy had been made in 1871.
The greatest number of the White Mountain Indians (Coyotero Apaches)
at Camp Apache that had ever drawn rations at one time did not exceed
1,200 men, women, and children. It had been estimated that the total
number of Apache warriors would not exceed 1,500; however this may be,
their hardiness, in conjunction with a perfect knowledge of their broken
mountainous and mesa region, in which their homes were situated, made
them an enemy greatly to be feared. They were then entirely nomadic,
true mountain Indians, unaccustomed and hostile to the intrusion of the
whites, and restless and unsafe whenever on a reservation. The roaming
Indians lead a precarious existence, alternating between valley and plain,
foot-hills and mountains north of the Colorado River, subsisting on pine
nuts, seeds of all kinds, jack-raid (its, lizards, and a few small birds; while
south of the Colorado they live more upon game and fish, cook the mescal
and certain cactus plants, cultivate small fields, and have ponies. In the
valley of the Colorado small Indian fields of corn, melons, and squashes were
seen. From among the Utes and Pah-Utes found north and west of the
Colorado River, it was possible to obtain friendly guides, many of whom
proved most valuable in pointing out the little hidden springs and streams,
especially in the Death Valley country, Southwestern Nevada, and Eastern
California sections.
Indians were being fed by the military authorities at a number of
posts in Arizona, notably at Camps Apache, Grant, Verde, and Whipple.
The plan pursued at the former, that I had occasion to suggest while serv-
EXPEDITION OF 1S71. 35
ing on staff of commanding general, Department of California, was to issue
tickets to each sub-chief or head of a family, at a general gathering, when
all would he anxious to show their authority and get the greatest number
together, as a basis for furnishing rations, when in case next ration day any
members were absent, no rations would be issued to the particular family
or band, until the entire number were remustered and absentees accounted
for. This, prevented the young bucks from being absent on the war-path,
while rations would still be drawn for them at the reservation or agency.
It is understood that this plan has since been tried with very good effect,
and might well be made general. Some of the worst, if not worst, Indians
remaining in the United States were those encountered in the lonely
marches, away often from either highways or trails, on this expedition,
whereas it is believed that ten years have so far changed the face of matters
that an escort is scarcely, if at all, needed in any part of Arizona, unless
during an outbreak, one of those periodical occurrences destined to come
without warning, while the Indian race (fast giving way before white
emigration) retain any of their native spirit. One cannot approach the
subject of the Indian without reverting to the Stage massacre (see Prel.
Rept, 1871, p. 29) near Wickenburg, Arizona (where three members of
the expedition were murdered), long since proven to have been committed
by Indians professedly friendly, and being fed at the expense of the Gov-
ernment. Maimum, one of the Mohaves of the river trip, who had formed
a great fondness for the ill-fated Loring, was largely instrumental in ferret-
ing out these red-skinned assassins, and some of their number were finally
found and punished during General Crook's first command of the Military
Department of Arizona. This is one of the evidences of the mistaken zeal,
of the then peace-at-any-cost policy, that was for so long a time applied to
the settlement of the Indian problem. Unfortunately, the bones of mur-
dered citizens cannot rise to cry out and attest the atrocious murders of the
far-spreading and wide-extending border lands of the Great West, and
while the fate of the Indian is sealed, the interval during which their exter-
mination as a race is to be consummated will doubtless be marked in
addition to Indian outbreaks, with still many more murderous ambus-
cades and massacres. (1879.)
36 U- 8. GEOGEAPHICAL SUEVEYS WEST OF 100TH MEEIDIAN.
The rapidity of movement and plans of the expedition, depending upon
read liny supply points at stated times, and long- marches between waters,
did not permit of taking careful notes in the topographic record of the
various natural divisions, &c., of the soil, nor of its cultivation, as was com-
menced in 1872, and developed in later years to an actual economic classi-
fication, reduced to percentages and shown graphically by colors on the
topographic map. Suffice it to say that much of the country traversed, such
as Death Valley, Armargosa Desert, and portions of the Mohave and Colo-
rado Deserts, are as unpromising sections as the sun shines upon, even were
it the depths of the "Sahara;" while fringed with smaller desert areas, con-
taining oases of appreciable extent, the ones above mentioned are almost
destitute of vegetation and water. Valleys near the railroad, like the Reese
River, are marked by narrow lines of cultivable ground, and much grazing
is met with, especially in the foot-hills, and occasional patches of timber in
the higher ranges, reaching tracts of considerable size. Much of the region
belongs to the "Interior Basin," and to that portion of the "Great Ameri-
can Desert" found in Southwestern Nevada and Eastern California.
Shortly after crossing the Colorado the scene changes, and the rolling,
broken mesas of the Colorado plateau are reached, where in many cases
large areas of luxurious grass abound, with timber of the fir and pine
species, one almost unbroken forest, except for intervening valley and glade,
extending from far to the north and west of San Francisco Mountains to the
eastward limit of the trip, the White Mountain Range, east of Camp Apache,
a distance of approximately 350 miles, and varying in width from 60 to 100
miles.
Within this large area lies the " Black (juniper) Forest" of Ives, and
its extent is only limited by the heads of the Gila River, and the ranges
extending thence eastward, one by one, to the valley of the Rio Grande.
This forest is without doubt the largest, single, connected timber expanse
found south of the fortieth parallel and west of the one hundredth meridian.
Its elevation is from 7,000 to 11,000 feet, in most localities below 8,000.
The little glade-like valleys might, with much success, be turned to pur-
poses of agriculture and grazing. In 1871 but little of the arable or graz-
EXPEDITION OF 1871. 37
ins- land had come into the market even in Nevada, since which date it is
understood that subdividing surveys have covered the greater part of this
section ; and when one considers the comparatively few acres out of
every hundred (not exceeding ten) that can be utilized by the farmer or
stock grower, in connection with the Western tide of emigration, it is not
difficult to see that before many decades every useful acre will be appro-
priated, in pursuance of the present land laws, when there will still remain
in the hands of the General Government sterile wastes, not alone of millions,
but tens of millions of acres, which, valueless for agriculture, stock raising,
or mining, must for a long time remain unoccupied, even with the most
liberal land-settlement laws. The cultivable area may be increased slightly
through surface and artesian-well irrigation in the southwest, and by re-
precipitation in adding slightly to the normal amounts of rainfall, from the
interposition of larger areas of evaporation, and through other causes. The
entire cultivable ground in Southern and Eastern Nevada is limited to
small isolated spots, or narrow lines, while certain valleys in Arizona re-
spond more liberally, notably the Chino, Williamson's, and of the Verde,
in the north; along Salt River, in vicinity of Phoenix, and of the Gila, near
Florence, and in vicinity of Pueblo Viejo at the south.
The Territory of Arizona, so long judged by the lines of transit through
it along- the lower Gila and other desert sections toward its southern border,
bears a better character for productiveness of soil as its northern, central,
and eastern parts become opened up and known. Not less than 10,000
acres were cultivated at Phoenix in 1871. The artemisia, or desert sage,
disappears as the higher semi-plateau regions of Arizona are reached, and
is replaced by rich bunch and grama grasses and shrubs, although the
presence of a strong growth of artemisia is everywhere indicative of a fine
undersoil, but usually valueless from absence of water. Except for portions
of the Colorado Plateau and certain valleys in Arizona, the average per-
centage of arable and grazing land of the 1871 area was less than that for
any single year, the arid area being largely in excess, which is not strange
when one considers that the worst deserts of the West, i. e., Death Valley,
Amargosa, Mohave, and part of the Colorado, utterly destitute of vegeta-
tion except in rare spots, contribute to the area.
38 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
The mesas and valleys of the plateau systems and of parts of the
Great Interior Basin have become the home of thousands upon thousands of
cattle, to be limited only by the number of acres actually valuable for
this purpose. The areas best adapted for grazing were all the open parts
of the Colorado Plateau, of the Tonto Basin, and portions of the Upper
Verde and Salt River, in Arizona. There is good grazing also in the Pah-
ranagat and Muddy Valleys and portions of the Virgin River, near Saint
George, Utah. The valley of the Upper Owhyee is exceedingly valuable
for stock-raising, but of little use for agriculture. Stock ranches, generally
small, were noticed in many of these valleys, and commencing with the
advent of the Central Pacific in 1868 the valleys and adjacent mountain
sides of Central Nevada commenced to be appropriated for this purpose.
Fine grazing was also noted in the Hualapais and Sacramento Valleys of
Northwestern Arizona, but scantily supplied with water. Good grazing
also appears in parts of the valley of the Santa Maria and Big Sandy, both
tributaries of Bill Williams Fork. To sketch the different kinds of lands
would be to prolong- this report far beyond a reasonable length.
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<> per cent, of carbon. Coal is reported in large quantities
in the bluffs facing Castle Valley, at the head of White River, and seams were noted
in a number of localities in this section.
Visited a large marine fossil bed and a vein of bituminous shale — width of the
latter 11 inches, with upturned edges. Chips could be ignited with a match, and it is
said to distil and make parafflne and oil. Extensive chalk beds were also noticed in
this vicinity. A canon farther to the north was visited from Fairview, where a coal
vein had been developed of thickness from 12 to 24 inches. There is a great future for
the coal fields of Central Utah.
The waters of the Sevier could be utilized on a considerable scale for irrigation.
It is believed that artesian wells could be sunk successfully on the eastern side of the
valley about Parowan. Little Salt Lake, that appeared in the days of Fremont as
quite a sheet of water, has since entirely evaporated, leaving alone alkaline flats.
In noticing the agriculture of poitions of the region traversed, it was found that
the Mormons were the only people who pursued that branch of industry with regu
EXPEDITION OF 1872. 49
laxity, and invariably by the aid of irrigation. In sonic sections, as Pahranagat Val
ley, Nevada, and the location of the Moqui and Zuiii Pueblo Indians, in Arizona and
New Mexico, by deep planting, crops are raised without resort to irrigation ; but it it:
certain that such exceptional success attends only special localities, and is confined
to special crops, particularly corn and melons. Alum beds are found in the canons to
the east of Parowan.
Indications of coal have been discovered in the center fork of Centre (reek, and
a road is under construction to reach the timber that was being sawed for the Pioche
market, a distance of 110 miles. Poplars, thorn, and maple occur along the canon 15
miles out from Parowan.
Float copper and silver ore lias been noticed in the canon east of Paragoonah. Im-
pure black obsidian beds had been prospected east of Beaver and taken for coal. Coal
and cheap silver ore were found near the iron mines to the south.
Lignite, was found near source of creek leading to the C'olob plateau in exposed
strata of heavy reddish limestone, with irregular, conglomerate, and volcanic beds
in vicinity. Considerable heavy timber noted on this plateau, which joins the Par-
owan Range. A steam saw-mill was in process of erection, with over 3,000,000 square
feet of lumber within li miles, and the mining town of Pioche for a market. The pre-
vailing conifer species suitable for timber are ihe pines (Pinvs ponderosa and contorta),
the spruce (A. Douglassii), and the fir (Abies Engelmanni).
Summit Creek heads at the apex of the alluvial summit thai separates Little Salt
Lake Valley from the one to the south, and may be cited as an instance of an accumu-
lation of detritus, leading to the creation of a sub-inclosed basin.
Groves of aspen alternate with patches of pine, partly valuable for timber, along
this plateau, between Little Salt Lake and the Sevier, the volcanic cap still continuing
to the southward ; while sandstone cap occasionally appears, underlaid with lime.
Fine specimens of fossil pine leaves and cones are here obtained. Many marine shells
collected, and a new species of fir noted. Sundown Valley discovered and named.
Usually volcanic material appears on the surface of the Colob plateau, with occasional
limestone, sandstone, and shale. There is a tine grow th of grass and groves of quak-
ing aspen. The pines and firs disappear to the southward toward the valley of the
Virgin River.
The country to the southward becomes more o; en and level along the main ridge.
Fine water and grass noted on every side. The co operative Mormon herd of Cedar
grazed in this vicinity a distance of nine miles from the settlement. The ground still
continues volcanic, with here and there points of sandstone, limestone, and shale, the
latter profuse with marine shells, similar to those noticed east of Fai- view, with an
added bed of fossil oysters three to four feet thick. Skirting the rim of the plateau a
break in the wall is finally found, and the train taken down into a box canon along a
descent having an angle of fully 55 degrees at the head of Le Verkeu Creek.
The summit of the. southern rim, at an altitude of over ten thousand feet, affords
one of the finest panoramic views then witnessed (1872) — the Virgin River lying at'
our feet, the Colorado Canon in the distance, plateaus, canons, and mountains to the
east, mountains high and frowning to the north, and the mountain's and desert to the
west and southwest, the. ranges bordering the Colorado, especially the Virgin. Below
4 to — VOL I
50 I • S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TFI MERIDIAN-
us lay the brown and black bristling ridges of the eroded mesas that for grandeur of
beauty and desolation of appearance far surpass all that winds can express. Clam-
bering along the cliff, and while securing a large haul of fossils, the crisp edge of coal
crops was noticed, and prospecting which a 12-foot vein of dense bituminous coal,
having both above and below a bed of shale 15 to IS inches thick, was found, with
petrified wood strewn in many directions.
Fossils were found iu sandstone near head of north fork of the Virgin and vol-
canic cap on the ridge leading to the head of the Sevier.
Clumps of heavy pines were seen in the canons leading to the Virgin from the
north ; with fine bunch-grass and water here and there. The Sevier heads near the
summit of a black volcanic peak to the south of the head of Coal Creek. Following the
canon to the northward the eye soon rests on a beautiful lake, nestled iu the mount-
ains, fringed by the sward of an encircling valley, and set like a gem in the green
verdure rising from the slopes on either hand.
This lake is formed by the damming of the opening of the valley by black piles of
vesicular lava, forming a miniature inclosed basin at the head of the Sevier. Clam-
bering over the rough lava by the aid of a blind Indian trail, we suddenly emerge
upon a handsome glade-like valley, in which springs up, as if by magic, a creek fully
25 feet wide.
This is known as Mammoth Spring, that breaks out from a considerable depth
below the volcanic bluff, and gets its water iu major part from the reservoir lake.
Forests of heavy pines now appear along the valley of the headwaters of the Sevier.
The fields of basaltic lava skirted are about 25 miles long and 7 to 10 miles wide.
These beds are intruded through the sedimentaries. The fork leading to Panqtiitch
Lake (34 and 14 miles) is reached by skirting lava fields and winding through forests,
when a road is found and followed to the settlement on the Sevier. Duck on their
migrations southward (September 30) were noted in large numbers, as well as trout in
abundance. Indian and other cattle were found grazing in large numbers in the glades
and valleys near head of Sevier.
The road from Pauquitch to the south is followed, and a summit reached leading
to Lorg Valley at the head of Virgin River. The actual heads of the Sevier were
found to be multiple and fan-shaped. Sedimentaries, with edges facing southward,
mark the transit from the drainage of the Sevier to that of the Rio Virgen. Coal
is noticed cropping in a decided manner at lower end of Long Valley. Alum and
saltpeter are also found here.
Large pines were observed in forest form near the summit leading to Virgin
River. Corn, wheat, rye, and a few vegetables can be raised at this altitude. Pass-
ing to the basin of Virgin Canon, walls of 200 or 300 feet are encountered. Volcanic
cap on the south and limestone on the north are visible from Long Valley. Camp
was made at a little stream leading to Virgin River, heading to the north at a distance
of about 2^ miles, iu red limestone. The topographic relief between basin of Sevier
and the Colorado, iu this vicinity, is rigidly marked by blurt's named indiscriminately
Pink and Vermilion. Coal croppings noticed along Paria and Kanab Creeks. The
valley of the Virgin River is followed to the main rendezvous at Toquerville.*
*Note. — In the area covered by the work of this year do timber of value except pine, spruce, and
fir was found, the most extensive forests being on the Great Colorado Plateau. As the timber of t lie
Government upon these tracts of land is subject to depredation from settlers and squatters, the stigges-
-
/.PORT
ME AT MOUTH OF CANON OF THE
1 WRIGGLE TI
•WEST DF 100 th MERIDIAN
PLATE W.
IGIN RIVER V, i
AT THE RIGHT )
3.
EXPEDITION OF 1872. 51
Plate IV is from a sketch made by Mr. John B. Weyss, at the mouth of Virgin
Canon, near Shoonesburg, Utah, after the dangerous descent of the so-called Wriggle
trail in one of the routes through the Virgin River Valley in 1872. Six miles south-
west of the settlement called Mount Carmel, the route, known as the Elephant road,
connecting the settlements above and below the Virgin Canon, ascending the plateau,
leaves the river valley, following a due south course. Our party left this road, near
the summit, following a dim trail, running sensibly parallel to the lied of the river
(which here begins to canon), thence westerly, passing a sandy valley, traversed by
deep ravines, coursing toward the canon of the Virgin. Seven miles brought us to
the foot of a high mesa, at which point the trail disappeared, it being necessary to
accomplish the ascent en echelon by scaling the successive beds of sandstone.
This climb was impracticable for the pack animals, therefore a hand portage, to
the very summit, of stores and equipage became necessary. This ascent, begun at
about 1 p. m., consumed the whole of the afternoon, and the sun had sunk when the
party reassembled on the crest of the plateau.
The train camped on the summit without water after a hard and dry day's march,
from which both men and animals were suffering. It was therefore concluded to
advance with picked men to the valley below to secure water for the suffering party.
After passing a shelf of bare, smooth-worn rock at the mouth of the descent along
which it was necessary to slide at will for from 20 to 22 feet, the prints of Indian
ponies became discernible, and a blind trail made its appearance.
Regardless of the roughness, and threading the way among rock and debris, the
descent is begun, soon a narrow shelf of 10 to 12 inches wide is reached, overlooking
a deep and dangerous gorge, leading to an abyss cf darkness, which was passed after
dusk. For a distance of 14 to 2 miles the trail, or rather the want of a trail, followed
the upturned strata edges, winding in and out of projecting ledges, which could ouly
be skirted in the darkness on hands and knees. It Mas near 10 o'clock when the small
party reached a little trickling stream that soon joins the main river, which was cpiickly
followed after quenching our thirst, on a prospecting tour for the first settlement down
the river, which proving to be a few houses (called Shoonesburg, elevation 3,920.5
feet), was reached about 11 p. m., where terms were soon made with the presiding
elder, who, besides promising immediately a cup of coffee, invited us to the soft side
of a haystack for the night, and into a little vineyard near at hand, wherein the moon
acted as a most fascinating guide in pointing out the plump, full-grown, well-ripe
clusters of grapes, of the finest cultivated varieties, including the Tokay. Our coming
created a sensation, as no party, except on foot, had ever been known to pass this
route, unless it were an adventurous mail-rider with a trusty-led mule, in case of great
emergency. Nothing short of considerable blasting could render the trail passable
even for pack animals.
The situation of Schoonesburg is exceedingly romantic. Mesa-locked as it is by
the huge, steep escarpment of the seini-plateau forms at either hand, it lies ensconced
in a little opening, a sparkling gem, dropped as it were through the mountains upon
Hon was made in the, annual report of this year, that by legal enactment or otherwise the Government
should give protection to its interests and the interests of future settlers iu this regard; a suggestion
since acted upon through- the General Land Office.
52 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
the desert. The elevation of the plateau or summit of the Wriggle trail is approxi-
mately 2,100 feet above the valley of Virgin River, or approximately 0,020 feet above
the sea.
riate V, Dripping Pool, or Fern Spring, is situated in Kanab Canon, which
narrows at this point so that the sun only reaches its bed for two hours during the
day.
The water of the pool, or spring, comes from a tiny lateral stream, intercepted by
the erosion of the canon, which, containing mineral substances, has deposited a pro-
jection extending about eight feet from the wall of the canon, which is covered with
ferns (.Maiden's Hair — Adiantum capillus Veneris) and small flowering shrubs, that
being constantly humid, and dripping even, form both a direct and mirrored object
of great beauty. At a little distance toward the head of the canon a spring breaks
out from the foot of the canon wall, at a temperature of 00° F. The walls at the right
of the view are typical of the Colorado Canon series, of which they form a part.
Plate IT represents a typical scene from a point of the rim of the plateau edge
that divides the waters of the Sevier River from those of the Colorado, in Utah. It
is approached from the east fork of the Sevier River, near the southern extremity of
Plateau Valley (sec Atlas, sheet 59), by leaving the river near its entrance to the hills
and following a more southward course along a valley surrounded by low hills. A
gentle ascent of three miles is abruptly terminated by the precipice leading to the head
of Paria Creek.
These bluffs, consisting of parallel layers of soft red sandstone, fall perpendicu-
larly to the eastward, forming the boundary within which lie embedded the headwaters
of the Paria. The foreground includes fragments of the main mesa rim, the distant
view being the mesas that line the Colorado, the Navajo Mountains rising to a some-
what conical summit in the east.
The sketch from which the engraving was taken was made on the ground by Mr.
John E. Weyss, for many years connected with Western explorations and surveys
under the War Department.
Piute VII is an engraving from a sketch made by Mr. John E. Weyss at the ford
on the Colorado River, kuown as "El Vado de los Padres," the (Crossing of the
Fathers), from its first having been attempted by white men in 177G— '77, when a Span-
ish party under Padre Escalaute crossed it in an outward trip from Santa Fe to
Great Salt Lake Valley and return. This crossing was approached by the party
under Lieut. Marshall, U. S. Engineers, by the old Navajo trail leaving Paria settle-
ment (the last point of civilization in Utah), ascending a sandy and barren plateau,
and following in a southeasterly direction the foot of the high plateau leading out
from the Salt Lake Basin rim to the Colorado River. At a distance of 20 miles a mass
detached from the plateau, and called Gunshot Mountains, is attained, whence passing
a narrow slit-like gorge, 10 or 12 feet wide, appears an amphitheater, out of which a
trail issues again upon a rocky plain, reaching after a little more than a mile, a deep
narrow canon (represented in the foreground of the view), which is descended over pre-
cipitous rocks, the debouche from which opens upon one bank of the Colorado (elevation
at for.l 3,193.3 feet). Slight water ripples mark the line of the ford, which is reported
as the only one for 300 miles, which of itself is only practicable, and then on horse-
GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100 th MERIDIAN.
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EXPEDITION OF 1872. 53
hack, at low- water stage. It will be found marked on atlas-sheet 07, at approximate
longitude 111° 17' west from Greenwich, aud latitude 37° 01/ north. This is no longer
of practical importance since a ferry has heen established at the month of Paria Creek.
The scene is one of remarkable grandeur and almost unique in its loneliness.
The early explorers whose tracks entered or crossed this season's area
are the following, according to date: (1) Padre Escalante, 1 77G— '77, from
Utah Lake southward, nearly through the center. (2) Fremont, 184o,
along his southern route to California. (3) Stansburv, L849-50, in the
explorations and surveys ending at Great Salt and Utah Lakes. (4) Gun-
nison, from valley of Green River to the Sevier Basin. (5) Lieutenant
Beckwitli, Pacific Railroad surveys along the thirty-ninth parallel. (C>)
Lieutenant Simpson, both in his outward and inward routes from the
valley of Great Salt Lake to Carson, New, and return in 1859.
The public-land surveys that had been extended over but little of the
southern and western portion of this area have now (1887) carried their
subdivision over a much larger portion, especially of the agricultural,
grazing, mineral, and timber lands.*
The several tribes of Indians found within this section were: (1) The
Uintah Utes, (2) White River Utes, (3) Pahvants, (4) - Pah-Utes, (5)
Seviches, (6) Hualapais, and (7) Apache-Mohaves. Of these the Pahvants,
Pah-Utes, and Hualapais were friendly; the Utes and Seviches semi-
friendly; the former being engaged in a raiding expedition that required
the presence of troops to drive them back upon their reservation at Uintah
and White River agencies. Therefore it was necessary to campaign east
of the Wasatch in the presence of these Indians, who were evidently in no
friendly mood, with a small party of nine persons. The only one who failed
us in this emergency was the Mormon guide, a local judge (!), from one of
the valley settlements. Chief Douglas, of the White River Utes (afterwards
so intimately connected with the Meeker massacre of that agency), together
with the war chief of the Uintahs (Tabby), interviewed us at the camp near
Provo, and subsequently left for the mountains, the safe scene of all Indian
murders and ambuscades, in the same direction that we were to follow.
*Note. — Surveys by General Land Office up to June 30, 1886, had Bubdi\ ided 12,910,540 acres, or
20,173 square miles, iu Utah, out of an estimated total of 84,47l> square miles for the whole Territory.
54 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
The Pah-Utes inhabit the country about the heads of the Sevier River,
Santa Clara Creek, and parts of the Muddy and Virgin Valleys. The Utes,
in several bands, inhabit the range in Crass Valley and other valleys about
Fish Lake and in the San Rafael.
The Scheavwitz live along the valley of the Colorado, in the Grand
Wash, and canons and valleys leading into it. The tribes encountered wor-
ship the sun, and agriculture is scarcely known among them.
The Mormon flocks and herds dot the foothills of the valleys of the
Sevier River and its tributaries, and gradually are expanding southward,
already (1872), preparing to cross the Colorado River at the mouth of the
Paria for settlements on the Little Colorado. The policy of the Mormons
has been to discourage mining, and it is only since the Gentiles (so-called)
have entered the country for its subjugation and settlement that it bids fair
some day to become the theater of a very important, prominent, and perma-
nent mineral industry, especially as railroad communication north, south,
east, and west is now only a question of the near future as population
increases. The opening of the silver mines calls for coal and iron, and the
latter, rich and plentiful, must some day command more than a local market.
In 1872 the surface had been only touched in any of the localities coming
under inspection, and it was too earl} 7 to state with clearness the true charac-
ter of the ore deposits; enough was seen, however, to justify sanguine expecta-
tions, especially at the Ontario mine, that has since been so large and regu-
lar a producer of bullion. Coal in Sam Pitch and Castle valleys and on
the northern fork of tributaries to the Virgin River promised to produce an
economic and reliable coke.
The principal commercial routes through the 1872 area were the Utah
Southern Railroad, from Salt Lake City to near Provo, thence a stage line
to the southward via Fillmore to Pioche, with a branch to Reaver, Toquer-
ville, and Saint George. The Denver and Rio Grande, now extended to
Salt Lake City, enters the area of 1872 along the route originally selected
by Gunnison, and upon which a military wagon-road bearing his name was
constructed.
There had lately been a rude wagon-road constructed to the mouth of
Paria, a creek where the well known Mormon desperado and leader of the
EXPEDITION OF 1872. 55
Mountain Meadow massacre, Maj. John Lee (who was later shot standing
in his coffin to expiate his crime under the law), had established a ferry for
emigrants passing southward. The next ferry on the Colorado was at the
mouth of the Virgin, a new thoroughfare for miners and others to North-
western and Western Arizona. With the exception of the route to Pioche,
there was no east and west route of communication— a more southwesterly
one across a wide arm of the desert, known as the Los Angeles route,
was, however, still employed by hardy bands of prospectors and occasion-
ally by emigrants.
Of the precious and economic minerals the following were observed,
viz, gold, silver, copper, lead, iron, sulphur, gypsum, salt, chalk, bismuth,
coal, &c. The southwestern portion of Utah has its silver, coal, and iron
mines of great extent. The mineral resources of the several mountain
ranges have been prospected, which has led to developments in several
prominent mining districts and the cultivation of arable ground in the canons
adjacent for local supply.
By the use of canal irrigation, in a rather primitive way, the Mormons
have been able to make the desert smile with productive fields, gardens,
and grass plots, the area brought under successful and safe cultivation
increasing from year to year. However, frequent droughts make it unsafe
to attempt to irrigate the semi-mesa benches of loose, porous soil, while large
and systematic schemes of irrigation may yet increase to a considerable
extent the available acres, especially in those basins fed by the Wahsatch
system of mountain ranges.*
Many of the routes of the season were along the eastern rim of the
Great Interior Basin, the exact limits of which were more clearly defined,
and thus commencing with the expedition of 1871 and concluding with that
of 1878, the entire perimeter line of this peculiar inter-plateau, land-locked
structure (the "Great Interior Basin" of Fremont) was traced and de-
marked, with the exception of a small part of its northern boundary.
The portion of the Great Interior Basin visited this year is by far the
best watered and has really proven a land of promise for the Mormons, and
* Note.— The conclusion was reached that as the region of perennial snows in the western mount-
ains are few in number ami trilling in extent, the areas which can he permanently irrigated are largely
limited by the absence of this source of water supply.
56 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
is susceptible of considerable increase in settlement. Fourteen thermal or
mineral springs He along the routes of travel, with temperature varying
from 72° to 185° F.
The geological examinations furnished matter of particular interest.
In general characteristics the northwestern portion of the region surveyed
showed narrow mountain ridges, a part of the Cordillera system, composed
of crushed and altered Paleozoic rock, alternating with rather broad valleys
half tilled with waste of the mountains. In this region granitoid rocks are
of frequent occurrence, with many metalliferous veins. Considerable
anas are occupied by lavas. The southeastern portion is the Upper Colo-
rado plateau system, the rocks ranging from the Tertiary to the Devonian.
The strata are undisturbed and easily observable in the numerous and ex-
tensive canons. Coal in inexhaustible quantity, and widely distributed, is
found in this region.
In the Schell < Ireek Range, about White's Peak, Nevada, terminal mo-
raines of five or six glaciers were found, descending to 8,0.00 feet in altitude.
On a flank of Union Peak, Nevada, are moraines, and an alpine lake, and
from Old Baldy Peak two moraines, of which one contains a lakelet at an
altitude of 'J. (K)() feet, are to be seen.
The glaciers of this region seem to have been confined to the high
mountain ridges, and the evidence is against general glaciation.
The limits of an ancient fresh-water lake which covered Great Salt
Lake and Desert, Sevier Lake and Desert, and in all an area of 18,000
square miles, or about equal to that covered by Lake Huron, were care-
fully examined. This lake, for many reasons given in the appendix to the
Annual Report for 1872, is supposed'to have marked a temporary climatal
extreme, contemporary with the general glaciation of the northern portion
of the continent, and at high altitudes, local glaciation in the western
mountains.
Deposits similar to those of recent time are discovered beneath those
of the period of the great fresh-water lake.
The outlet of this lake was towards the Columbia River. From the ob-
servations made, a map has been constructed showing the restored outlines
of the ancient, though geologically recent, lake, named Lake Bonneville.
EXPP]DITIOX OF 1872. 57
At Provo a species of whitefish, native of the fauna of Paget Sound,
was discovered to be abundant ; and this fact may be taken in corroboration
of tl;e theory of the outflow towards the Columbia River of the former
Lake Bonneville.
The introduction a few years previously of the Eastern quail was found
to have resulted in a considerable increase throughout the section of coun-
try where first set at liberty, and it was deemed practicable to successfully
introduce salmon, shad, and alewives into the tributaries of Salt Lake.
General collections in natural history were made by Surgeon II. (J.
Yarrow, who rendered most valuable service in this direction, as did Mr.
Henshaw in ornithology. The former states the collections of 1872 to
have been as follows: 1,426 invertebrate fossils, .sou bird-skins (approx-
imate), a large number of mammals, several hundred fish, 16 species new
to science, 5,000 reptiles, insects, shells, plants, etc., and also a number
of Indian crania, and a lot of ethnological specimens. These specimens,
after having been reported upon by eminent specialists, were deposited with
the Smithsonian Institution for the use of the National Museum.
Excavations were made near Provo, Beaver, and Paragoonah, Utah.
At the former a number of stone mills, pestles, arrow-heads, pottery, bones
of animals, several domestic implements, and an almost perfect skeleton
were discovered. Time did not permit of more than superficial examination,
with slight excavations among the 400 to 500 mounds near Paragoonah.
Both of these localities are worthy of a more extended search.
Ute and other vocabularies were collected. All that has been accom-
plished in archaeological researches appears as so much clear gain in addi-
tion to the results for which the survey was primarily organized, i. e., the
topography of an extended area.
The topographic detail secured by this expedition will, in the main, be
found reduced upon Atlas sheets Nos. 40, 50, 58, 59, GG, and (J7.
58 ' T - S. GEOGEAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
EXPEDITION OF 1S73.
The area entered this year aggregates approximately 72,500 square
miles, distributed as follows: Arizona, 20,175; Colorado, 19,892; New Mex-
ico, 28,632; and Utah, 3,801 square miles. The main body of the expe-
dition operating from Santa Fe. N. Mex., confined its labors to the basins
of the Rio Grande, de Chelle, Little Colorado, Gila, San Francisco, and Salt
Rivers, and the numerous creeks entering them, especially about the sources
of the four latter streams. Sections under Lieutenants Hoxie and Marshall,
United States Engineers, operated independently of the main body, the
former from Salt Lake City as an initial point, and in the basins of Great
Salt Lake, Sevier, Green, and Large and Little Colorado Rivers, while the
latter, entirely detached, set out from Denver, confining itself principally to
the basins of the Arkansas, Gunnison, and Rio Grande.*
The streams which flow through the principal mountains and valleys
furnish along their banks natural and artificial routes of intercommunication
and exit to exterior areas, details of which are to be found on Atlas Sheets
Nos. 52, 59, 60, 61, 62, 67, 68, 76, 77, 83, and 84 (see scheme of Atlas
Sheets for United States, and description of maps in Appendix 13).
The important canons, other than the Grand Canon of the Colorado,
are, those found at the heads of the Gila, San Francisco, Bonito, and Salt
Rivers in Arizona and New Mexico; of Paria Creek and Castle Valley in
Utah, and the Gunnison in Colorado.
The routes of early explorers traversing the 1873 area are found to be
eleven in number, as follows: (1) Padre Escalante, from Santa Fe to valley
of Great Salt Lake and return; (2) Lieutenant Pike, 1807, from near
Bent's Fort, on the Arkansas, to the Rio Grande, near junction of Conejos
Creek; (3) Captain Fremont, in his routes westward, along valleys of Up-
*Note. — The following are the main routes followed by the officer in command : By
stage to Santa Fe, N. Mex.; thence to Fort Wingate; thence northward beyond Old
Fort Defiance and return to Wingate; thence to Camp Apache, via ZuSi and Colorado
Chiquito crossing; thence, via main fork of White Mountain Creek, to summit of
Sierra Blauca Range; thence north and eastward, south and eastward, and southward
returning to Camp Apache; thence to Fort Wingate and Santa Fe, and thence to the
railroad at Pueblo, Colo.
EXPEDITION OF 1873. 59
per Arkansas (1844) and Upper Rio Grande (1845); (4) Lieutenant- Colonel
Cooke, 1846-17; (5) Lieutenant-Colonel Emory, from Ki<> Grande west-
ward, 1846-47; (6) Lieutenant Simpson, to Canon de Chelle and return
(1849); (7) Captain Sitgreaves, from Zuni villages westward to Colorado
River, 1851 ; (-S) Captain Gunnison, 1853, from San Luis Valley to that of
Gunnison River; (9) Lieutenant Whipple, Pacific Railroad Survey along
thirty-fifth parallel, 1853-54; (10) Captain Beckwith, Pacific Railroad
Surveys, 1854; and (11) Lieutenant, now Brevet Major-General, Parke,
eastward to Fort Fillmore, Tex., from Colorado River, Pacific Railroad
Surveys, 1854.
The public-land surveys during the period between the examination
on the ground and the issue of the final maps have been prosecuted with
vigor in many of the regions (especially in Colorado), and while connection
was made in all practical cases on the ground, advantage has also been
taken of the later sectionizing details, if any, to indicate new roads and
settlements and other later permanent improvements.
PARTIAL ITINERARY.
Fort Wifigate, X. Mex. to Fort Defiance, Ariz., dr.. July 21, 1873. — Camp was made
about 1 mile east of wagon road, about midway to Old Fort Defiance (Indian agency
of the Navajoes) at Rock or Sheep Spring. The water seeps from the upper surface
of a soft shale, underlying a red sandstone, with a slight dip to the northeast. This
latter bed always carries more or less water on account of its permeability. Mexican
bull teams carrying Government stores to the Indian agency were noticed encamped
on road at Stinking Springs (so called from the odor of sulphureted hydrogen); the
dry bed of the Puerco was passed at abridge a little further on, when, leaving the
valley along a northwest course, Rock Springs are reached, at a distance of about
22 miles. The next day camp is made toward evening at the old post of Defiance.
Subsequently a detour about 15 miles to the north and east is taken to the garnet and
ruby fields.
A ride of 10 miles brings one near the head of the drainage line passing through
Defiance. A little rounded knoll in the valley below, covered with a reddish soil, in-
terspersed with conglomerate pebbles, shows many garnets on the surface. The
formation of the dry interior valley, marking a point of the garnet beds, shows on
either side the persistent and familiar red sandstone bed, resting conformably upon
mountain limestone, the prominent feature of the frequent mesas of the Little Colorado
basins. Underlying it is found in many of the explored horizons a strata of bituminous
coal. The extent of this apparently immense bed, as yet but imperfectly traced, covers
thousands of .square miles in Northwestern New Mexico and Northeastern Arizona
Scattered through the valley in question, often on the surface of burnt basaltic lava
60 I • S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
in loose debris, evidently washed from a bed of greenish, soft tufa that persistently
breaks through the nearly horizontal sedimentary strata at varying angles, at horizons
within the reach of the eye, were quantities of garnets and aqua-marines. A small
emerald was also found on the surface, and rubies of line texture and color have been
found in the same locality. Were it not for the dearth of water, coupled with the fact
that the points at which these gems have been discovered are on a Government reser-
vation, there can be no doubt but that this locality is worthy the search of intelligent
prospectors versed in the alluvial and fixed formations known to furnish precious stones
of the varieties named.
Fort Wingaie, V. Mex., to Fort Apache, Ariz., August ~>, 1S73. — Leave camp at
a. in., via Zi.fii Villages and Little Colorado, for one of the survey camps at Cold
Spring, northeast of Camp Apache.
The route crosses the spur-like divide of the southern branches of the Puerco and
the northern tributaries of the Zuni, one of the obstructions of a route from the Rio
Grande in Southern Colorado to Eastern and Central Arizona.*
The route is frequently relieved by little park-like openings, fringed or surrounded
by irregular growth of forest piues (Pinus ponderosa) on either hand, with tine graz-
ing (bunch and grama grasses predominating), with also a wealth of shrubs and flow-
ering plants of a semi-tropical character, water alone being wanted to perfect the
scene. Oak groves with mistletoe growth were occasionally noticed, and fir usually
at elevations above 8,000 feet. At Nutrias, a. Zuni outpost, is found a little pueblo
town occupied by Zuni Indians, which, together with those of the Zuni village proper
and that of Ojo del Pescado and Ojo Caliente, make four of the seven sites that once
were settled by these village Indians, the ruins of three others being now found near
Deer Springs (Ojo Benado), Tule Springs, and at an adjacent point on the line between
them and not far distant from the former.
Here are noted large herds of goats and sheep, the property of both Navajoes and
Ziinis. Timber is still abundant, while it becomes dwarfed at Pescado anil almost
absent at Zuni proper. Below 7,000 feet in this section of the plateau region timber
is scarce, becoming abundant at 8,000 feet, and so continuing to an altitude of fully
10,(100 feet.
The route leads out of the Nutrias Valley along denuded portions of the plateau
system (sand and limestone beds, the equivalent of those in the Puerco Valley pre-
dominating) into that of the Zuni proper, reaching the direct road to the villages, two
miles west of the Pescado.
The artemisia of the Western plains was frequently noticed with pinon pine and
scrub cedar prevalent, interspersed with heavy pine timber at intervals, especially at
higher altitudes, along the day's march.
August G, 1873, en route to and at Deer Sprint/ Camp. — A few* miles brings one to
small irrigated fields at Black Rocks. Water appears at crossing of the Zuni near the
pueblo (found slightly alkaline, the water in a well upon which the town is built prov-
ing sulphurous). Most of the cultivated patches were of corn, while little groups
of squashes and melons, beans, and wheat were noted. In the little, gardens near the
town, onions, tomatoes, and caraway were seen. They were watered by hand by the
* Note. — Since tin- construction of the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad, Northeastern Arizoua is made
i ■ accessible from Holbrook Station, on tin' Little Colorado.
EXPEDITION OF L873. (',1
women from large ollas carried on the head, some of which were ornamented with con-
siderable taste. The best corn fields were watered by irrigation ditches from the river
(nearly dry at this date). Most of the Zuni herds were at the Nutrias and at Pescado
The principal beast of burden is the jack, while horses arc also used. The then gov-
ernor was Pedro Pino, from whom many items of interest were gathered.
The grant from the Spaniards, or rather the Mexicans as asserted by Pedro
Pino, covers the following area: Bounded on the north by the dividing ridge between
Zuni River and the Puerco, on the east by the summit of the Zuni Mountains, on the
south by an east and west line through the Salt Lake, and on the west by the Little
Colorado.
.Many decades since a great storm came and flooded the valley so that their
present site was uninhabitable, and it became necessary to take to the mesa, where
they lived temporarily (old maps show the position as on a mesa bluff).
Their traditions are to the effect that they had always lived in the same spot,
and that three, other pueblos found to be, one at Ojo Benado, a second a short distance
to the south and east, a third at Tule Spring, now in ruins, were once inhabited.
The valley is left at a southwestern exit. There is a well-marked rainy season at
Zuni in July and August. Ojo Caliente, the fourth Zuni pueblo, was noticed in the dis-
tance, as also fields of corn, apparently growing out of the sand, but in reality the sand
was only a drift covering a dark alluvial earth, found underneath. Black erupt-
ive basalts were observed at various points on the inarch ; otherwise the lime and
sandstone of the plateau system predominates, the latter approaching a quartzite. It
is stated that the winds (from southwest) of the lower Little Colorado and Zuni in
April, May, and June are almost hurricane-like and incessant. Young com is blown
up by the roots, against which the Zuflis protect the tender growth by branches of
cedar placed to the windward.
* Xi he, — Tin- fact of there being these three ruins, ami only that number being traditional with the
Zunis, was clearly pointed out to me by Pedro Pino (luring a long and careful conversation. That these
villages are the actual " Seven Cities of Cibola " visited by Coronado in his famous expedition of 15-10
appears quite probable. The narratives of the officers of the expedition and of historians of the t iiu< >
agree as to the exaggeration and d> ceptiou practiced upon the Spaniards bj the imaginative tales of
Fra Marco de Nica, and describe the main of the teven cities at about •_'."> miles distant from a river
where wild tlax had been found (probably the Little Colorado or Flax Eiver), approximately the actual
distance from Zufii to the bridge at the Colorado Chiquito crossing. (See Atlas sheet 7(1.)
The position with regard to Tusayan (probably the Moquis \ illages) and the Province of Tigeux
(probably the pueblos of the Eio Grande north of Albuquerque) and Acuco (probably Aeoma), as well
as Quivira, corresponds quite well with the historical record of the marches of Coronado ami his cap
tains. (See Smithsonian Report of 1809, pp. 309-342. Seven Cities of Cibola, by Simpson. )
The late General Simpson, in the article in question, quotes the following as of opinion that the
Zuni pueblos were the seven cities : Gallatin, Squier, Whipple, Tinner, and Kern. lie also arri\ es al
the same opinion from a somewhat extended, examination of the Spanish authorities, while Emory
and Abert (as stated by Simpson) incline to locate the seven cities at and along the plateau southeast
from Mount Taylor, counting Aeoma, the most southerly and isolated as to position and language, as
one. and Laguna, Cubero, Poblazon, Pojnate, Moquina, and Cibolleta in order to the northward. The
late Mr. Morgan refers the site of the seven cities to the ruins found in the \ alb > of the ( Ihaco. Tin-
weight of evidence so far examined leads to the placing of their site at the Zuni pm bios, and this
conclusion is strengthened by its proximity to the valley of the Gila, which, it appears, was crossed
near the ruin now known as the "Casa Grande," and called by the Spaniards (probablj ) "Chilcitalle."
The entire region occupied by the present and extinct pueblos having been embraced by the sla-
veys of this office, their location will be found on the published atlas sheets.
62 U.S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEY WEST OF LOOTB MERIDIAN.
Timber begins agaiD, piuon and cedar on lower, and large pines at higher levels.
August 7. — At Cedar Spring, about 22 miles from the Colorado bridge, the first
glimpse of the Sierra Blanca is had, which testifies also to an emergence from the per-
sistent plateau so long the horizon.
The main peak, in somber blue, stretches well into the horizon, while the verd-
ure of the eastern slope of the range does not, at so great a distance, appear so dense
as that of the western noted from vicinity of Apache in 1871.
These slopes, however, unlike their counterparts (the eastern) in the Sierra Ne-
vada, face on smiling valleys and glades well grazed and watered, in a section of rate
luxuriance, and marking a grand oasis as compared with the adjacent and more ster-
ile portions of the valleys of the Rio Grande. Gila. Salt, and Little Colorado Rivers.
Twelve miles beyond Deer Springs the desert-like waste of the Colorado Chiquito,
and the familiar greasewood, sand grass, and sage appear, while the piuon pines even
becomes dwarfed and few. After crossing the Quemada, made muddy by the late rains,
the Little Colorado is reached after a few miles. It is from 8 to 10 feet wide, with its
surface current feet below the banks.
August 8. — Near Cave Springs. A fine spring breaks out from a volcanic bluff
(basalt) and Hows into a small, well-grassed valley, containing both bunch and grama;
nestled among the mesa-ridges, scattered pifious appear, and from this point until the
Mogollon forest is reached grazing and water are plentiful. A, mineral spring was
noticed to the south of the road, some 10 miles toward Apache, where the more rolling
hills have become covered with luxuriant bunch grass and occasional clumps of pine.
Toward the close of the march the road reaches the timber fringes of the Great
Mogollon forest of the San Francisco Plateau.
August 9. — En route to and at Oak Grove Camp near Camp Apache, the road runs
through a beautiful pine forest, with occasionally little groves of white oak (Quercus
undulata) and a few black walnuts of small size. These oaks were abundant, of
vigorous growth, exceeding 20 feet in height, with a wood solid and close grained.
Bunch and grama grasses were abundant in all the glades or openings which occasion-
ally give a most delightful variation to the immediate landscape.
A climb upon a peak near the route reveals a partial view of the Salt River Basin
and the connection of this forest with the one explored in 1871 to the south and east-
ward of San Francisco Mountains. This peak is a crater cone, as are so many along
the northern end of the Sierra Blanca, an entirely volcanic range. The first view of
the sedimentary breaking out from beneath the lava flows is found near Cooley*s Park,
some 8 or 10 miles from Apache. Camp is made in a little oak grove opening, where
running water and grass in abundance of themselves afford repose when compared
with the reverse picture so frequent in the more desert portions of the trip.
A ii (Hint 10. — Beaching Camp A paehe, Arizona, an excellent and descending road leads
into the branch of the White Mountain Creek, upon which Camp Apache is situated.
This stream is followed from a point near Cooley's Park.
SIERRA BLANCA REGION.
August 12, 1873. En route to and at Green Corn Camp, East fork of White
Mountain Creek. Arrangements were completed for an exploration from Camp
EXPEDITION OF 1873. 63
Apache, as a base, to the eastward of the Sierra Blanca, and to include the heads of
the East and North Forks of White Mountain Creek, the sourcesof the Little Colo-
rado, San Francisco, and Bonito Rivers (tributaries of the Gila), and of the main fork
of the Prieto or Salt River. Beyond, a few miles along the ravine of (he East Fork,
near Camp Apache, so far as could be ascertained, the foot of white man had never trod
within these solitudes, and the magnificent expanse of more than 5,000 square miles
of mountaiu, valley, glade, lake, and river lay before us, a true terra incognita.
The drawing of the Indians toward the West to agencies at Camp Apache and
San Carlos, Ariz., and eastward to Forts Bayard and Tulerosa, and to the Canada
Alamosa, New Mexico, had left this a neutral zone, where Dame Nature ruled in all
the magnificence of true simplicity.
The special party was so equipped that no obstacle or peril of mountain-path
finding could impede its movements in any direction, independent of trail and regard-
less of the tangled forest or roaring stream. One of the objective points was the
summit of the Sierra Blanca, from whence a mountain view uuequaled by any within
our territory, with the exception of those from the highest summits of the Sierra
Nevada and Cascade Ranges, was anticipated, and the results far more than justified
the expectation, for beyond description the view from this point (named Thomas
Peak) was the most magnificent and effective of any among the large number that
have come under my observation.
The route for the day was entirely' through the valley bottom which gradually
narrows, being surrounded on either side by reddish beds of argillaceous limestone in
which fossils (presumably carboniferous) had been found. The mesa edges of the
rolling plateau were covered with heavy pine of the species Pinus ponderosa (yellow
pine) reaching heights of fully SO feet, another variety (Abies concolor) prevalent in
New Mexico though not growing quite as large, and Inning shorter leaves and cones.
These trees quite approach the bed of the stream. Sycamores, mountaiu oak, and
black walnut were also observed.
August 13. — The topographers of the party- leave camp to ascend a peak to the
north and east from which a fair view is obtained toward the head of the stream, which
appears densely wooded with pine and fir timber. Here and there a small stream flows
in from the north side, furnishing water for the cornfields on the surrounding mesas.
On a small eminence was found the rough debris of an old ruin originally constructed
of volcanic (basalt) material without cement, and strangely enough without pottery
fragments iu sight. The volcanic ground passed over proves to be mal pais, and a most
serious obstacle to the passage of the train.
August 14. — It becomes again necessary to follow the bench on the northern bank of
the creek, making one or two crossings exceedingly abrupt at almost impassable
points.
Several springs are passed flowing from the base of beds of permeable volcanic
conglomerate. The springs are usually large, forming little streams flowing at least
four or five hundred yards.
The elevation gained was approximately 8,000 feet. The horizon was entirely
above the sedimentary and in a basaltic rock cap.
No sedimentary was found of later age than the Carboniferous, the lava having
descended to this horizon.
64 TL S. GEOGLAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
The northern bank gives by far the best slope. It is accounted for on the suppo-
sition that the .snow melts tlrst on the north side of the canon, thus giving a special
character to vegetation. Strawberry and raspberry vines are seen. Camp is made at
some springs densely surrounded by the most elegant evergreen of the Douglas spruce.
The fir region has not yet been reached, it being found at greater altitudes. Lakes
were spoken of over the divide near the head of the fork, iu regard to which the In-
dians have a superstitious fear, calling them the Holy Lakes, iu which they say the
divine mermaid dwells. Elk, mountain sheep, California lion, deer, antelope, wild tur-
key are known to be abundant in this range, and their fresh tracks were constantly seen.
August 15. — Early in the day a little stream was met, coming iu from the north
through a deep ravine from a mesa densely wooded that reaches to the bed of the
main creek, the crossing of which was attended with the greatest difficulty, an extem-
porized raft being necessary.
Ascending the mesa it becomes necessary to contour and follow an extensive bay
that makes in from the north. This is finally passed and a dividing ridge that comes
iu from the north gives a view of the head of two branches of the East Fork. Here it
becomes necessary to descend into the ravine of the most northerly one and follow the
stream to its source, and, ascending the slopes of the tortuous divide, a plateau bearing
patches of fine bunch grass is reached. From this one looks down into the valley of
the North Folk. The animals feast upon the rank and succulent mountain bunch grass.
August 16. — By ascending a high peak to the northwest it becomes possible to
discover what seems to be a. point at which the passage across the range can be made.
August 17. — A camp is this day reached near the summit of the Sierra Blanea.
The reconnaissance trail of yesterday was followed in the direction of a low divide
north of the principal peak. The grades improve, but the spruce timber continues
almost impassably thick. Traveling about 5 miles brings one to the ridge, where a
most remarkable panorama spreads before us of dense forests, interspersed with well-
watered little valleys and glades covered with luxuriant grass and flowers, of lakes
and running streams sparkling in the sun, all amphitheatered by the grim walls east-
wardly by the Datil Range, a part of the continental divide, and also the Tulerosa
Range, with mountains to the southeast bordering the Gila, partly opening northward
toward the Colorado. Water having been found near the summit, camp is established,
and we push ahead to the main peak, where lies within our horizon a landscape view
of the grandest scenery, interspersed with agreeable, home-like valleys, vales, and
glades in nearly all directions. Outstretched before ns lay the tributaries of seven
principal streams, the true courses of which were unknown to geography, and only
traced conjecturally on maps of this far-distant region, viz, the Colorado Cbiquito,
the Nutrioso Creek, the San Francisco fork of the Gila, the main head of the Frieto or
Salt Liver, aud the Bonito a tributary, and the north and east fork of White Mount-
ain River. There are four main peaks within a distance of 10 miles, none of which
had before been ascended by white men The heads of the Colorado Cbiquito and
Rio Frieto present a stretch of valley lands far surpassing any I have before seen.
The view of the landscape to the east is of the most marvelous beauty of form and
color. Mountain, forest, valley, and stream are blended in one harmonious whole, in
size large enough for a State, all falling within the horizon of one point. Few world-
wide travelers iu a lifetime even could be treated to a more perfect landscape, a true
virgin solitude, undefiled by the presence of man.
EXPEDITION OF 1873. 05
August 18. — I am satisfied that the valley landscape to the eastward had never
been seen by any white men (1873). Perhaps here and there a few points had been
touched while passing up or down at lower levels one of the streams above mentioned
without giving any adequate view of the grandeur of the whole.
August 19. — Took leave of camp of over 9,000 feet above sea, and moving west of
north follow the steep sides of the divide leading to a stream that proves to be the
principal head of the west or main fork of the Colorado Chiquito. For some distance
after the bed of the stream is reached spruce timber and aspen still continue, pine
soon appears, after which comes an opening inclined at an angle of 40°, and covered
with a heavy growth of tine bunch grass, interspersed with a variety of flowers in
bloom.
For a little less than 2 miles the grass is of the old crop, then begins the new
and juicy growth of the year subsequent to the burning over by fires set by the Indians.
The creek here enters a small caiion, only to emerge into a broad open valley in the
vicinity of the road that leads to Apache. We follow up this fork and reach a most
beautiful open park that was seen from the mountains as apparently carrying a stream,
which proves to be a fallacy, as the little meadows of the lower portion have flowing
water only in spring after the melting snows. The genera! height of the prairie is a
little less than 8,000 feet. A nearly northern direction was taken over a rolliDg, natural
park like country, more beautiful than any artificial or cultivated park could be, and
the most attractive landscape ever encountered by me (1883).
The -march was continued a little more than 5 miles, to a prominence named Park
Butte, it being surrounded by the most beautiful natural parks. The butte commands
the whole basin of the west fork, and through it one again traces the volcanic river to
the north and west which limits the upper basin of the Colorado Chiquito.
August 20. — The train moves along the east side of the valley that surrounds the
tributaries of the main west fork and soon crosses an almost imperceptible rolling
divide to arroyos flowing in the opposite direction. It is soon discovered, however,
that our line fiom the camp to Park Butte lay but a little to the west of a water-shed
between drainage basins, the butte itself occupying one part of the line. Rolling
arroyos that take their rise in the timbered ridges of this plateau soon converge and
canon upon reaching harder beds of volcanic flooring until soon water comes to the
surface. The name of "Dotted Park" is suggested because of the uumerous semi-
moundlike structures planted almost regularly over its surface. It should be called
either "Dotted" or "Island" Park. Bear, of the brown, black, and cinnamon color,
are common in the eastern parts of the Sierra Blanca Eauge. The party continues to
the eastward and suddenly emerge into a little valley that carries a tortuous stream to
the eastward, which we cross and follow in its general direction. We are obliged to
leave the valley of the stream mentioned, which flowing into a canon soon turns to
the eastward. The course is then left, and, skirting the timber to the north, we descry
through an opening two bears feeding. A hunt is organized, but without success, the
hunters sleeping out during the night. Meanwhile a 300 pound black bear had been
killed after a hard fight. Here the openings are finely clad with nutritious bunch and
other grasses. The soil is all volcanic. In the lower of these valleys, and below
about 8,000 feet, crops could be raised without irrigation.
5 wh VOL I
66 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
August 21. — Just at dusk last evening the party attempted to follow a trail, be-
came entirely lost and circled on their tracks, but during the day reached a point near
our camp of last night, where two forks coine together, which proved to be tributaies of
( lie main Salt River. A topographical party is dispatched east to determine the drain-
age of the water shed upon which we bad been traveling the greater part of the previous
day. At this elevation spruce, pine, and aspen are found. Below us lies a beautiful
valley at the confluence of the two streams mentioned, the soil of which at this alti-
tude, and judging from the amount of humidity already noticed, ought to produce
cereals, &c, without irrigation, a most valuable consideration in this section. Every-
where in the openings the most succulent bunch-grass is found in abundance. This
section day by day presents beauties and practical features that rank it by far as the
most attractive to agricultural settlers of any portion within the limits of explorations
in my charge.
August 22. — The mal-pais soil, especially where it is nearly horizontal and without
drainage, has become so thoroughly saturated that the mules sink belly deep in many-
places. The narrow valley of the fork entering from the south is followed for 4 or 5
miles, running water being found for two thirds of the distance. We then cross a
rolling, timbered divide, that brings one into a similar valley that ought to lead
toward the canon found traversing to the southwest yesterday. This is followed for a
time, then turning near to the north and west, pass over a sharp, peak-like divide, from
which a view of the lake lying at our feet is obtained. It is about 1£ miles in length
and three-fourths in width, containing little islands well grassed. Its highest level is
denoted by a slightly-marked beach line, fringed with a growth of shrub and apparently
now at a medium stage. We found no more than 30 to 36 inches difference between
that and high-water mark. The water is accumulated from the rains and is entirely
of surface collections, slightly tinctured with vegetable matter. At its ordinary high
stages it has no outlet and no stream enters it.
August 23. — The park in this vicinity is called Lake Park; an old beach line is
reported 12 to 13 feet higher on the western side of the lake. We follow up the line of
drainage leading toward the lake from the west, which at certain high stages may
have forced the water over the head of this low arroyo.
The want of alkaline, saline, and other constituents in its waters must result
from the large amount of percolation as compared with the amount of evaporation and
the short distance traversed over a volcanic bed.
August 24. — A march of a little less than 5 miles, mostly through the timber,
brings us to the Rendezvous Camp. This is snugly situated in a point of timber com-
manding the beautiful valley of the mountain stream that, rising in the canon of the
southeast Hank of the Sierra Blanca, flows through park, forest, and valley to enter
again a canon prior to its confluence with the main stream, the Salt River.
August 25. — This day was spent in camp ; parties go out here and there to the
eastward and south. A party of Indians, mounted, is reported to have crossed 2 or 3
miles below. So far upon the route no trails except those made by game have been
seen, and one would suppose that this very natural garden indeed had been neglected
even by the Indians. Eo ruins are seen after crossing the range to the east, although
Mr. Gilbert discovered some in the valley of the Little Colorado. These highland parks
have been left to the animal denizens of the forest, to the bear, wolf, elk, deer, antelope,
and other mammals, and to the gatherings of the winged families.
EXPEDITION OF 1873. 67
August 26. — It appears that the rainy season is nearly past, the heavens are par-
tially covered in the heat of the day by moving, fleecy clouds that precipitate at in-
tervals floods of rain, but the nights are usually clear.
No frosts were noted at this camp. I am satisfied that the extent of country sur-
rounding the heads of Colorado Chiquito and Salt Eiver and Eio Prieto will add to our
climatic sanitariums one of the most delightful localities on the continent. The wiuds
that have full sway lower down in the basin are here broken by the Sierra Blanca.
August 27. — A retrograde movement from this camp is made to reach the so-called
Apache and Tulerosa trail. The route lay along broken ridges and through several
little valleys, some with running streams and others without, until a very steep
cafion lying ahead seems to indicate an approach into what is supposed to be the
Bonito, but which proves to be still another fork of the Salt Eiver. In a little open-
ing the valley is crossed by a stream of considerable size. Here, as has been noticed
in several other localities, the grass on one side of a stream will be new, juicy, and thin,
because of the burning of the sward during the season, while on the opposite side, where
no burning has taken place, the thick tufts of bunch grass spreading into beds offer
more abundant food for the animals that have now to depend upon grass altogether
for their support.
A trip to a divide to the southward shows nothing besides the peaks that have
been noticed during the day and beyond which the main fork of Salt Eiver is expected
to-lay. In this portion of our territory, where Spanish geographical names are still
used, streams of all sorts and sizes have been designated by the name river.
August 28. — A party starts ahead from this point to reach Camp Apache, and the
remainder follow them in their trail for about 2 miles. A pedestal like peak, rising
above the forest trees and commanding the course of the stream to the south, is
ascended. The northern horizon commands in profile a characteristic view of the
southern end of the Sierra Blanca, while to the northwest and northeast the regular,
wooded slopes of what become, upon a close inspection, regular and broken mesas ot
the divide between Salt Eiver aud the Gila. To the east the Escudilla and San Fran-
cisco Mountains are well defined. Further to the southeast, put in bold characters
upon the horizon, are high mesas or plateaus, with irregular edges, and one specially
prominent range, because of its height, and still another, extending far to the south-
ward, appear to close with the horizon in this direction.
To the west the four peaks of the Mazatzal and the Sierra Ancha limit the hori-
zon. The mountains facing upon the San Pedro (the Pinal Eange) give no point to
the view of sufficient interest to determine their identity. To the southwest in strong
relief appears what to my belief is the Chiricahua Eange, although at such magnifi-
cent distances, when noticed from various compass points, it becomes difficult to dictate
with precision.
One remarkable peculiarity of a view to the south while occupying a central spot
in the trough between several meridional ranges is well illustrated by this station.
The Chiricahua Eange, that in reality trends northeast, appears to have a direction
quite southeast, while a range of marked longitudinal extent to the southeast (proba-
bly the Mimbres Mountains) has apparently a direction of nearly southeast. This
can only be explained on account of the inequality of refraction at different azimuths
68 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF KIOTH MERIDIAN.
dependent on the character of intervening obstacles and to the vibrations of the
atmosphere due to heated upward currents, apparently throwing objects out of a ver-
tical plane.
August 29. — An early march brings us well ahead on the trip to Apache. A
meadow-like opening is reached, that must debouch into one of the north forks of Salt
River.
In less than 10 miles the canon of the river in question is reached. None of the
little park-like openings noted near the main peaks were tributary to this stream, that
heads further to the southward and not as near the main peaks as the others. At this
crossing no sedimentary rocks had yet become exposed, and no opeuing, so far as
could be seen above or below, large enough for even a small camp.
In the meadow spoken of, wild flax was seen in patches; hence it is probable that
the cultivated varieties could thrive. No more desirable location could be found for an
elegant country residence than tli is meadow, nestled high among the rocky wooded bluffs,
peacefully sleeping in beauty, with no sound save the sighing from the trees that liue
the entire horizon on every side, or mayhap the rustle of the roving wild animals of the
mountain forest. The amount of water that can be utilized for manufacturing and mill
purposes is sufficient for all that will ever be required. We are now once more among
the pines that only reach a certain altitude, here not exceeding 9,000 feet. Spruces
are growing scarce, while the aspen still remains, a native of many altitudes. Black
walnut {Juglans rupestris, var. Major) of medium size are here observed. As was ex-
pected, the trail followed is a nearly latitudinal one, that has been traveled from time to
time by Indians en route from Tulerosa to Apache. Many of the smaller screams now
flowing will run dry later in the season. At 3 p. m. a party arrives from Apache with
provisions, and, Lieut. Tillman reports, bringing mail and other material — quite an
event in our forest life.
August 30. — The trail from this point follows nearly a due west course for a few
miles, then, turning toward the north, comes out near the head of the canon from the
south that was noted as in full view to the east of south from the hill ascending near
Green Corn Camp, the scene being at once grand and striking.
Making a steep descent, we commence the zig-zagging process along the mesa that
faces the east fork, and emerge into the narrow valley of the stream directly opposite
Green Corn Camp. Apache is soon reached, along the south bank of the stream. (For
area visited, see northeast corner of atlas sheet S3 and southeast corner of sheet 70.)
The Indian tribes encountered were the Navajoes, Zufiis, Moquis,
Jemez, White Mountain Apaches, and those found at Fort Bayard and Old
Fort Tulerosa, also the following inxeblos: Moquis, with its seven villages;
ZuCi, including the outposts at Nutria, Pescado, and Ojo Caliente; Acoma,
Isleta, Jemez, Tesuque, San Yldefonso, Silla (or Zia), and Laguna. The
area under survey has embraced the greater part of that originally inhab-
ited by the pueblo or town people and all of that belonging to the present
pueblos, to all of whom grants of land have been or are in process of
being confirmed.
EXPEDITION OE 187.;. 69
The count, as stated at the agency of the Navajoes at Old Fort Defi-
ance on the then last annuity day, was 8,616, which had, however, before
reached as high as 9,700. In annual report of Indian Office for 1886 the
enrolled number is given at 17,358. Not more than 4,000 to 4,500 were
in the habit of appearing on annuity day. The agency is situated (1873)
near the southern end of the reservation, while the several bands live along-
the banks of the San Juan and its southern tributaries.
They appeared to care little or nothing for their agent, and were kept
in awe solely by the presence of troops at Fort Wingate, near southern
extremity of reservation limits.
They had been moved a number of years before from the Pecos Valley.
Many bands have large herds (reaching into the thousands) of horses, cattle,
goats, sheep, mules, and donkeys. Manuelito, a fine specimen of an Indian,
Avas their war chief, in fact the only one who had a voice with and a
control over the whole tribe, the head chief being old, decrepid, and in
his dotage. He had five wives or squaws, and each of the bucks of fine
prowess and large wealth in stock had more than one. These dusky
virgins possess a market value at maturity, the price depending upon family
caste, good looks, chastity entering with considerable weight. The daughter
of a prominent sub-chief is generally worth about four horses and twenty
sheep, that are divided usually between the father, elder brother, and herself.
As a race they are of more than average Indian intelligence, possessing rare
qualities of shrewdness and cunning. Their facial dimension approaches
the rectangular, and, except in individual cases, the high cheek-bones and
irregular noses are lacking. The squaws are better treated than in any tribe
yet visited (1873), and, although obliged to do some of the drudgeries of
manual labor, still spend considerable time at their weaving and produce a
woolen textile fabric for use as garments and for household purposes. This
tissue is excelled by none for durability and unrivaled because of its im-
permeability. Tradition dates their knowledge of this art (back of any his-
torical association, however) to a Welsh or Danish woman, who lived to a
good old age among them, and they now worship an old woman as one of
their deities. In early days they colored their raw weaving material in nat-
ural dyes, black, green, and yellow, but since the Government furnishes them
70 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
colors, they have discarded their own for an inferior substitute. Some of
their designs are highly characteristic and show good taste for color and
figure. Should one Indian kill another by accident, another life must be
the ransom or the payment of a stipulated number of horses or sheep, or a
certain sum of money. Their sense of retributive justice is strong. Three
or four Navajo pupils were being educated at the agency at a cost of $1,200
per year to the Government. The Navajoes had for a number of years
made regular raids on the Mormon stock herds to the north of the Colorado,
which has latterly, however, been stopped. They fear the incursion of the
pale-face, but above all dread an inroad by the Chinese, that, locust-like,
would consume everything in the land.
The ranches were few and far between along the route, and taking
into account the extent of the Navajoe and White Mountain Reservation
and the ground claimed by the Zunis, there was but little land left to en-
courage the settler to wander in this direction. However, the area visited
to the east of a north and south line passing through the highest point of
the Sierra Blanca and embracing thousands of square miles cannot be ex-
celled by a like area on the continent for grazing and timber, while certain
of the glades and valleys below 8,000 feet in elevation are susceptible of
tillage, and the dark volcanic soil (of trachytic and basaltic components) is
unsurpassed in natural fertility. The points at which floatrock even of the
precious minerals had been found were few. Prospectors showed, besides
the precious stones, specimens of silver ore, reputed as coming from the
Navajoe Reservation, still others from the Zufii Mountains, while a third spot
on the banks of Salt River, south and east of Apache, had been prospected
successfully and locations made by Mr. Cooley, a guide and interpreter at
Apache. Other mines of copper and silver ore had been discovered on the
San Francisco branch of the Gila.
The only general wagon-route through the area visited personally was
the one leading from Wingate to Apache, while now a railroad (the Atlantic
and Pacific) from Albuquerque, on the Rio Grande, to the Needles, on the
Colorado, has been built and opened (1883), and the Arizona portion of the
region visited in 1873 is reached from a station named Holbrook, on the
EXPEDITION OF 1ST.!. 71
Little Colorado, from whence stages depart for Apache direct, and for
Springerville (Milligan's Ranch) via Saint John's, on the Colorado Chiquito.
The only lakes reported in the Arizona and New Mexico portions of
the area are two small ones (more properly lakelets or ponds), the first
lying near head of White Mountain River, and the second found near the
head of another branch of the North Fork, both small .reservoirs emptying
into the stream in question, and a third (Reservoir Lake) lying near the
headwaters of Salt River, and without visible outlet. This lake lies in a
shallow basin, its waters resting upon and walled in by lava, slightly eroded
The water is shallow, weeds reaching the surface. At its stage in August
it covered approximately 50 acres, with a possible 75 acres at maximum.
An old beach, 10 feet above present level, long since abandoned, is ob-
served. It appears to be permanent on account of the life it contains, and
must have an underground outlet, as its waters are fresh. From the sum-
mit of the Sierra Blanca, as one looks eastward at the rising of the sun, and
when the adjacent amphitheater is first flooded with its morning light, it
sparkles like a jewel, and is well set off by its mountain and mesa surround-
ings, by which it is encircled on every side. The sources of the streams
making up the headwaters of the forks of White River, the Salt, Bonito
Prieto, Blue, San Francisco, Gila, and Little Colorado Rivers, are perpetual
springs, rising near the mountain summits from storage reservoirs in the
trachyte, dolerite, and basalt of this region, and following the courses that
lead to their far-distant ocean level in the Gulf of California, they soon
expand into a number of sparkling streams within the lava region which
traverse a plateau-like area in which the cones of the Sierra Blanca are
centrally situated, the picturesqueness of which is not equaled within our
borders, not forgetting even the Willamette Valley of Oregon, although
the latter, long and level, affords wider fields for agriculture, while much of
the Eastern Arizona and Western New Mexico region, in which the Sierra
Blanca lie centrally disposed, is valuable only for grazing and timber, water
being in abundance ; a country indeed in striking contrast to the compara-
tive deserts of the lower Colorado Chiquito, Gila, and mesas westward of
the Rio Grande in like latitudes.
72 P. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
These streams, particularly mentioned and belonging- to the portion
visited, all finally reach the sea by the mouth of the Colorado of the West,
the continental divide lying to the eastward.
The portion known as Mogollon Mesa and White Mountain Region
consists, geologically, the former of Carboniferous strata (limestone pre-
dominating) and volcanic material, in the following order of sequence, as
observed by Mr. Gilbert: (1) Trachyte; (2) *Sanidin-dolerite; (3) Basalt.
In the Geological Maps, Nos. 1 and 2 are designated as trachyte and
rhyolite. This volcanic field is an arm of a great region of igneous rocks,
reaching almost continuously from San Francisco Mountains, on the north-
west, to Mount Taylor, at the southeast, as centers of flow, and estimated as
covering about 25,000 square miles. It lies principally between latitudes
32° 45' and 34° 20', and longitudes 107° 30' to 110° west of Greenwich.
Thomas Peak, the summit of the Sierra Blanca, is also an elevated center
of disturbance, and the resultant eruption and uplift has left lava beds of
about 3,000 feet in thickness lying presumably on the ( larboniferous, which
is observed to the eastward of Camp Apache, along Main or East Fork of
White Mountain Creek for 8 or 9 miles, there passing under the volcanic cap.
Mr. Gilbert assumes three distinct lava flows in the order above given,
the trachytic being the least recent. The basalt appears in patches, except
to the north of the Sierra Blanca, Green's Peak being a center of an ex-
tended basalt area, which also appears along the bed of North Fork to vicinity
of Fort Apache, the latter showing Carboniferous.
The Little Colorado, near its head, is covered with almost continuous
patches of basalt, the Triassic emerging near the present site of Saint John,
and continuing along the valley to Sunset Crossing, where a Carboniferous
horizon appears. Triassic also obtains in vicinity of Fort Wingate; the
Zufii Mountains are Carboniferous, while the Carrizo Valley and Zufii Pla-
teau show cretaceous sandstone as predominating. The approximate zones
(limited by altitudes) of the class of botanical products in the 1873 region
in New Mexico and Arizona have been given by Dr. Loew (see p. 603,
Vol. Ill), as four, viz:
"The term " sanidin-dolerite " was proposed by Mr. Gilbert for temporary use. See p. 526, Vol.
Ill, Geology,
EXPEDITION OF 1873. 73
(1) Zone of cactus, yucca, and agave; altitude 3,000 to 3,500 feet;
grass scanty. Where there is water a most luxuriant vegetation springs up.
(2) Zone of Obinc, and Artemisia (greasewood and sagebrush); alti-
tude 3,500 to 4,900 feet; grass poor, with few exceptions, on granite and
volcanic soils. The cactus species are diminished in numbers.
(3) Zone of Juniperus occidental™ (cedar); altitude 4,900 to 6,800
feet; cactus species few.
(4) Zone of pine and fir, 6,800 to 10,800 feet (highest points).
Thus are presented, between latitudes 33° and 34° north, and at eleva-
tions from 3,000 to 11,000 feet, plant life comparable with that of the Sahara
Desert, warm, temperate, and subalpine climates. Dr. Loew also pre-
sents in Volume III highly interesting results of soil and mineral analyses
and of mineral springs, among which may be noted the comparison of the
mud of the Rio Grande with that of the Nile, in which it is found that the
former is richest in potassa and the latter in phosphoric acid, the deduc-
tion being drawn that no other or better fertilizer is required than the layer
of finely-pulverized virgin soil that results from irrigation in the middle
Rio Grande Valley.
Of the collections of fish, many coming from the streams heading in and
near the Sierra Blanca, there were sixteen new species. Mr. Henshaw adds
to the list of birds, and determines the presence of several well-pronounced
Mexican types. Dr. Rothrock adds his chapter and data to the critical and
economic botany of this section (see Volume VI).
The predominating timber species observed in the White Mountains are
the pine (Pinus ponderosa, Pseudotsuga Doiujlaxii), fir and spruce (Abies
concolor and Pkea Engelmanni), oak (Quercus undulata and Emoryi), black
walnut (Juglans Californica), and juniper (Juniperus Califomica). During
the seasons of 1873-'74-'75 a number of objects of archaeological inter-
est were obtained in New Mexico and Arizona, to which reference is made in
Volume VII, p. 374 (see also Plates XVI, XXVII, and VIII, Volume VII).
These articles were but individually collected in an irregular and des-
ultory manner, pointing, however, to the localities whence is likely to come,
through systematic search, a clearer view of the circumstances of life of the
pre-aboriginals and to the regions where the sites of ruins are counted in
74 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
great numbers, a part of which area yet awaits thorough exploration, and
within which the surface of the subject of archaeology has been as yet but
scratched.
Twenty-seven hundred geological specimens were collected during the
season, also 4,500 fossils and 1,600 minerals, ores, &c, together with those
mentioned in the following list:
COLLECTIONS.
The following summary shows the number of specimens collected dur-
ing the season:
Mammals, comprising alcoholics, skins, and crania, 67.
Birds, comprising alcoholics, skins, crania, sternae, uests, and eggs, 1,450.
Fishes, comprising alcoholics and skins, 1,660.
Reptiles, alcoholics, 280.
Insects — Orthoptera (grasshoppers), 105 lots, probably 2,500 to 3,000; Coleoptera
(beetles), 60 lots, probably 2,000 to 3,000; Lepidoptera (butterflies), including Zygeni-
dse and Borubycidse, 428; Hymeuoptera (wasps and bees), 90 lots, probably 4,500;
Diptera (Hies), 17 lots, probably 170; Hemiptera (bugs), 67 lots, probably 1,500; Neu-
roptera (dragon-flies), 41 lots, probably 200; Formica (ants), 30 lots, probably 2,000;
Arachnid* (spiders), 54 lots, probably 600.
Mollusca (shells), 22 lots, probably 500.
Worms, leeches, and Crustacea, 52 lots, probably 600.
Also 19 lots ethnological specimens.
These have since been transferred to the National Museum.
Plate VI1L— This view, sketched by Mr. Gilbert Thompson in 1873, from Echo
Peak, opposite the mouth of the Paria, marks substantially the commencement of the
main or lower Grand Canon of the Colorado River, or the one ascended to the mouth
of Diamond Creek by the boat party of 1871. An edge of the Paria Plateau is shown
at the right, and the eastern escarpment of the Buckskin Plateau appears at a distance
in the center. The canon, passing centrally through the view, here presents the ap-
pearance of having been forced asunder as if by the upward pressure of a widely
extended and rapidly applied subterranean force, whereas observation goes far to
prove that the volume betweeu its mesa-like walls has been removed in greater part,
if not all, by the slow process of water erosion, assisted somewhat by the denuding
effects of the atmosphere. So far as known, the canon nowhere presents so even and
unbroken a surface at the summit of its first walls, that are usually quartzite resting
on granite, the beds that constitute here the exterior and outlying plateau approaching
much nearer the bed of the stream from its entrance into the deeper canon, commenc-
ing at the Buckskin Plateau, only to terminate at the Colorado crossing of 1871 (see
Atlas sheet 66), a distance of approximately 250 miles.
U. S '.-EO GRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST I H MERIDIAN
VOL.1. GEOGRAPHICAL REPOl PLATE VIII.
-,.,, I
CROSSING OE THE COLORADO RIVER NEAR MOUTH OF PARIA CREEK.
( EASTERN EDGE OF THE GRAND CANON IN THE DISTANCE . 1
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EXPEDITION OF 1873. 77
Four well-known passes lead from the valley of the Arkansas to the San Luis, iu
vicinity of this mountain mass; to the north the Mosca (9,787 feet), to the east the
Saugre de Cristo (9,578 feet), and leading into it the Veta (9,392 feet), and a little more
to the southward, but joining Sangre de Cristo Creek on the west, is Indian Creek
Pass (9,720 feet); Since occupying this peak and region the Denver and Rio Grande
Railroad have utilized the Veta Pass in its branch leading to the Rio Grande aud the
southern part of the San Juan region.
The ascent of this peak can only be accomplished from the main western branch
of Placer Creek, that takes its rise near the eastern summit, which along a narrow
northern spur is exceedingly precipitous until a small bench is reached, approximating
11,000 feet, at the immediate foot of the bare granite mass cut l»y many trachytic dikes
of considerable size, of which the peak proper is composed. Here little Alpine lakes
(like that shown in the view) act as reservoirs for the perpetually melting snow of the
summit ravines. The timber line ceases where the lakes commence. Ten lakes were
counted rising in terraces.
The most elevated are kept full and cool throughout the summer from the constant
melting of the perennial snows along their edges, from where the overflow feeds those
at the lower levels, until the lowest empties into the drainage of Placer Creek. So far
as known, it had never been ascended by white man prior to August 14, 1S71, when
Gilbert Thompson aud Frank De Y. Carpenter, topographers of the expedition, occu-
pied it, as a main triangulation station, remaining over night on the summit. The top
is but a few yards in extent and occupied almost entirely by a circular depression,
possibly used by Indians as shelter for their sentinels, who probably occupied this at
once commanding and strategic point as a watch-tower from whence to signal the ap-
proach of an invading force, especially from any direction iu the broad expanse of the
San Luis Valley.
The peak lying to the left of the center of the sketch is the one to which reference
has been made. The crayon lithograph plate was produced from a photograph by
O'Sullivan, as an original.
Geologically (as determined by Prof. J. J. Stevenson and Mr. F. M. Endlich) this
peak is a naked mass of eruptive granite (grayish in color, resembling syenite, and
uniform in texture), which apparently terminates one of the anticlinals of the Sangre
de Cristo Range. The granite is flanked at the southwest by trachytic beds.
EXPEDITION OF 1874.
The expedition of 1874 covered an aggregate area of 23,281 square
miles, distributed as follows : Arizona, 27. r > ; Colorado, 3,600; New Mexico,
19,040; and Utah, 366 square miles, and found in the basins of the Rio
Grande, Gunnison, Arkansas, Chama, Cimarron, Mora, and Canadian rivers.
The main parties were organized at and operated out from Pueblo.
Note. — The general route followed by the officer in charge was from Pueblo to
Fort Garland, via Sangre de Cristo Pass, thence to Conejos, thence via Prospect Peak,
heads of Conejos and east fork of San Juan to Pagosa Springs, thence to Tierra Atna-
rilla aud return, thence via head of San Juan and south fork of Rio Grande to Del
Norte, thence by stage to railroad at Caiion City, Colo.
78 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
The topographic results of this season are to be found in Atlas Sheets
61 C, 61 D, 62 C, 70 A, 70 C, 69 B, 69 D, 69 and 68.
The routes of early explorers traversing a part of the area are :
(1) Pike, 1807 (to the Rio Grande); (2) Fremont, 1844; (3) Simpson, to
Canon de Chelle, 1849; (4) Gunnison, and (5) Whipple, P. R. R. S., in
1853, and (6) Macomb, 1859.
The subdivision of the public land surveys had been carried on only
to a limited extent, except in vicinity of Pueblo, Trinidad, Fort Union, Las
Vegas, and Santa Fe ; nor, indeed, except in the San Juan regions, have
later calls (1883) demanded the sectionizing of these lands to any consid-
erable extent.
PARTIAL ITINERARY, 1S74.
From camp on Smith's Island, near Fort Garland, to Tierra Amarilla, via heads of Conejos
Creek, San Juan River, and Pagosa Springs.
August 17. — Broke camp and moved westward a distance across San Luis Valley
of 16.8 miles, and camped upon the Trincbera, a tributary of tbe Rio Grande, about 4
miles from the mother stream. Tbe road descends gently for tbe entire distance, is
sandy in places, and finally enters tbe bottom of tbe creek at a bend shortly below the
junction of the Ute and Sangre de Cristo creeks with the Trinchera.
In the horizon are tbe broken ridges composing tbe Sangre de Cristo Pass, due
east of tbe Cerro Blanco peaks, and farther to tbe north the Sangre de Cristo Range;
the Saguache (southern ridge of the Sierra Madre) and the mountains at the head of
the San Juan to tbe northwest, and their southern spurs immediately to the west of
camp, wbile in tbe southern horizon volcanic masses join these foot-hills and several flat-
topped mesas on either side of the Rio Grande.
August 18. — A camp near the little town of Conejos is reached at a distance of
about 20 miles over a comparatively level road, tbe river admitting of being forded at
this season. Observed nothing worthy of note, except the so-called Hot Springs at
Norman's Ranch, near Conejos Creek. The main spring flows 8,000 gallons per minute,
varying in temperature from 53° to 65° F. Several smaller ones appear in the vicinity.
These springs have long been used by the Mexicans for rheumatic affections. This
group of springs occurs 20 miles east of where the foot bills of the San Juan Mount-
ains reach the plains. Here and there appear island growths of the black species of
grama, while the artemisia is persistent. The strip of land north of the road from the
ford to Conejos and east of the foot-hills and northward to Del Norte could all be
brought to a high state of cultivation to the extent of the volume of water of the
Rio Grande and the mountain creeks flowing to the eastward.*
* Note.— Guadaloupe, the oldest plaza, was located November 24, 1854, the others more recently.
Most, of the inhabitants came from New Mexico. The church in Conejos was erected in 1858. Over
1,000 persons attend services each Sunday, but more than 2,000 pay tithing. A college and convent
are in process of erection. Three priests and five monks constitute the head of the church in Conejos
Countv.
EXPEDITION OF 1874. 79
August 24. — Lieutenant Whipple with the main party follows up Conejos Creek,
with instructions to camp at a point convenient for a party under my direction en-
gaged in a detour to the north and ascent of Prospect Peak. The detour route lay for
a mile along the creek, with banks of about the same level as the plain which adjoins
the low volcanic foot-hills that, bordering the Conejos and San Antonio Creeks, are of
basalt in place on the Mesa and as finely comminuted drift at the lower levels. A
sparse growth of scrub cedar, stunted pine, and spruce form patches on Prospect Peak,
from which the view toward head of Conejos Creek was extremely beautiful, bearing
resemblance to portions of the more broken ravines and mesas of the White Mountain
regions pierced the year previous.
A little creek reaching the Conejos from the north is visible here and there, half
valley, half glade (timbered along its flanks with pines of considerable size, inter-
spersed with quaking aspen), until cut across by one of the southern forks of the
Alamosa. The volcanic covering of the mesas, of the entire western horizon of Pros-
pect Peak (densely wooded in places), much resemble on a small scale the basaltic
lava field in the vicinity of the Sierra Blauca of Arizona.
One Mr. Wallace, a deputy mineral surveyor, reports a peg found and pulled up
by him in the Sangre de Cristo Pass, about 3 miles below Steam's Ranch, marked
"Lt. Pike, 1807," which would indicate that this officer was marking points of his
route, to be recognized by others in case of his loss or capture, the latter taking place
at the junction of San Antonio creeks (where it is stated that the ruins of a block-
house, built for defense of his party, still stands), and also that he passed from the
basin of the Arkansas to that of the Eio Grande de Norte, by either the Sangre de
Cristo or the Veta Pass. Color (gold) results from rude pan-washing in the bed of
Couejos Creek.
August 26. — Three divisions are made, one going to Prospect Peak to augment ob-
servations, a second following the main valley of the Couejos, and a third (with the
writer) to reach a rendezvous at a point named Eed Bluff, via head of Prospect Creek.
On account of want of trail and serious physical obstacles the party did not ren-
dezvous until the 28th at Beaver Dam Camp higher up the Conejos and nearer junction
of its two maiu forks. Basaltic lava everywhere predominates, making box or impass
able caiions along the main stream and certain tributaries. Deer and foxes prevaleut
as game, and fine mountain trout in the stream. Yellow pine, spruce, and aspen are
abundant on every side, with rich mountain bunch grass in the ravines as well as upon
the mesa slopes.
August 30. — No rocks underlying the basalt of this portion of Conejos Creek are
noted, the specimens found in canons to the westward and on Conejos Peak being all
volcanic.
The Chama heads to the west of Beaver Dam Camp. Shortly after leaving this
camp the Conejos turns to the westward, when highly metamorphosed granitic rocks
appear. The character of the creek bottom changes, widening into a little park,
spruce timber appearing on surrounding mesa-like hills except when the rock is ex-
posed. Fox, martin, beaver, grouse, and duck were seen aud captured in this locality.
Soon the Conejos turns to the south and west, aud its bed is left to cross a little divide
which presumably would lead us on to the stream near its head (a camp being made
80 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OP 100TH MERIDIAN.
in a wilderness of timber) near the divide and toward a stream the banks of which being
reached was found to flow to the north and east. This proved to be the South Fork of
the Alamosa.
August 31. — Visited mines near the South Fork of Alamosa Creek, believed to lie
in the southern extension of Summit District. The formation is here a metamorphie
granite, while the lodes prospected were uoted in connection with quartzite, said to
contain free gold, and affording high assays.
September 1. — Follow the Alamosa without trail to near its source, which is found
to be from glacial snowbanks near Summit Peak.
September 2. — Summit Peak was climbed, its elevation proving by computation to be
13,303 feet above sea. Around the cluster of peaks in its vicinity heads the Alamosa,
Conejos, and Blanca creeks, and the Chama River, and east fork of the San Juan and
South Fork of Rio Grande. This mountain peak appears to be one mass of highly
metamorphosed syeuitic granite. While the geology of the foot-hills west of the San
Luis Valley has proven simple, that of the uplifts, in which nestle the sources above
named, is quite complex, and yet awaits full study.
The Conejos is entirely late volcanic to the point of its turning westward ; then
appears granite but little altered, then granite ou the South Fork of the Alamosa
highly metamorphosed, interspersed with dikes of quartzite and beds of conglomerate,
along the route followed, while on the east fork of the San Juan older lavas much
contorted are the surface formation.
Here one of the worst descents into the canon of the East Fork of the San Juan
ever made by our expedition pack-trains was undertaken, and camp made in a little
nook overlooking an almost perpendicular canon wall, fully 1,000 feet in height.
September 3. — A camp is finally made in a glade, lower down the stream, that
flows due westward, which had to be forded several times at great risk at selected
points. Here the parties separate, the oue under my charge pushing ahead to reach
finally a welcome trail, which proves to be the one leading from the Upper Rio Grande,
at the month of its south fork, to Pagosa Springs, on the main San Juan, where a
rendezvous camp was established, and from which point exploring and surveying
parties were dispatched in all directions.
Pagosa to Tierra Amarilla and return.
This trip was made by the westerly route, crossing the mesa to the west of the
Chama River at Horse Lake, returning by the route following toward head of Chama,
then crossing the heads of Navajo and Blanca creeks, reaching the eastern banks of
the San Juan.
Portions of this route had belonged to the old trail from Santa Fe to the North
west, and was followed by the Escalaute exploring party in 177(3. This country is a
succession of mesas, bordering ou the Chama, Chaco, and San Juan Rivers, well de-
scribed in the reports of Professor Cope. The country is well grassed and timbered,
although scantily supplied with water, except along the several creeks. The Blanca,
nearly dry, was the first stream crossed, then the Little, and a little farther on the
main Navajo, reaching the Chama, opposite the Mexicau settlement of Los Brazos, a
few miles south of which was found the site of Old Fort Lowell.
EXPEDITION OF 1874. 81
The name Tier ra A mar ilia (yellow earth) is descriptive of the alluvial soil washed
from the persistent sandstone mesas found on either hand.
The Denver and liio Grande Railroad now has a junction at a station called An
tonito, a short distance south and east of our camp at Conejos, from whence one track
runs southward along the liio Grande; a second, or the western branch, reaching ihe
Chama by head of Los Pinos Creek, thence by oue of the heads of Navajo Creek to
the San Juan at its mouth, thence along the San Juan to mouth of the Piedra, thence
partially across a mesa westward to Los Linos Creek, thence toDurango, its terminus,
in the valley of the Animas, from which a northern branch has been run to the mining
town of Silverton. Thus the southern half of the intricate and comparatively inac-
cessible San Juan region is tapped and given a communication with the outer world;
while the northern part is led with a branch of this same railroad enterprise entering
the valley of the Gunnison from the Arkansas via Marshall's Lass, following the former
river to near its junction with the Grand, thence substantially on the old Gunnison
wagon-road to Salt Lake City. The San Juan region, having ( tuiay as a center, feeds
into this road at Montrose, approximately 45 miles from Ouray, while a branch of same
road through the Poncho Lass reaches the town of Gunnison via the head of San Luis
Valley and ridges to the westward, the road being tapped from Lake City at Sapeuero
Station, 38 miles distant. The Alamosa branch has been extended as far as Del Norte
and branches from Gunnison and Poncho Pass pierce into the adjacent mining districts,
forming further arms of this vigorous and useful narrow- -guage system.
The route from Pagosa Springs to the Rio Grande at the mouth of its south fork lay
along the banks of the San Juan to its main head, I hence by a tortuous, almost blind
trail at more than 10,000 feet altitude to the heads of the south fork of t lie Rio Grande,
thence to its valley reaching a wagon-road at a saw-mill a few miles before attaining its
junction with the main stream (altitude 8,01G feet .
A most beautiful little mountain valley is found on main fork of the San Juan two
or three miles above junction of east fork, thence the trail ascends tin- high, bare, pre-
cipitous mountain ridges upon which it was necessary to camp when darkness came,
at an approximate elevation of 10,500 feet amid snow, sleet, hail, rain, thunder and
lightning, in the face of almost a hurricane of wind; these combined demonstrations
of nature, playing each its separate tune, all discordant, which was not enhanced in
melody by the cracking, crashing, and crunching of the tall gaunt pines which as vic-
tims lay along the lightning's course.
Snow covered the ground 4 inches in the morning. So far as known there has
never before been recorded within one horizon at one time in different parts of the
heavens, rain clouds, the moon visible in a clear sky, with thunder and lightning, hail,
and snow, all recurrent within the hour.
The sources of the Rio Grande are found in the heart of the so-called
San Juan region at an elevation exceeding- 12,000 feet, in latitude approxi-
mately 37° 46' north and longitude 107° 33' west of Greenwich, flowing
eastward until it reaches the San Luis Valley or plain, and thence runs
nearly due south until El Paso (a point on the Mexican border) is reached,
from whence it makes easting to its mouth in the Gulf of Mexico.
6 wh VOL I
82 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
During its fall of more than 12,<>()() feet a number of the series of geo-
logical formations have been cut. Archaean (granites), Carboniferous, and
Triassic (with beds of basalt and other eruptive rocks on either hand) are
noted before reaching the San Luis Valley; then various forms of alluvium
appear until the latitude of Conejos is reached, when the river cuts its way
through extensive beds of basalt and trachyte (the former predominating),
which continue to the approximate latitude of 3p-
portunity for agriculture is found only at specified points and over restricted
areas. However the popular theory of the sterility of many a western mount-
ain section has been exploded by actual examination, and the average arable
lands below which the entire area west of the one hundredth meridian would
not fall (the parties of this expedition having operated in portions the aridity
of which is a maximum) is to some extent understood by a reference to the
land classification tallies in a later chapter.
Forests of yellow pine await the call for lumber and for mining timbers,
railroad ties, cv.c, while spruce and fir, adjuncts to the forest, will help to swell
the product. The climate at elevations not exceeding 7,000 feet is equable
during spring, summer, and autumn, with heavy winter snows and well
marked seasons for summer and winter, the spring and fall being variable.
Those of the San Luis Valley and of the Upper San Juan and Chama are
regarded as some of the best plateau mountain climates in the entire
Southwest.
Stock raising had entered but little (1874) into these regions, that have
since, however, been appropriated, and the San Juan Valley begins to bring
a reward to the hardy settlers (other than miners) who have cast their lot in
these far distant regions. This year's expedition but skirted the extensive
San Juan mineral area., the knowledge of which is becoming greater each
year and which must remain for a long period an important mining center.
The principal streams within the area, the San Juan, Rio Grande, and
Chama (west of the San Luis Valley), all are blessed with numerous tribu-
taries, especially the first; many of them were meandered and made known
for the first time, adding thus largely to the critical data necessary to the
complete understanding in detail of the topography of this intricate region.
Springs and streams in abundance are found near the heads of the main
streams. All the physical conditions of the vicinity of the numerous heads
■ APHICAL
IGRAPHIC, ;
IEAVER PARK VALLEY OF
; TH MERIDIAN.
PLATE }
(NEJOS RIVER, COLORADO.
.
s.
i--
17 rooms have been counted.
Stone ruins are noted at Nacimiento: Professor ('ope found in the
valley of Gallinas Creek and on the Eocene Plateau to^the west of it the
ruins of man} 7 inhabited places, with pottery, flint, implements, human
bones, &c.
These were remote from water, and no traces of cisterns were found.
Pinon trees of an estimated age of six hundred and forty years were noted
growing in the vicinity. A conjecture is made (since these ruins were all
found in positions of natural defense) that the Cibollians, put to flight dur-
ing the Spanish invasion, occupied these positions, giving an age of three
hundred and thirty years.
No traces of metal were found, and the present Indians can give no
account of the former inhabitants of these ruins.
Independent of the annual reports and contributions to the final vol-
umes, there was published this year a special astronomical volume, to
which the late Dr. Kampf and .John H. Clark contributed.
EXPEDITION OF 1S75.
The operations of the season of 1875 embraced (approximately) 3!', 169
square miles, topographically surveyed — California 19,545, Colorado 6,216,
and New Mexico 13,408 square miles.
The California, Colorado, and New Mexico divisions wen- entirely
separated, the former making their examinations principally in the basins
90 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
of the Colorado and Sacramento Rivers ; the latter in portions of the Upper
Arkansas, Rio Grande, headwaters of the Pecos, the San Juan, and Un-
compahgre.*
The topographic results fall within Atlas Sheets 61 C, 69 B, 70 A, 70 C,
77 B, and 78 A (Colorado and New Mexico), and Sheets 65 C, 65 D, 73 (A,
B, C, and 1>), and portions of Sheets 74, SO, and 81, in Southern California.
The Colorado section was under Lieutenant Marshall, whose report, as
well as others bearing on this part of the work, is to be found in Annual
Report, 1876, and in the quarto volumes.
Eight separate and distinct parties were in the field.
The canon of the Gunnison (Colorado), below the town of that name,
was the principal one visited, the description of which appears in Lieuten-
ant Marshall's Report.
The routes of the following early explorers were crossed: Pike, 1807
(Arkansas and Rio Grande); Long, 1820; Fremont, 1844 and 1845; Em-
ory, 1847 (Arkansas Valley to Santa Fe); Simpson, 1849, to Canon de
Chelle: Gunnison, 1853; Whipple, 1853-'54; and Macomb, 1859. (See
routes on Progress Maps in Annual Reports).
Along the east base of the mountains from Pike's Peak to the south-
ward in 1875 the sectionizing of public lands had been well advanced, the
region being, however, principally a grazing one. Since later developments
in the San Juan region and the throwing open for settlement the lands of
the Ute Reservation, sectionizing the arable and timber, and subdividing the
lands for mineral purposes, has here proceeded at a rapid rate, until it be-
comes a question of the near future (1883) when all the valuable arable and
timber acres of this particular region will be appropriated by actual settlers
and active citizens.
SAN FERNANDO VALLEY.
The San Fernando Valley is comparatively level and plain-like, lying
encircled by mountains, the Santa Monica Range on the south, the Santa
*Note. — The route of the officer in charge was from Caliente via Tehachipi Pass
and northwestern arm of desert to Los Angeles, thence to San Fernando, thence to
head of Tujuuga Creek and return, thence to Santa Clara Valley, thence to Old Fort
Tejon via San Francisquito and Canada de las Uvas passes, Elizabeth Lake, &c, and
thence to McGill's Peak and vicinity and return, thence to Caliente, on Southern
Pacific Railroad.
EXPEDITION OF 1875. 91
Susanna Mountains westward toward the coast, the San Fernando Mountains
on the north, and to the east portions of ranges, the crests of which mark
the drainage-shed between the coast and the interior.
The soil is of a heavy, dark, calcareous loam. It produces all cereals
except corn without irrigation, and with it judiciously applied, the yield
should be largely increased and the whole made a garden. There is but
little water in the valley, the creeks sinking within it (having an under-
ground outlet to the Los Angeles River) being the Big and Little Tujunga,
and Pacoima.
Artesian water ought to be found at well-selected points and at moder-
ate depths along the northern side.
The arable area reaches about the sum of 150,000 acres. Two ranches
only were noted, outside of the old mission of San Fernando and the little
railroad town of same name. Gold occurs in Big Tujunga Canon as well
as iron, the latter also in Pacoima Canon.
Argentiferous galena is found in the San Fernando Mountains. The
only attempt at development in 1875 was upon a gold ledge near the head
of Big Tujunga Canon.
The San Fernando Mission is situated on the grant of that name (em-
bracing nearly the entire valley), out of which the Encinos Ranch, covering
nearly one league square, has been sold, and the old mission buildings, with
their orchards and vineyards, by far the choice spots, have been confirmed
in trust to the Roman Catholic Church. Not more than forty or fifty of the
Mission Indians here remain, one (Don Rafael, with two wives) reported
as having reached an age exceeding one hundred and ten years.
The walls of the main buildings, including the church, are of adobe,
made by the Indians from the immediate soil, with rafters and joining-tim-
bers brought from over the mountains, not less than 25 miles away. The
extended and arched portico, fronting the center of the valley, is of large,
flat, well-burnt brick, cemented with a hydraulic lime, hard and durable.
The buildings were commenced in 1807, and the church bell bears the date
of 1809.
The padres were possessed of large herds of cattle, sheep, and horses,
with droves of hoo-s and numbers of work oxen. Their revenue came
92 I '. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
principally from the sale of tallow, soap, horns, and hides to the Russian
trading-ships touching the adjacent coast. Olive-oil was also produced on
a considerable scale. Near the source of the main springs that furnish
water for the mission is a solid masonry tank, 10 feet in diameter and
from 4 to 5 feet in depth, with pipes leading therefrom, which was evi-
dently used as a distributing reservoir for the church and other buildings,
while a much larger reservoir toward the center of the valley held the bulk
of the flow, doubtless used for irrigation purposes.
The orchard yet contains vines of the Mission grape, the native cactus,
pear, fig, pomegranate, olive, peach, orange, lime, cherry, and palm trees.
The route from San Fernando to Old Fort Tejon crosses the eastern
end of the San Fernando Range near where the Tertiary sedimentaries of the
Coast Range system overlie and join the heavy granitic rocks of this prolon-
gation of the Sierra Nevada, and by a gentle descent crosses to the dry
and sandy bed of the Santa Clara, that takes its rise near the Soledad Pass,
and which (though dry in July, 1875) in times of flood is said to be a
roaring stream with swift current.
The Santa Clara Valley lies in the most direct line from the coast in this
latitude to the basin of the Colorado, and the pass (a good one) has been
utilized by the Southern Pacific Railroad. Unfortunately no safe and com-
modious harbor exists on the sea near the mouth of Santa Clara Valley, as
indeed is true for the entire coast from San Francisco to San Diego
Wharves have been built at Buenaventura and Hueneme, where both
steamers and sailing vessels can land in fine weather, but where no vessels
can lie at anchor with safety during storms. The other points at which
wharves have been built (lying within the coast limits of the area of 187.5)
are Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, and Wilmington, and also a point named
Newport, to the south of the mouth of the Santa Ana, The harbor of Wil-
mington Bay or estuary has been improved by the Government Engineer
Department by a breakwater reaching from the northerly point of Rattle-
snake to headman's Island, made for the first part of the distance, of 12-inch
sheeting piles with heavy stringers, against which the shifting sand from the
ocean side had already begun to bank, and for the part nearest Deadman's
Island of a double row of sheeting piles filled with heavy rocks and with
EXPEDITION OF 1875. 93
ripraps of heavy boulders brought from Santa Catalina Island. This con-
struction was found to be quite successful, and dredging was going on in
the channel leading to the harbor at its entrance, for a width of 60 feet, in
addition to the natural scour. The size of the harbor at its best is small.
Santa Monica is but an open roadstead found within an indentation of the
coast. Because of the dearth of harbors, fit for all commercial purposes, to
the south of San Francisco within our borders, and because of its intrinsic
merits, San Diego must some day become a port of considerable importance,
notwithstanding the want of immediate back country.
Both the San Fernando and Santa Clara valleys were found to be rich
in petroleum indications, while the well examined by me near the summit of
San Fernando Ridge, having passed into granitoid rock below the sandstone
beds, had no chance of finding oil, still doubtless good results will be reached
by deep boring in the Santa Clara- and San Fernando valleys (preferably the
former), or among the lowest of the foot-hills.
The peti'oleum appears to he a product of sandstone impregnated with
asphaltum, while in certain localities masses of asphaltum conglomerate are
found in contact with beds of clay from which the springs bubble up.
They, however, are apt to turn out superficial reservoirs, and deep boring
alone in the valley depressions will fully test the country.
The route from Santa Clara Valley passes up San Francisquito Canon
to its head, thence entering a small, encircled basin, at the northwestern end
of which Lake Elizabeth, the reservoir for the surface drainage of the little
basin, is situated. The pass has been named "Turners," the " Soledad"
(3,332 feet) lying at the eastern outlet of the valley.
It is alleged that discoveries of gold (in quantity) upon this coast, and
prior to American acquisition, were made in this canon and others along the
northern side of the Santa Clara Valley. The contact between the coast-
range tertiaries and the crystalline rocks of the Sierras is noted at a station
about midway of the canon.
Swarms of wild honey-bees have been observed in this region, and
their capture had become a regular business of certain enterprising ranch-
men.
94 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TII MERIDIAN.
The plains, valleys, and low foot-hills had become parched at the date
of visit (July 25), the season being rated a dry one among those that year
l>v year were apparently becoming more arid.
At the altitude of Lake Elizabeth the conifer region begins, and dense
chaparral, shrub-oak, and heavy sage cover lower levels to the edge of the
valley.
It is claimed by the settlers that the banks of Lake Elizabeth have
been settling along the eastern, if not rising along the western, side.
The sheep have made savage work with the rounded hills facing the
lake by treading out the natural grasses (principally the annual "filaree")-
from the roots, which, if not properly cared for, must become in a few years
desert knolls. Passing a low divide one conies face to face with the north-.
western arm of the Mohave Desert. At time of visit there was blowing a
strong, hot wind from the northwest, thus saving one from the terrible heat
of a calm day.
These breezes, that follow the passes between the Sierra Nevada and
the coast ranges as avenues, are marked features of these inland regions.
The usual changes of temperature disturb the equilibrium of Tulare and
Colorado valleys suth'ciently to cause a local How in either direction for the
greater part of each twenty-four hours, thus producing a marked, almost
constant, flux and reflux of shifting currents. The steady encroachment of
the desert sand carried by these oft-recurrent winds in the direction of the
< laflada de las TTvas Pass is noticeable (especially at Lievre Ranch, once
one of the most promising, now half engulfed and buried in sand), and much
grazing ground has been swallowed up thereby and springs choked. The
route hence to Fort Tejon, a station from whence the exploration of the
Southern Sierras began, lav through the above pass, following a winding,
romantic road to the site of the old fort, ensconced in a gladelike open-
inff, with proves in the foreground;
SUMMIT OF MOUNT PINOS.
The best view toward the coast ranges (the ocean itself being visible)
was had from a, point 2 miles west of summit of Mount Pinos (a mountain
to the westward of old Fort Tejon).
EXPEDITION OF 1875. 95
A fine outlook was had upon the valley of the Cuyama River, through
which passes the trail from San Eniidio to Santa Barbara (distance, approx-
imate, 50 miles), and which trail would also be reached through the pass
west of Cuddy's Ranch and Lockwood's Valley.
There is a sharply defined range lying west of the Cuyama, visible from
the above station, called McGill's Peak, after the owner of a saw-mill, below
the steepest declivity of the slope, where Government lands, as in many
another instance noted in various parts of the West, were being despoiled by
a non-owner, and naturally in a wasteful manner.
The local markets for timber were Tejon Ranch and the vicinities of
Bakersfield and Caliente, on the Southern Pacific Railroad.
The drainage to the southwest, south, and southeast following old, eroded
channels without water, is marked only by little springs. The verge of the
desert is reached at the divide to the south of old Fort Tejon.
The secular, desiccating winds driving over this region, with but little
cessation, are having their effect in swallowing up fresh fields with the ever-
drifting sand dune, and Southeastern California, in my judgment, is becom-
ing more and more of a desert,
The ocean currents, more heavily laden with moisture, only impinge
upon the coast to the north of this latitude, while to the south they are in-
tercepted by the pronounced and persistent coast range, which claims the
greater share of moisture as a deposit.
Mines are worked for antimony and silver in the Salt ('reek Canon
(reaching to the desert) just east of San Emidio.
Mineral-bearing strata have also been noted, crossing the canon leading
from Cuddy's Ranch (5,100 feet elevation).
The Frazer mine (gold) lies in the mountain of that name (immediately
south of Cuddy's Ranch), on the eastern side of which copper ore (bromides
and sulphides) have been discovered but not worked.
At the above elevation rye can be grown, but corn, wheat, and vegeta-
bles do not mature (so says Mr. Cuddy, an old soldier, formerly of the First
Dragoons).
Buena Vista Lake, the reservoir of Kern River, that had also been em-
braced in the general system of irrigation planned for the southern half of
96 U- S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF LOOTB MERIDIAN.
the Great Tulare or San Joaquin Valley, lies in view, to the northward of
the route from Old Fort Tejon to Caliente, Cal.
The only Indians along- the routes in Colorado were the Unconipaghre
branch of the Utes, hitherto mentioned, while in California a few of the
('oast Range Indians (Diegenos), at one time reservationed near Old Fort
Tejon, were encountered. With the exception of the characteristic Indian
features, they might easily be mistaken for Mexicans. They gain their live-
lihood bv working for the ranchmen. The Colorado River Reservation was
visited bv Lieutenant Bergland's party, where vocabularies (Mohave and
Chemehuevis) wen- obtained by Dr. Loew, who also contributed data con-
cerning the Pah-Utes of Mono and Inyo Counties, in California, the Kau-
vayas and Takhtams of San Bernardino, and of the other mission Indians of
Santa Barbara, San Gabriel, San Juan Capistrano, and San Diego.
Such general observations as are made refer to the California section,
a region since well known and traversed by railroads, the Southern Pacific
and the Atlantic and Pacific, and brought within the domain of civilization.
The most interesting is the southern section of the Sierra Nevada, with its
passes and valleys, its enormous mountain masses and the high peaks,
whose escarpments form the horizon of the Owen's River Valley and Owen's
Lake, (3,567 above sea-level). They are a wonder to the beholder, bold
beyond description and exhibiting a variety of stupendous rock carving,
inspiring with awe and of which the eye can never tire.
All of the available ground of the Lower Sierra Nevada has been util-
ized for grazing stock, especially sheep from farther to the south in the
vicinity of Los Angeles.
The timber still awaits a market except in small quantities. Ranching
succeeds well in the inclosed valleys among the foot-hills, where water is
sufficiently abundant.
The southern and eastern part of the Great Tulare Valley possesses a
rich alluvial soil, alone wanting water to become highly productive. A
proposition for irrigation on an extended scale was made bv an officer of
the Royal British Engineers (Colonel Brereton), who had had experience in
India, but was never carried out for want of funds. Incidentally it was
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EXPEDITION OF 1875. 97
learned that, he placed the annual evaporation from Tulare Lake (approx-
imately 100 square miles in area) at 6 feet,
A report by Government commissioners upon irrigation of the great
valleys of California (see Ex. Doc, No. 290, Forty-third Congress, first ses-
sion) affords information on this subject. The State of California has insti-
tuted special surveys looking to the critical condition of the supply of water
and its useful distribution, results of which, however, have never been ex-
amined by me. After leaving the Sierras to the south and westward, a
great decrease has of late years been noticed in the volume of springs and
especially the smaller creeks.
FISHERMAN T S PEAK OB MOUNT WHITNEY, SIERRA NEVADA.
Plate XV.— The subject of this sketch (taken by Mr. William A. Cowles, Septem-
ber 22, 1875, from the summit of the peak, lying about 4.79 miles south, 37° 22' 30"
east of the true meridian, and named as Mount Whitney by Clarence King in 1871) is
the highest peak of the Sierra Nevada, and was ascended by parties of the expedition
on September 24, 1875 (William A. Cowles, Frank Holland, and two others), and
October 13, 1875 (Lieutenant Birnie, Louis Nell, and F. Brockdorf).
The latitude and longitude as established by observations and computations of
this office (latitude 36° 34' 32" 9 north, longitude 118° 17' 30" 00 west) is the first
known determination of its geographical co-ordiuates. The azimuths and distances
from Old Camp Independence and Lone Pine will be found in the special volume of
positions, &c. The adopted mean of barometric observations and computations of this
office give an altitude of 14,471 and that by angles of elevation from Old Camp Inde-
pendence and Lone Pine and corresponding angles of depression from the peak is
14,470 feet.
Either of the altitudes place it as the highest point measured by careful baro-
metric observations within the territory of the United States (except Alaska); the
others next in order of height, according to present known measurements, are: (1)
Mount Eainier or Tacoma Peak, Oregon, 14,444 feet; (2) Mount Shasta, California,
14,442 feet (Whitney); (3) Uncompaghre Peak, Colorado, 14,408 feet. Mount Saint
Elias, in Alaska (the geographical co-ordinates of which are so far only approximately
determined), yet to be measured barometrically or by angles of elevation referred to a
well determined land base, has been given altitudes as follows :
Feet.
1786. LaPerouse 12,672
1791. Malespina ' 17,851
1848. Russian Hydrographic Chart 1378 17,854
1849. Tebenkoff, Chart VII 16,938
1872. English Admiralty Chart 2172 14,970
1874. U. S. Coast Survey 19,5004^400
Vancouver gives no elevation (see Appendix No. 10, U. S. Coast Survey Report,
1875, page 159).
7 WH — VOL I
98 V. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TIJ MERIDIAN.
The records of this office show the mean of three readings of the barometer, taken
ut 4, 4.30 and 5 p. in., September 24, 1875; corrected for error and reduced to 32°, is
17,790 inches, the dry bulb thermometer being 35.3 and the wet 20°.
Similar observations at the same hour on the afternoon of October 13, 1875, were:
Barometer reduced 17,840 inches, dry bulb 30.7, wet 33.2. The observations were re-
ferred to the daily means at Camp Independence, and those of Septemper 24 also to
simultaneous observations at a camp near the peak, giving as a mean result 14,471
feet. Angles of elevation and depression place the summit of the peak 10,513 feet above
Camp Independence flagstaff; 10,003 above our camp at Lone Pine, and 10,806 above
our camp on Owen's River, near Eclipse Mill ; careful barometric determinations of
those points being, respectively, 3,950, 3,770, and 3,006 (the last two points being re-
ferred to Camp Independence), giving as a mean result for the altitude of the peak
14.470 feet, which is the final result adopted by this Survey. This result depends
upon the altitude of Old Camp Independence, which is considered to be a well de-
termined barometric station, the adopted mean being the result of a long series of
observations taken in July and August, 1871, and < )ctober and November, 1875. Re-
cent railroad levels furnished this office by the superintendent of the Carson and
Colorado River Railroad place Independence Railroad depot 3,706 feet above sea, and
Lone Pine depot at 3,720, remarking that these points are on the railroad, which runs
through the lowest part of the valley some 3 to 4 miles eastward of Camp Inde-
pendence and Lone Pine, which should therefore be higher, which statement is con-
firmed by the altitudes already adopted by this office.
These levels are dependent upon the assumed altitude of 4,9S5 feet for Mound
House, on the Virginia and Truckee Railroad, the initial point of the Carson and
Colorado Railroad, which is the. altitude adopted for that point by this office.
This point should be checked by level reference to Reno, Nev., the Central Pacific
Railroad level giving 4,405.79 feet for altitude of the junction of Virginia and Truckee
Railroad, 200 feet east of the railroad hotel, before the results depending thereon can
be taken as final.
The peak itself is a rude mass of granite, the culminating point, as shown in
the sketch, being helmet-shaped. The southeastern re-entrant is an ampitheater
carved by glacial action, the perennial ice-fields that have long since been dissipated in
the secular desiccation of the region until the permanent snow and ice beds are but little
patches in the protected hollows of northern ravines and fissures contiguous to the
summit. The crest of the Sierra Nevada in this region is made up of bold granite
masses, with almost a vertical front and bare denuded walls above the timber-line,
which has reached, according to slope, altitudes between 11,200 and 12,000 feet
above sea.
The peak proper springs from the mother mass and is, according to Clarence
King's description, "like the prow of a sharp ocean steamer."
The canons radiating from the peak as a center fall almost precipitiously from
2,000 to 5,000 feet between thin, sharp ridges, pinnacle-topped, forming crater-like
amphitheaters with glacial polished slopes, the summits of which look down upon
alpine lakes of deep sapphire, emerald green, and gorgeous opal tints, surrounded
with snow-fields.
EXPEDITION OF 1875. 99
These naked granite walls are without vegetation, a few gnarled and twisted
pines (sp. Pinus contoria and sp. Pinus albicaulis) clinging to the rocks in the deeper
canons. Several pinnacles are encountered between this peak and that first ascended
and named by Clarence King, in 1871 (or what might be termed Mount Whitney No. 1,
elevation 14,094 feet). This peak has since been called Mount Corcoran by the artist,
Mr. Albert Bierstadt.
The watershed of the immediate peak gives rise to the following streams: Three
minor heads of the southern or main affluent of Lone Pine Creek to the east; the lake
amphitheater, source of an eastern tributary of the north or main fork of Kern Eiver
on the west, and one of the minor tributaries, if not the main head, of this latter stream
to the northwest.
These water-ways, always fed from the everlasting snows, are soon augmented
into considerable streams in season of flood by the violent, frequent, and copious pre-
cipitation at this altitude and from the melting of the winter's snows.
The peak was ascended by Cowles and party from the southwest, who states that
the easiest ascent is from the east and the next best from the northwest. The party
under Lieutenant Birnie approached the peak also from the southwest.
The "Hockett" trail from Visalia to Lone Pine passes south of Mount Whitney
No. 1 (now Corcoran Peak), crossing the divide of the Sierra Nevada at the head of
Cottonwood Creek can best be used in making the ascent from the basin of Upper
Kern River.
From the summit Owen's River Valley, seen to the eastward, appears stretching
to the foot-hills of the White Mountain Range (80 miles distant), the most prominent
peaks of which (White Mountain, 14,245 feet, and McBride's 13,415 feet), are easily
distinguishable.
The Inyo Range, with Waucoba Peak (11,137 feet) at the north, Inyo Peak,
Mount Hahn, and New York Butte (10,971, 11,030, and 10,545 feet, respectively) in
the center, and Cerro Gordo Peak at the southern end, hides partly from view the
more easterly but more prominent range, the Telescope, which forms the western wall
of Death Valley, the main peak, however (10,938 feet), being visible, while through
the persistent blue haze of this desolate region is revealed but dimly Grapevine and
Waguyhe Peaks, lying north and eastward. At the southern end of the Inyo Range,
Owen's Lake, at an elevation of 3,567 feet, lies embosomed as a tiny mirror, joined
with uncertain reflections to the Coso Mountains.
To the southward Mount Corcoran ( L4,038 feet), Sheep Mountain (12,921 feet),
Olancha (11,251 feet), and Owen's Peak (8,026 feet) form the sentinel towers of the
remaining portion of the Sierra in this direction, their glacially eroded northern
fissures holding plainly visible permanent snow-beds.
The horizon to the northwest and north, embracing Kaweah Peak (over 14,000
feet), Mount Sillimau (11,263 feet), Brewer (13,836 feet), Tyndall (14,260 feet approxi-
mately), and Williamson (14,300 feet), completes the immediate mountain panorama,
which must be seen to be appreciated.
Valleys to the eastward and the outlying minor foothills of which, if not the
actual bed of depression, that can be seen, are the Coso, Panamint, and Death Valleys.
The desert toward the Colorado stretches out desolate and bare until lost in the horizon
of Pilot Knob. To the north aud south mountain forms mark the horizon, while to the
100 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
nortkwesr and west the Granitic ril>, extending from Mount Tyndall to Kaweah Peak and
its extension southward, bides even the Coast Range and Tulare Valley from view.
Dr. Rothrock, the botanist of the expedition, reports upon the lower Hanks of this
mountain giaut the presence of Pinus contorta, with Pinus ponderosa on the gentler
slopes, Pinus albicaulis and Pinus Breweri at or near timber line. Spruces also were
noted, and cedars 1 foot in diameter and 4(1 feet high at the elevation of 10,500 feet.
Sheep graze almost to the summit of Mount Whitney No. 1 (Corcoran Peak) and
Sheep Mountain, its southern neighbor.
Note. — As bearing upon tin- name to be permanently applied to this prominent mountain landmark
the records found upon the summit by parties of this Survey are herewith given:
(1) "August 18th, 1*7:?. — John Lucas, C. D. Begole, and A. H. Johnson, the first men on this peak,
' Fisherman's Peak,' found to he the highest in the range, by placing spirit level on Whitney, estimated
to he about 500 feet."
(2) "September Gth, 1873.— Carl Rabe, William Crapo, T. McDonough, and William L. Hunter."
(3) "September I'.uli, 1~7:'>. — This peak, Mount Whitney, was this day climbed by Clarence King,
l". S. Geologist, and Frank Knowles, of Tule River. On September 1st, in New York, I first learned
that Mount Whitney of 1871 was not the highest peak. Storms and clouds prevented me from recog-
nizing [it] in 1871, or 1 should have come here then. All honor to those who came here before me. —
Clarence King."
(4) "J. T. Belshaw, William Crapo, W. R. Johnson, Cerro Gordo, Cal. July 7th, 1875."
(5) "John Muir, Yosemite; George 13, Bayley, San Francisco; C. E.Washburn, San Jose". July
-"2nd, 1875."
(fi) '• Fisherman's Peak, October 3rd, 1875.— J. M. Hutchings, of Yosemite, on a photographic tour of
the high Sierras, in company with Prof. W. E. James, photographer, climbed Fisherman's Peak and
took a series of photographic views. Other persons: Dr. A. Kellogg, M. !>., San Francisco; J. M.
Hutchings, Prof. W. E. James, photographer, New York; Dr. C. B. White, U. S. A., Camp Independ-
ence; A. H. Johnson, guide, Lone Pine; Edward Bedford, Yosemite; George P. Stanley, Brooklyn, N.
Y. ; and James Fleming and John F. Cannell, U. S. A., Camp Independence. Aneroid barometer
(Hutchings), 15,018 feet. 4'hermometer 41° (1 p. m.) Water boiled at 187° F.," &c.
Tho following circumstances of observation of this peak have come to my attention :
(1) A party of the geological survey of California, under Professor Brewer, of Y'ale College, and of
which Clarence King was a member, apparently first saw this peak in 1804, and applied to it the name
of Mount Whitney from the summit of Mount Brewer.
(2) Messrs. King and Cotter again apparently saw it in 1864 from the summit of Tyndall.
(:i) Clarence King afterwards (1864 )at tempted unsuccessfully its ascent from the direction of Visalia.
(4) King, in 1871, ascended the Sierra from Lone Pine, naming what is here termed Mount Whit-
ney No. 1, lying southeasterly, and subsequently claiming, in September, 1873, that he had ascended
and fixed the name to the wrong peak in 1-71
(5) Mr. W. A. Goodyear, with Mr. Belshaw, of Cerro Gordo, were the first to discover and make
known the supposed error in 1873.
(6) On August 18, 1873, passing the Mount Whitney No. 1, where Mr. King's recorded ascent and
name were found, Messrs. Lucas, Begole, and Johnson proceeded to the higher peak, and justly sup-
posing that it was unnamed, christened it Fisherman's Peak. (See copy of their record). The fact of
the ascent was published in an August number of the Inyo Independent.
(7) On September 6, 1873, Carl Rabe and party ascended the main peak and measured it baromet-
rically.
(8) On September 11), 1873, Clarence King ascended this summit from the Visalia side and made the
record, a copy of which is above given.
(0) The parties that subsequently have made the ascent are, Crapo and party, July 4, 1875; Muir
and party, July 22, 1875; One Hundredth Meridian Survey party, September 24, 1875; Hutchings and
party, October 3, 1875; One Hundredth Meridian Survey party, October 13, 1875; Professor Laugley,
consulting specialist of the Signal Service, and party in 1881. The barometric altitude provisionally
adopted by Professor Laugley for the summit is 14,522 feet, only 50 feet higher than than the result of
this office.
EXPEDITION OP 1875. 101
A military reservation of a certain number of legal subdivisions surrounding this
peak has been declared by authority of the President in General Orders No. 07, of the
War Department, September 26, 1883. It is understood that this reservation is for
the purpose of securing the location for a prospective Signal Service station.
In the preparation of the material bearing on Plate XV, I have been greatly
assisted by Lieutenants Birnie and Macomb, Mr. Francis Klett, chief of party, Dr.
Rothrock, and Messrs. Louis Nell and William A. Oowles.
The most remarkable precious mineral developments of the Colorado
area were in the San Juan, where this industry has become fixed and per-
manent, with a regular annual output, while in the flanking ridges of the
Southern Sierra Nevada and in the Coast Ranges from Santa Barbara south-
ward, gold, silver, copper, lead, antimony, and tin have been found, a little
superficial work done with, however, but little careful and intelligent pros-
pecting and less serious development. The Colorado exploration led to the
discovery of an entirely new and hitherto unknown pass by Lieutenant Mar-
shall (now called by his name), leading from the Arkansas to the vallev
of the Gunnison, now traversed by a branch of the Denver and Rio Grande
Railroad. The different approaches to the San Juan from the north and
east were all made clear. In California the profiles through the Canada de
las Uvas, Tejon, and Walker Passes and their approaches were carefully
laid down. The Southern Pacific had already decided upon its line, leaving
the Tulare plains at Bakersfield and reaching the Colorado Drainage or
Mohave Desert by the Tehachapi Pass, thence southward penetrating the
Santa Clara Valley by Soledad Pass. The intricate drainage of the South-
ern Sierras, flowing to the Interior Basin, Mohave Desert, and Tulare Valley,
was for the first time accurately mapped.
The agricultural and grazing facilities of these areas are each year
being more fully utilized, while the section in question is made more acces-
sible than ever to the east by means of the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad
lately (1883) joining a branch of the Southern Pacific Railroad from Mohave
Station, near the mouth of Tehachapi Pass, at the Needles on the Colorado
River.
Without doubt the northwestern arm of the Great Mohave desert is
encroaching upon the passes leading from it to the Tulare Valley, by ever-
increasing beds of drifting sand, the loci of which not long since have been
102 U. S. GEOGEAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OE 100TH MERIDIAN.
farther south and eastward. The secular desiccation common to the whole
interior basin and to the desert regions of eastern or southeastern California
plays its part in the sequence of desolation, already largely accomplished,
ami which has done the greater share of its work. The encroachment should
be resisted by a careful husbanding of present sources of supply, by cleans-
ing and fencing springs, turning creeks of any considerable size upon the
cultivated acres for irrigation, and thus holding within the sub-basins all that
is possible of the original moisture there precipitated.
Professor Marcou adds to the published record the result of his exam-
inations in the Southern Sierra Nevada and adjacent coast ranges, a part of
the ground having been visited by him 22 years before as a member of the
Pacific Railroad exploring expedition under Lieutenant Whipple, corps of
Topographical Engineers (see A. R, 1876).
The results of the botanical investigations will be found discussed in
the Annual Report for 1876, and Vol. VI.
The archaeological researches of 1875 were by far the most important
among those accomplished during a single season, because of the fruitful
and excellent results from special excavations near Santa Barbara, Cal.,
which were well presented by Dr. Yarrow in his preliminary report (see
Annual Report, 1876), and also in Vol. VII, which report is based largely
upon these collections. Dr. Rothrock and Mr. Henshaw with their usual
zeal materially assisted in these findings.
In addition to the usual ornithological and botanical collections for the
year, the special collection consisted of 200 Indian crania (1874 and 1875),
55 lots of modern articles, and 57 boxes of stone and other implements
from graves in Southern California.
The types of this latter collection were studied by Professor Putnam at
Cambridge, and the results embodied in Volume VII, and these, as well
as those temporarily retained at the Washington office, have been finally
deposited in the National Museum.
During this year Volumes III and V, the first of the issue of quarto
publications, passed the press, the usual report was submitted, and an
advance edition of atlas sheets printed. Printed meteorological instructions
were issued (See List of Publications, second edition, 1881).
EXPEDITION OF 1876. 103
EXPEDITION OF 1870.
The area embraced aggregates 21,044 square miles (California 9,550,
Nevada 6,700, Colorado 750, and New Mexico 4,044), and lies in the basins
of the Arkansas, Pecos and Rio Grande for the Colorado portion, and in
the valleys of tributaries to the Upper Sacramento and Humboldt, Car-
son and Walker rivers, of the Great Interim' Basin*
The routes of early Government explorers falling within the areas of this
year are Pike 1807 (Arkansas Valley), Fremont in his routes 1844-45, Lieu-
tenant Peck 1847, and Lieutenant Abert and Peck (southeast of Albuquer-
que) 1846-47, Fremont 1845 (near Walker Lake), Colonel Bonneville 1833
(Humboldt Lakes), Colonel Steptoe 1855, and Captain Simpson 1858-'59.
The Nevada portion of the area joins the southern line of the belt ex-
plored geologically by Clarence King either side of the Central Pacific
Railroad in vicinity of 40th parallel (see Atlas of Geological Explorations
40th parallel).
The public land surveys had entered but a small portion of the area of
this season, but wherever their stakes were found a connection was made
and the record entered in the office plotting sheets, that thus becomes a per-
manent although unpublished record of the Government.
LAKE TAHOE REGION.
One of the crowning beauties of the Northern Sierra Nevada (the whole
range being justly celebrated for its massive grandeur) is the Lake Tahoe
region, the lake itself having been aptly termed "the gem of the Sierras. - '
It is the reservoir of the waters of the upper Truckee River, and several
minor streams, having a single outlet, the main Truckee.
The water is of the deepest colored and most perfect blue, scintillant
from its own purity, changing to aqua marine, as seen from its banks, with
a depth in the center reaching at one measured point over 1,600 feet.f
* Note.— The route of the officer iu charge, after leaving the rendezvous at Fort Lyon, Colo., and
proceeding to that at Carson, Nev., was to Virginia City, Sutro and return via Dayton, Nev., thence to
the vicinity of Lake Tahoe and neighboring mountains and return to rendezvous at Carson, visiting
the stations at Ogden, Utah, both in the inward and outward routes,
tx,, T E.— Systematic soundings should be made in order to establish its greatest and other depths,
as well as its physical couditious and the fauna which it contains.
104 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
One of the most beautiful points on its shore is on the Nevada side, at
Glenbrook, immediately opposite Tahoe on the Truckee, a location more
readily accessible from the Central Pacific Railroad. The most lovely spot-
is at the southern end, near Tallac Point, from which the peak of that
name is reached by a wide trail at a distance of approximately lOi miles.
This peak, rising high above the surrounding foothills (9,715 feet), com-
mands a landscape at once unique and comprehensive and equalled by few
of the many wonderful mountain views of our western region.
At its foot lies Fallen Leaf Lake (lovely within itself) having an outlet
into Tahoe. A perfect view of all the main body of Tahoe is spread before
one, the horizon on every hand is mountain-crowned, the massive Sierra
Nevada peaks — Freels, Monument, Job's, and Job's Sister (all over 10,0.00
feet) — lying to the south and east, with others still higher in the dis-
tant horizon. The most remarkable feature of all is in the number of lakes
(large and small) to be seen within the horizon's circumference. In addition
to those named (Tahoe and Fallen Leaf), there may be seen Washoe, Mar-
tell, Echo, Cascade, Gillmore, and Crass lakes, sixteen small ponds or lake-
lets in the Devil's Basin (nearly all visible from the peak), and eight others
(all small) without names.
These little mountain lakes (belonging to the Truckee and American
River basins) are mostly fringed by forests of evergreens, pine, fir, and hem-
lock. Sadly enough, on the eastern shores of Tahoe, and part of the south-
ern, the flanks are being stripped for timber, to be swallowed in the Comstock
mines. There seems to be no method of arresting this spoliation. It would
have been well years ago had the General Government reserved the slopes
leading to this lake as a permanent pleasure ground, to be regulated for the
benefit of all the people, as well as a specially beautiful spot for rest and
recreation for travelers from all lands.
The boundary between California and Nevada traverses it longitudi-
nally, two counties (Placer and El Dorado) abutting on the California side,
and three in Nevada (Washoe, Ormsby, and Douglas). As Lake Luzerne
of Switzerland is sometimes known as the "Lake of the Four Cantons,"
so might lovely Tahoe be called the "Lake of the Five Counties."
EXPEDITION OF 1876. 105
INDIANS.
The only tribe encountered not hitherto visited was at Fort Yuma,
where a vocabulary of the Yumas was gathered by Lieutenant Berg-land.
These Indians, now decimated in numbers, are well known through the
reports of the Mexican boundary and Pacific Railroad surveys and through
Lieutenant Ives' report of the Expedition of the Colorado.
No new fields especially worthy the attention of settlers fell within this
year's area. The part of the Great Interior basin visited belongs outside of
Carson Valley, Walker and Reese River valleys (all three pretty well
taken up) to the desert land, as well as portions in New Mexico on either
side of the Rio Grande, the most promising of the lands on the bed of this
stream being already in the hands of settlers.
The only mines of any great importance visited were those of the Corn-
stock lode, remarkable for the richness and extent of its bonanzas, and as
having contributed more than $300,000,000 to the world's stock of the pre-
cious metals.
The parties operating in four separate political divisions (California,
Nevada, Colorado, and New Mexico), the peculiarities of the sections entered
were necessarily great and varied.
For detailed descriptions, the annual reports and chapters on description
of maps and land classification should be consulted. The Nevada portions
of the Great Interior basin were particularly sterile, a region devoid of tim-
ber, scanty in grazing, wanting in water, but little available for agricultural
purposes, and with scarcely any timber except near the mountain summits.
The marked exceptions to the above are the valleys of the Carson and
Walker rivers.
The California region near head of tributaries to upper Sacramento
contains a much larger percentage of arable and grazing lands.
Land classification sheets 47 B and 47 D (published together), embra-
cing also a portion of the Carson Valley, contain the following approximate
percentages: Arable, 6.6; timber, 27.6; grazing, 19.7; 36.1 for arid or
barren, and 10.0 for lakes, ponds, and marshes.
106 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
Ranches were found Jotted here and there in most of the mountain
valleys, as also for Colorado and New Mexico, the classification of which
is shown upon sheets (in colors) embracing the surveyed areas of 187(3.
Along the route followed by parties from Fort Lyon, Colo., to Las
Ve'gas, X. Mex., the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad has since been
constructed, while much of the territory at head of Arkansas is pierced
by the tracks of Denver and Rio Grande Railroad, and Denver and South
Park Railroad. In this region the railroads have taken the place of all the
main wagon routes and are but forerunners of others that are finally to
make the whole western mountain regions accessible to the more thickly
settled parts of the nation and the world at large.
The survey of the tributaries of the Upper Sacramento and of the
region to the west of Pyramid Lake points in the direction of more accessi-
ble communication from the Humboldt to the Sacramento, indicating that
the route selected by Lieutenant Beckwith in 1854 (see Pacific Railroad
Surveys, Vol. II), or one south of Pyramid Lake would be the more avail-
able with lesser grades, although possibly a little longer line. Doubtless at
some future day this route or a slight modification thereof will be made an
integral part of the Central Pacific Railroad, thus avoiding, besides difficult
grades, the expense of snow-sheds and dangerous delays by snow blockades.
The following mineral and thermal springs were observed, viz : Soda
Spring, near upper end of Fallen Leaf Lake, temperature 4(1 i° F., the water
of which contains carbonic acid, sesquioxide of iron, and sulphureted
hydrogen (Conkling) ; the Hot Springs, at foot of Lake Tahoe ; Sulphur
Springs, on Belleville and Wadsworth freight road; Warm Springs, at the
State prison near Carson ; the Steamboat Hot Springs, between Reno and
Carson, and the Genoa Hot Springs in Carson Valley (see Annual Reports).
The principal lakes outside of the Tahoe Group in the California region
were Carson and Walker (the reservoirs of these rivers respectively), Pyra-
mid, Honey, and Horse lakes, Donner and Independence lakes, and others
(small) near the heads of the Yuba.
The headwaters of the branches of Feather, Yuba, and American rivers
were for the first time accurately located and traced out, a most intricate
drainage, and a portion of the western rim of the great interior basin north
EXPEDITION OF 1876. 107
of latitude 39° was accurately located and much detailed topographic work
accomplished at the sources of the Arkansas and South Platte, while in
Xew Mexico much new data was gathered near the headwaters of the Pecos
and Mora rivers.
Within the Great Interior Basin bench marks of the Lake of the Glacial
period, discovered by King and named " La Hontan" were observed, mak-
ing the second of a system of ancient lakes upon which detailed observa-
tions have been made for the careful determination of their physical charac-
teristics.
Others are yet to be explored and investigated within the extended
Great Basin area.
DIVERSION OF THE COLORADO RIVER.
The examination of this question from the foot of the Grand Canon to
the Mexican border was intrusted to a party under Lieutenant Bergland,
whose report appears in the Annual Report of 1876.
The river trip of 1871 and the subsequent land explorations extending
upwards along the canon banks of the river as far as " El Vado de los
Padres " and other reliable information, decided beyond all perad venture
that no diversion could be made between the junction of the Grand and
Green and the foot of the lower Main or Grand Canon. Lieutenant Berar-
land concluded also that no diversion was practicable on account of encir-
cling canon walls from this point to the head of the Colorado Valley, near
the Needles — a result consonant with the experience of the river examina-
tion of 1871. Interesting- measurements and experiments upon velocity,
flow, evaporation, high and low water were made at Stone's Ferry, Camp
Mohave, and Fort Yuma.
The fall of the river at Stone's Ferry was found to be 2' .13 per mile :
its sectionzz5,723 square feet, width — 480 feet, hydraulic radius or mean
depths 11'.89, velocity = 3'. 2 17 per second ; volume of discharge— 18,410.38
cubic feet per second. The observations were made between August 9 and
12, 1875. At a modulus of 1 cubic foot per second for 200 acres, the above
volume is sufficient for the irrigation of 3,682,000 acres. The surface of the
water at this station (August 10, 1875) was found to be 1,097'. 5 above sea,
while that of the high water of 187 1 reached 1 , 1 14'»5 or an excess of 1 7 her.
108 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
At Camp Mohave the elevation of the surface (September 2, 1875) was
found to he 704'. 9 above sea, the fall per mile zzl'.2, the area of river section zz
4,62S square feet, its widthrzl,116 feet, mean depth— 4'. 1^4 with a velocity
of 2'. 50864 per second and volume of discharge zz 11,623.43 cubic feet
per second (observations from August 28 to September 2, 1875).
At above assumed modulus this volume would irrigate 2,324,600 acres.
The river fell 5'. 11 at Mohave from July 9 to September 5, 1875. The high
water of 1N74 was 8 feet higher than level of September 2, 1875. At Fort
Yuma (below junction of the Gila) the elevation of water (March 20, 1876)
was found to be 120'. above sea, the area of cross-section 2,726.5 square
feet, width 461 feet, fall 1'.21 per mile, mean depth 5'.848, velocity zz2'.X<>9
per second, volume of discharge (March 15 to 20, 1876) zz 7,658.74 cubic feet
per second, or sufficient for the irrigation of 1,513,600 acres. The high-
water mark of 1862 was 10M9 above that of March 20, 1876.
At Stone's Ferry daily evaporations of 0".1S and 0".23 were observed.
At Mohave, August 30 and 31, 7 p. m. to 7 a m., the evaporation was
0".l 1, and from 7 a. m. to 7 p. m., on August 30, 0".69, or total for twenty-four
hours of 0".8.
Lieutenant Bergland deduces an approximate annual evaporation of
95.77 inches, which would correspond to a reservoir lake sufficient to retain
the flow at Mohave in September, 1875, of 55(1 square miles.
At Fort Yuma, in August and September, 1868, Dr. Lauderdale, sur-
geon, U. S. Army, measured daily evaporations of 0".408 and 0".409, and
Lieutenant Bergland, from March 19 to April 1, 1876, daily evaporations
from 0".3 to 1".02, or an average of 0".5, corresponding to a reservoir lake of
570 square miles. Lieutenant Bergland found the soil in the vicinity of the
Colorado Indian Reservation too porous, the canals easily undermined,
fluming being in many cases necessary, and is of the opinion that levees
would be necessary to prevent overflows and destruction of canals and
ditches in case any system of irrigation is undertaken on a large scale.
It is safe to estimate that at high- water stages at Camp Mohave there
is sufficient water to irrigate 5,000,000 acres, were the same required. The
conclusion arrived at by Lieutenant Bergland is to the effect that the river
could lie diverted north of Fort Yuma by a cutting of 160 feet, and also the
EXPEDITION OF 1870. 109
sand ridge west of Pilot Knob, and with a canal about 30 miles in length
to reach the depressed area, and states that there are better points
within Mexican territory. No present or prospective want will demand the
former undertaking at any point below the boundary, while, were such a
result necessary, doubtless the channel of New River might be utilized.
A lake surface sufficiently large to act as an evaporating reservoir for
the maximum influx of waters below the Gila would not exceed 1,000 square
miles in extent, hence the effect of turning the channel into the depressed
basin (especially at a minimum stage) would be to establish an inclosed
reservoir without ocean outlet, while a flood stage would lead to an over-
flow and cutting of a new and natural channel to the Gulf (lined by lagoons),
which would in time become a partial tidal channel at high waters. In any
event no climatic change worthy of the name, from the introduction of
such a sized lake in this large desert area, would result, since the increase
of relative humidity that would be experienced within the perimeter of a
thousand yards would quickly be dissipated and swallowed up by the eager
and absorptive dry winds of the desert and reprecipitation but little in-
creased. The basin drained by the Colorado of the West is, approximately,
241,965 square miles, or 154,857,600 acres. It is composed of mountain
valleys, plateau, mesa, canon, and desert sections in wonderful variety.
There are three marked districts within tin's area, divided somewhat as
follows: (1) The more desert parts, bounded on the east by the west wall of
the Grand Canon, limited on the north by the rim of the Great Interior Basin,
and extending south and eastward near the head of the Salt and Gila rivers
to the continental divide. (2) The plateau and canon district, the eastern
limit extending northward along the continental divide to, approximately,
37° north; thence to junction of Green and Grand; thence westward to the
junction of the Great ( 'anon wall and rim of the Great Interior Basin; thence
southerly to west wall of Grand Canon; thence following southwestern edge
of Colorado Plateau to continental divide, constituting in fact the Great Colo-
rado Plateau entire. (3) The province of the mountains and their outliers,
being, respectively, the basins of the Green and Grand rivers. The first, or
desert, province is, approximately, 72,889 square miles; the plateau section,
approximately, 83,980 square miles, and the mountain area, approximately,
85,190 square miles.
110 U. 8. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
This special duty of Lieutenant Bergland, to which general topographic
observations were added, brought him within the lines traversed by the fol-
lowing earh' explorers:
Major Emory, 1849 to 1857 (Mexican Boundary west from Yuma); Cap-
tain Sitgreaves, 1851 (on the Colorado); Lieutenants Williamson and Parke
L854 (Pacific Railroad Surveys), and Lieutenant Ives, 1858 (Exploration of
the Colorado).
Not less interesting were the special explorations affording new geo-
graphical contributions in the basins and deserts north of the Mohave, ex-
tending eastward to the Amargosa, and including Death Valley, Panamint,
and Owen's River and Lake (see reports by Dr. Loew in the Annual Report
for is?*;).
These valleys, extending eastward from the southern end of the Sierras,
decrease in elevation until a tract near the central portion of Death Valley
is found at a depression of nearly 200 feet below sea-level.
The depressions in order of succession (all of a general northerly or
southerly trend), are the valleys of Owen's River, Panamint, and Salinas,
and the desert of Death Valley and Amargosa, the four dividing ridges being
the Inyo, Argus, Telescope, and Amargosa ranges. No running water is
found in the desert solitudes, outside of Owen's River the withering dryness
ot this portion of the western desert region is perfect and equal to that found
in any portion of the Sahara, but happily the area permanently desolate is
but small in comparison.
EXPEDITION OF 1877.
The area of this season's work aggregated 32,477 square miles, dis-
tributed as follows: California, 6,825; Colorado, 3,825; Idaho, 8,877; Ne-
vada, 3,066; New Mexico, 6,303; Utah, 3,350; and Wyoming, 231 square
miles. This area falls within the basins of the Upper Sacramento and its
tributaries and the Great Interior Basin at the west, the Great Salt Lake
Basin and those of Bear and Snake rivers in the center, and the basins of
the Gunnison, Arkansas, and Rio Grande in the eastern section.*
*Note. — The route of the officer in charge after reaching rendezvous at Carson
was thence to Virginia City and return; thence, via Truckee, to Lake Tahoe, Tallac
Peak and vicinity, and return to Carson; thence to Ogden, Utah; thence to Bear
Lake, via Logan, Utah; thence to Twin Creek; thence to Green River Valley and
return, via Randolph and Evanston, Wyo., to Ogden, Utah.
EXPEDITION OP 1877 1 1 1
The routes of the earl)' explorers crossed by the western section were
those of Frdmont, 1843 (near Camp Bidwell); Beckwith, 1854 (from Hum-
boldt to Sacramento Valley) ; Williamson, 1865 (Feather River); and in the
central, Bonneville, 1833; Fremont, 1843; and Dixon, 1859 (from the Dalles
to the Great Salt Lake) ; and Emory, 1847; Gunnison, 1853; Loring, 1859
(Salt Lake City to Santa, Fe); Lieutenant Smith, 1841); and Captain Over-
man (1873), in the eastern section (see Progress Map).
Wherever possible the data established in these early route surveys have
been utilized and their reports examined; in fact, up to and until the close of
the war of the rebellion, these and the public-land surveys comprised the
only surveys of this entire western region, and, as is well known, the latter
are only planimetric and for a specific and single purpose (i. e., subdividing
land and to gather measured boundaries upon which to base its sale).
Uniformly the stakes marking subdivisions within the area of a given year's
survey have been joined with, wherever found. This season was marked
by certain special surveys more in detail, as of the Lake Tahoe region
(scale 1 inch to 1 mile), the Washoe mining district (scale 1" = 5«)0'; pub-
lished at 1 inch to 1,500 feet) as a basis for the systematic examination of
this center of the precious metals.*
The Mescalero Apache Indian Agency, situated on Tulerosa Creek,
southwest of Fort Stanton, New Mexico, came within the area assigned Lieu-
tenant Morrison, who reports this region as well watered and timbered, and
abounding in game. The number of these Indians in 1881 is given at 900
(see Annual Report of Indian Commissioner for 1882). Morrison states that
they are below medium size, of scant angular frames, and with larger ami
less symmetrical bones than the Navajoes, also less intelligent and more
* One of the most interesting of the many phenomena presented by the workings of the Corn-
stock mines is tin- great heat encountered at the lower levels, ami it was to the investigation of the
sources of this heat-supply that Mr. Church devoted much of his time. As is readily seen, the ques-
tion of future increase or decrease of tin- temperature is a most important one in its heart eg upon the
prosperous working of the mines. As the result of his investigation, Mr. Church reached the conclu-
sion that tin- usual explanation of the heat that .exists in the eruptive rocks of many localities, namely
that it is the last manifestation of the heat which fused the rocks, does not apply here, because of the
persistence with which the supply is maintained under conditions that make extraordinary draughts
upon it. He considers the true source to he the chemical alteration of the feldspathic minerals in the
rocks, or the. process technically known as kaolinization — the changing of feldspar to clay. As to the
question of increase of heat he is of the opinion that it is subject to a steady and moderate increase as
greater depths are reached.
112 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
squalid. Among them marriage is a barter for the female ; the dead are
buried on hills and covered with boughs and stones. The women make
baskets, wliile some of the men labor in the fields.
Among the areas visited and mapped in 1877 most worthy the attention
of the courageous and enterprising settler, are the valleys of the southern
tributaries of Snake River, west of the Bannock Reservation and of the Gun-
nison, all of which region is now easily accessible by rail (see description
of Atlas Sheets).
Lieutenant Morrison reported prospects of gold, silver, and copper in
the Sierra Blanca, near Fort Stanton, but little known and entered upon
since it was embraced in an Indian reservation.
The most direct route from the head of the valley of Great Salt Lake
to the Snake River was defined and measured. The Utah Northern Rail-
road, starting at Ogden, has since entered this ground.
A fine natural pass was noted at the head of Twin Creek (a stream
entering Bear River valley), which leads to Ham's Fork of Green River.
The approaches on either side were found to be superior to those on the old
Bridger wagon-road to the southward. The game of this vicinity consisted
(1877) of black, grizzly, brown, and cinnamon bear, elk, black, and cotton-
tail deer in small numbers, with antelopes, foxes, coyotes, wolves, duck,
grouse, sage hens, and rabbits in abundance; also many trout in the mount-
ain streams.
The valley of the Gunnison, mapped in 1877, has since been opened
up, largely through the energy of the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad,
being availed of- for a part of their route which extends west to Salt Lake
City over pretty much the same line as that explored by Gunnison during
the Pacific Railroad surveys (and known as Gunnison's route). A second
railroad from Denver, the Denver and South Park Railroad, also reaches the
valley of the Gunnison, near the town of that name.
The routes leading from Forts Craig and McRae to Stanton were care-
fully measured, as well as the region (a part of it the Jornada del Muerto)
lying between and about the site of the Mescalero Indian Agency at
Tulerosa.
EXPEDITION OF 1877. H3
The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad now traverses the greater
part of the entire length of the above "Jornada."
THERMAL AND MINERAL, SPRINGS.
Many thermal and mineral springs were noted by Lieutenant Tillman
in Utah and Idaho (see Annual Report for 1878, page 110) on the Bear,
Blackfoot, and Port Neuf rivers and along Mink and Salt creeks. Tempera-
tures as high as 145° were recorded. Among the number were the well-
known Soda Springs at Morristown, Idaho, near Bear River. Lieuten-
ant Tillman observed that the carbonic acid gas escaped in such quantities
that birds alighting near them are poisoned and that grasshoppers succumbed
in less than two minutes.
At the Hot Springs, near Honey Lake, Lieutenant Symons observed a
temperature of 210° F. at the source, found to have an elevation of approxi-
mately 4,000 feet above sea, A number of these springs are found among
the flanks of Hot Sjiring Mountain.
Lieutenant Bergland was enabled to measure the volumes of the Rio
Grande above the North Fork, as also the latter, as well as the Gunnison
above the confluence of the Tumichi, and the latter stream with the following
results :
Main stream (Rio Grande), June 22, 1877: width, 182 feet; maximum
depth, 7 feet; area of section, (392 feet; mean velocity, 5.229 feet per second,
and volume of discharge, 3,618.4ii8 cubic feet per second. (This was at
nearly its highest stage). North Fork (same date), width, 94 feet; mean
depth, 3.125 feet; area of .section, 196.5 square feet; mean velocitv, 5.43 feet
per second, and volume of discharge, 1 ,067 cubic feet per second, thus making
a combined flow, or that of the Rio Grande below its north branch at this
stage of 4,685.5 cubic feet per second.
The Gunnison, on November 5, 1.S77, was found as follows: Width, 75
feet: mean depth, 3.4 feet; area of section, 154.17 square feet; mean velocitv,
1.57 feet per second, and volume of discharge, 242 cubic feet per second.
The Tumichi, width, 64 feet: mean depth, 1.8 feet; area of section, 50
feet: mean velocity, 2.63 feet, and volume, 131.57 cubic feet per second,
S WH — VOL I
1 ]4 I '• S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
thus aggregating for the Gunnison below mouth of Tumichi 373.5 cubic
feet at nearly a minimum stage. This is much larger at a season of high
water, when the Gunnison cannot be forded with safety.
The mean daily evaporation at Los Pinos Indian Reservation, from
August '•• to 2 I, L887, was 0".5537, of which 70 per cent, occurred between
sunrise and sunset, and the balance of 30 per cent, during 1 the niffht.
A small cave was explored by Lieutenant Morrison and party near Fort
Stanton, New .Mexico, in the limestone (capped by sandstone) of the Sierra
Blanca. The main line extended, approximately, 1,000 feet from opening,
and two laterals were measured, one, approximately, 1,400, and a second
about 1,700, feet in length. The domes, stalagmites and stalactites, and
crystals were found comparatively uninteresting. (See Annual Report, 1877,
page 138.)
The topographic results will be found embodied in Sheets 38 B and D,
47 15 and 1), 56 B, 32 C and D, 41 A and B, 61 A, s4 B, and part of 77 1 ).
(See also description of maps. )
During the year Vol. IV (Paleontology) and Vol. II (Astronomy) of the
quarto reports were issued ; also the Catalogue of Mean Declinations ol 2,01 8
Stars, and the usual annual report.
Editions of final Atlas sheets 53 C, 61 C (sub), 65 D, 70 A and C, and
77 B were issued. (See "List of Reports and Maps.")
EXPEDITION OF 1878.
The area mapped aggregated 26,550 square miles (California 10,175
New Mexico 8,625, Oregon 7,600, and Texas 150 square miles).*
Portions of areas visited in 1873, 1874, 1875, 1876, and 1877 were con-
nected with and in certain cases impinged upon.
The main basins entered were the Columbia, Great Interior, Sacra-
mento, Coast, Mohave, Great Salt Lake, Rio Grande, Pecos, and portions of
* Note. — The route taken by the officer in charge was from rendezvous at Carson,
Nev., to Virginia. Nev., and returning, thence to Fort Bidwell via Reno, thence to
Fort Klamath, thence to the Dalles on the Columbia River via Corral Springs, Des
Chutes, and Crooked rivers and Warm Springs, thence to Fort Walla Walla and re
turn, thence to Portland via Fort Vancouver, thence to Sacramento, Cal., via Roseburg,
Oreo., and Redding, Cal,
EXPEDITION OF 1878. 115
the Gila, the following being the principal streams : Columbia, Des ( Jhutes,
Upper Sacramento, Pitt, Stanislaus, Tuolumne, Merced, and branches of
San Joaquin, Los Angeles, Mohave, Rio Grande, Pecos, Miembres, and Gila
rivers.
The canons of the Tuolumne, Stanislaus, and Merced rivers of the
Sierra Nevada are shown on Atlas Sheet 56 D. (See description of Atlas
sheets.)
The routes of the early Government explorers crossed were those of
Fremont (1843), eastern base of Cascade; Warner, 184!); Derby, 1849;
Stevens. 1853; Mendell, 1855; Williamson and Abbott, 1855; Beckwith,
1854; Dixon, 1859; Williamson, 1865 ; Emory, 1846-'47; Whipple, 1853;
Parke, 1854, and Overman, 187:') (See Pacific Railroad Reports, Vols. IV,
VII, XI, and later report of the Bureau of Topographical Engineers, and
of Corps of Engineers and Progress Map, with the several Annual Reports.)
In these areas, in 1878, the subdivision by the General Land Office had
but little entered, on account mostly of their inaccessibility, mountainous
structure, and desert character; however, since fliat date it is learned that
large areas of timber, valley, and grazing lands, and that showing mineral
resources (both economic and precious), have come into the market and been
disposed of to the settler.
PARTIAL ITINERARY. 1-7-.
Fort Bidieell to Fort Klamath.
The route from Surprise Valley to Goose Lake Valley lay via Lassens Pass (eleva-
tion 6,201 feet) of the Warner range, marking a point of the western rim of the Great
Interior Basin. This pass debouches into Fandango Valley that leads into Goose Lake
Valley nearly due east from the southern point of the lake of that name.
The next day the route was continued from Willow Ranch, passing through Lake
View, a new town or nucleus of agricultural settlement in this vicinity, where a land
office had lately been established.
Goose Lake was found to contain freshwater and plenty of trout. Along the
eastern side toward the foot-hills of the Warner range, basalt, covering tabular lime-
stone, cropping here and there was noticed. The volcanic soil is dark, tillable, and
many ranches have been taken up. The valleys were found abundantly clothed with
grass, and the pine timber of the surrounding foot-hills was of luxuriant growth. The
succeeding day's journey lay entirely in the valley of Sprague Liver (discovered by
and named after Major Sprague, Paymaster's Department) to Prine's Ranch.
IK) U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SI l;\ I'.VS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAK
The following; day brought us (en route to join the main party of the California
division at Fort Klamath) to Yaiuax, a branch of the Klamath Indian Ageucy. A
lovely country was traversed during this day's inarch, all being within the Indian
reservation after reaching a point a few hundred yards west of Prine's Ranch.
The march was resumed the following day, expecting to be able to reach Fort
Klamath, but as luck would have it a road forking in the heavy timber was taken for
t he main one on account of its fresher tracks and apparently more frequent use. This
proved, however, to be the old Eugene City wagon-road, and brought the party just
at dusk to a little stream with abrupt banks, the bridge over which had gone to decay,
thus stopping further progress. Reference to the topographical notes showed an
erroneous course. The route was through heavy forests with little glade-like openings
finely grassed. After a short rest aud supper the back track was taken by moonlight,
and camp made at about 3.30 a. in. near the fork of the roads. At daylight the march
was resumed until about 3 p. in., when the open valley of Williamson's River was
reached (this river was discovered by Colonel Williamson, U. S. Engineers, in his
route from Sacramento Basin to Columbia River in 1865, and named after him), and
later the regular Klamath Ageucy. The territory of this Indian reservation is spotted
with tracts of fine land for fanning and grazing purposes, with timber in sight from
almost any point in all directions, and well watered with clear and limpid streams
abounding in mountain trout. The succeeding march brought the party to the rendez-
vous at Fort Klamath, where the more arduous labors of the season were to begin.
Fort Kin math to The Dalles, Oregon.
The route northward to The Dalles had for au initial point the main Indian agency,
to which our steps were retraced, aud thence following a northerly direction camp was
made on the west bank of Williamson's River, a short distance above an Indian trail,
crossing the river to the eastward and passing just south of the abandoned bridge,
mentioned on the Eugene City wagon-road.
Pine forests, grazing, and tillable soil are noted, respectively, on the rolling hills,
the slopes next to the valley, and in the valley proper.
The succeeding day's inarch follows northward for a distance of 22. 85 miles, the
rude wagon-road, fashioned upon a natural bed, passing along the western edge of
Klamath Marsh (here a meadow-like opening), thence through rolling ground, scantily
timbered and grassed, crossing Sand Creek, a lively running stream of clear water,
with sandy bed and banks, having its source near the summit of Scott Peak, of the
Cascade Range, nearly due west. This water readies Williamson's River through the
marsh. Camp is made at " Big Springs," that burst through the basalt cap of the out-
lying fields of the immense eruptive flows that together gave size to the uplift of
the Cascades, flooding large areas on either side of the main axial line of upheaval and
flow. The great flat surrounding Klamath Marsh is marked by stunted pines, burned
in patches; larger pines toward the foot-hills rear their massive heads, lending color
to the higher foot hills and mountain tops as high as 10,000 feet of the range to the
westward.
Thielson Peak, a needle shaped, inaccessible pinnacle, standing bold against the
horizon, bears north 54° west from Big Springs. The report was current at Fort
Klamath that a number of unsuccessful attempts to scale this mountain mass, so pre-
EXPEDITION OF 1878. 117
cipitous near its summit, have been. made, but I am in doubt whether any mountain or
plateau masses are inaccessible, except along certain lines of approach (instances like
Thielson, and Cabezon en route to Fort Wiugate, New Mexico, and the Grand Canon
walls, are notable as being almost, if not entirely, exempt from escalade), yet the nat-
ural erosion will always find weak lines in the rock mass, the profile of which is less
abrupt and possible of access with the necessary appliances for skillful mountain
climbing.
Dangerous and difficult though it may be, it stdl is to be doubted whether there
exists any mountain peak on the globe that cannot be ascended to the summit by a
well-equipped party of two or three practical and hardy explorers.
The water of the Big Springs is pure and cold. The little stream flowing from
them absorbs and gives out an alkaline efflorescence.
The next camp is made at Corral Springs, a short distance west of the main route,
north and on the Eugene City road, distance 21.64 miles. Meadows, upper tributaries
of Klamath Marsh, were passed during the day, surrounded with pine forests, increas-
ing in size and density as the foot hills are reached.
Here the party is divided, one portion going westward to explore the Eugene City
Pass of the Cascades, the parks adjoining, and the headwaters of Des Chutes River,
while the remainder follow the road northward to Little Meadows, on the Des Chutes
River.
The route to this point lay entirely through an almost unbroken forest of Oregon
pine (Pi mis ponderosa prevailing).
Emigrant wagons were passed since leaving Williamson's River, of pioneers from
Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, the owners of which, having exhausted the search for lands
of promise in a due western direction, had now turned their faces northward and were
aiming for the Pelouse River region. Thus the roving instincts of mankind help to
point out and determine the land, paving the way to its settlement and to dots among
the world's productive areas. The soil and exposed rock still remain persistently
volcanic (a comparatively late basalt). Walker Range, lying to the east, a low serrated
ridge, marks a part of the perimeter of the northwestern arm of the Great Interior
Basin, and its most westerly point is found (centrally) in this range, at longitude
121° 40' west of Greenwich (approximately).
The route hence to Crooked River followed the Des Chutes to Farewell Bend, and
thence across a volcanic desert for more than 30 miles, to Carmical's Ranch, on Crooked
River, at which point a route westward to the Willamette Valley crosses the Cascades
at an elevation of 3,154 feet, near Fish Lake, between Mounts Jefferson and Washing-
ton. At Big Meadows and Farewell Bend stock raising was carried on in a small way.
The whole upper Des Chutes River is valuable for agriculture in the bottoms, grazing
at average altitudes, and for timber to the very summit of the Cascades, and offers fine
inducements at least to the pastoral class.
Game proved abundant everywhere in the valley of the Des Chutes, and fish were
plentiful (especially mountain trout) in the streams. The larder was generally well
supplied with dressed venison and antelope meat and trout daily caught. Bear
(grizzly, brown, and black) are of common occurrence in the mountains.
Crooked River was settled at a place called Priueville, and again by ranches toward
its source, by pioneers who had crossed the Cascades from the Yv illamette Valley,
118 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF LOOTH MERIDIAN.
pushing farther into the wilderness. The route from Oarmical's followed north ward
for about 15 miles, to Willow Creek settlement, then north and west to IYrr\ , on the
Des Chutes, near the Warm Spring Agency. The country passed over was a rolling
mesa (still basaltic soil), covered with a luxuriant growth of grass, and with pine
thickets occasionally interspersed. At Willow Creek farming was carried on, but else-
where grazing, one of the camps having been made at a small ranch, the ground and
home of a sheep-herder (an Englishman) from Australia, caring for herds belonging to
stock-growers who had begun their career and made their first attempt in Austra lia.
About 6 miles from Oarmical's, on the summit of a small butte to the west of the
road, a most beautiful and comprehensive view of the Cascades from Mount Scott on
the south to Mount Adams on the north was had.
A slight rain in the, night had been a snow fall in the mountains, and the high
peaks were all covered to below timber line, presenting the appearance of huge rough
diamonds in an emerald setting. The morning was sunny and (dear, and the vision
entirely unobstructed by excess of humidity or haziness. There were visible, counting
from the southward, the following peaks (each worthy a special description): Scott,
Thielson, Diamond, Davis, Black Butte, Baldy, Saint Mary, the Three Sisters, Wash-
ington, Jefferson, Hood, and Adams, twelve in all. No similar or as extensive a mount-
ain panorama was elsewhere encountered in travels in the West, and one can easily
believe it to be worthy of comparison with like panoramas in the Himalayas seen
from the crests of their subordinate or outlying foothills.
Warm Spring Agency, one of the advanced Indian outposts, was reached, where
the Indians were under the guidance of Captain Smith, an enthusiast, and a compara-
tively large, number were engaged in agricultural and pastoral pursuits. From this
point it became necessary to makea hurried trip through the settlements of Oak Grove
and Tygh Valley to Dalles, on the Columbia River, to inspect astronomical stations
and pay attention to affairs in other parts of the widely distributed expedition of this
year. Lieutenant Symons passed over portions of the, same line later in the season.
(See Annual Report, 1S79.)
INDIANS.
'Flie Klamath Indian Reservation was found to lie the home of a num-
ber of the Klamath, Modoc, and Snake tribes.
The total population, as given in report of Indian Commissioner for
1886, is 972. A subagehcy for farming purposes at Yainax, (in the south-
ern edge of the reservation, together with the main one at, Fort Klamath,
were the headquarters of the Government employe's belonging to the Kla-
math agency. The question of actual and final boundary was in dispute; the
area claimed is approximately 1,056,000 acres, or an average of 1,086 for
each man, woman, or child. The Warm Spring Indians, numbering Soli
according to the Indian Commissioner's Report of L886, wore found to be
well advanced in the art of agriculture, many of them living in wooden
EXPEDITION OF 1878. 119
houses, using plows and other modern implements, transporting their crops
by heavy teams, under an enthusiastic agent advancing toward the idea of
individual ownership of land, if not citizenship.
The section of territory visited in 1878 found to contain the most in-
ducements to the settler on account of agricultural and grazing values lies
along the entire length of the Des < 'hutes Valley in Oregon, at the sources
of the Klamath, Williamson, and Sprague rivers (part of Klamath Indian
Reservation) and about the headwaters of the Colorado Chiquito, San
Francisco, and Gila rivers in New Mexico. The soil in the former locali-
ties is drawn direct from the heavy rich basalt of the Cascades, and in the
latter principally from trachytes and rhyolites of the Colorado Plateau, being
rich in carbonates of lime and magnesia, potassa, and phosphoric acid.
Regions notable for heavy timber (especially of the conifer speci
are the summits (except the high peaks) and flanks of the Cascade range,
the western flanks of the Sierra Nevada, the Miembres range in New Mex-
ico, as also the mountains and mesas about the headwaters of the San
Francisco, Colorado Chiquito and Gila rivers, this section marking the
southern extension of the great and almost unbroken forest commencing
north and west from San Francisco Mountain, heretofore mentioned.
Ranches, mainly of herders for stock-raising purposes, already dotted a
part of these regions in 1878 (see Annual Report, 1879), and while the
amount of arable ground is not relatively so great (see chapter on land
classification), still, together with that fit for grazing, and the large masses of
timber, independent of the minor resources only faintly developed, give
promise of the general occupancy of these territories by thrifty settlers.
The condition of the mining industry undergoes an annual increase
and expansion until the records of the subdivisions required in obtaining
title form no inconsiderable feature of the labors of the General Land Office.
The routes particularly worthy of mention lying within the area of the
1878 survey are those from Fort Bidwell to Fort Klamath via Klamath In-
dian Agency, and from the latter point to The Dalles on the Columbia River
(see Special Report, list of geographical positions, &c.); also that from
Fest's Ferry on the Rio Grande to near headwaters of Little Colorado at
Springerville, a route along which railroad communication could easih be
120 U- S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TB MERIDIAN.
had with the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad, near Eagle Station,
due east from Fest's Ferry, and the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad, at Hol-
brook, on the Little Colorado, thus making another direct connection between
San Francisco and the Gulf ports at Galveston and New Orleans, by util-
izing the branch of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad extending
to El Paso. The approximate length of road necessary to build would be
200 miles, from Holbrook, on Atlantic and Pacific, to Eagle Station, on Atchi-
son, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad.
While the route or routes followed by the parties of 187-8 from the
basin of the Rio Grande to that of the Little Colorado may not be the most
available, still a practicable line can doubtless be found along several routes,
and I look for such a link in the connection from San Francisco to the Gulf
of Mexico as something of the near future.
The distance from Mohave Station, on Southern Pacific Railroad, to El
Paso is stated at 940 miles, and that from the same station to Holbrook, in
valley of Little Colorado, 564 miles, and the remaining- distance to El Paso
(allowing 200 miles of road to be built) is 314 miles, or a sum total of 878
miles, making a saving in distance only of approximately 25 miles. A north
and south line, meeting rail communication at head of Sevier River, could
cross the Colorado at mouth of Paria and join the Atlantic and Pacific Rail-
road at Sunset crossing, in which event the link from the Little Colorado to
the Rio Grande would complete the chain of connection from the heart of
the western mountain region to the Northeastern and Eastern Mexican
States and tidewater at Galveston.
Crater or Mystic Lake, a singular mountain reservoir, lies near to and
north of the summit of the divide (Cascade Range) between the upper
Klamath Valley and the head of Rogue River, a distance, approximately,
of 23 miles from Fort Klamath.
The elevation (barometric) of the lowest point on its southern rim is
7,143 feet above sea, giving an elevation of 0,243 feet for the surface of the
water.
The route out of Klamath Valley crosses Wood River, then ascends
Annie Creek, that takes its rise in the basaltic cap near the summit of the
divide and at an elevation permitting of the source being fed subterraneously
EXPEDITION OF 1878. 121
from this lake, the right line distance through re k to the edge of the lake
being approximately 2 miles.
The road is entirely along a volcanic floor, through thick pines, spruce,
and firs. A suite of nine distinct layers of volcanic rock is shown on the
precipitous walls of the bowl-shaped reservoir, that is 900 feet deep from
lowest point of southern rim, and not less than 2,000 feet at the northeast
angle opposite Mount Scott, of the Cascade Range.
Snow lies nearly the entire year about the basalt rim, but the drainage
is always from the interior or lake surface along the entire perimeter, except
for a trifling surface drain at the most depressed or southerly point. The
usual snow and rains are apparently the only feeders.
It is believed that the water, which is clear and pure, does not freeze
during the winter. It is certainly unique among all lakes the characteristics
of which are known to me. Its bed has evidently been in the past the amphi-
theater of long-continued volcanic activity, and appears to be in shape some-
what like the basin of Kilauea, one of the largest of the present active vol-
canos of the Sandwich Islands.*
The water-line on a bold detached rock pedestal or shaft showed arise
above the then level of nearly (i feet.
A crater island or black basaltic frustum towers from the surface at the
western side of the lake (about 2§ miles from extremity of lake opposite
Mount Scott), the elevation of its summit being approximately 2,500 feet
above the water's edge. This cone is covered with scattered pines nearly
to the top. There is no evidence on the blackened rocky shore of fish,
• Captain Dutton, U. S. Ordnance, gives the following dimensions for rlie volcanic vent known as
Kilauea, on t lie island of Hawaii: "A pit about 3A miles in width, nearly elliptical in plan, and sur-
rounded with cliffs for the most part inaccessible to human foot, and varying in altitude from a little
more than 300 bet to a little more than 700 feet." (Fourth AuDual Report U. S. Geological Survey, p.
104.)
He suggests the term caldera for the very limited class of amphitheaters, of which this y be con-
sidered a type-. Mokuaweoweo, the caldera found at the summit of Mauna Loa, about 22 miles from
Kilauea, northwestward, has horizontal dimensions somewhat less than the latter, while a depth of 600
feet is stated for one point on its rim. He accounts for the shapes of the peculiar depressions, some of
which still remain as active volcanic vents, as follows: "Numerous small crateriform depressions are
found in many parts of Hawaii, which also seem to me to be homologous to Kilauea, some of which arc-
only a few hundred feet in diameter, and none of them exhibit any signs of recent activity. Considered
with reference to their origin, the evidence is conclusive that they were formed by the dropping of a
block of the mountain crust, which once covered a reservoir of lava, this reservoir being tapped and
drained by eruptions occurring at much lower levels."
122 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN
animal, or plant life. Small nodules of pumice floating slowly past evidence
a very slight movement of the water. Its dimensions are approximately 3
by 2h miles and oval shaped, with contractions at ends of minor axis.*
It was stated that soundings had been made and a depth of 750 feel
found. Thielson's Teak stands athwart the northern rim as seen from the
camp at the south, and about 16 miles distant. A heavy g-rowth of pines,
spruce, and fir approach the rim from every side, extending where possible
to obtain a foothold along the canon escarpment toward the lake below.
This unique mystic basin, mountain locked, set deep in the heart of the
( lascades, marks a well-preserved opening that has once led to those interior
laboratories of nature, the molten volumes from which still demand, although
with waning force, outlets at many points through the earth's crust, leaving
often, as in this instance, rivets holding together, as it were, the solid forma-
tions temporarily rent asunder.
In the northwestern arm of the Great Interior Desert are found Abert,
Chewaucan, Summer, Silver, and Pauline lakes, which, with exception of the
latter, are reservoir sinks. No lakes are reported within the New Mexico
district, (See Arias sheet 84.)
The only thermal or mineral springs reported are mentioned bv Lieu-
tenant Birnie as the most important group in Southwestern New Mexico.
the principal one, or Hot Spring, being situated at about 21 miles from Fort
Bayard on road to Miembres.
The temperature is 150° F., that at Apache, Idaho, 8!)° F., and that of
another spring near, 120° F. They all have a. copious flow and an; noted
for their curative properties.
The western rim of the Great Interior Basin was traced for a distance
of approximately 2° of latitude to the north of Fort Bidwell, or, say, Cali-
fornia boundary, and many points determined that define the shape of its
considerable northwestern arm. Thus by installments this peculiar inland
feature of the far western mountain and plateau region has been brought
to light, additions to its extent and physical configuration having been made
by each of the expeditions, beginning with that of 1869. It finally figures
li-, geographic and topographic position is to be found delineated cm one of the original unpub-
lished plotting .sheets among the archives of tin' Eugineei I >eparl inent.
EXPEDITION OF 1878. 123
upon the present map of the globe as the largest known determined area
without surface drainage or outlet to the ocean.
The northern limit of its northwestern arm is found to be approximately
44° 20' north latitude, and its extreme western at, approximately, longitude
121° 40' west from Greenwich.
The approximate eastern and southern limits are 111 west longitude
and 33° 45' north latitude, respectively, thus embracing substantially 10° 40'
in longitude and 10° 35' in latitude, with an approximate area of 208.600
square miles.
LIST OF PRINCIPAL PASSES ACROSS THE WESTERN RIM OF THE GREAT INTERIOR
BASIN.
This list, prepared by and under the direction of Lieutenant Macomb,
is intended to show in a single view all the passes or gaps at present
traversed by trails, roads, or railways crossing the western portion of the
divide between the Interior Basin and the Pacitic water-shed.
The passes are arranged in the order of their occurrence from north to
south, the altitude of the summit of each being given, together with that of
the principal adjacent peaks. In the column of remarks will be found the
name and character of the route of communication through the pass.
The divide on the north follows the crest of the Great Desert Plain of
Central Oregon, and, passing some 19 miles eastward of the Cascade Range,
runs west of Summer Lake, over the "Winter Ridge" of Fremont (locally
Rim Rock Mountains), and through the Warner Range, lying between Sur-
prise Valley and Goose Lake, and thence through a comparatively low roll-
ing region west of the Madeline Plains to the vicinity of Lassen's Butte.
From here south it follows the crest of the Sierra Nevada, rising gradually
to its maximum elevation at Fisherman's Peak or Mount Whitney, and then
descending more rapidly toward the south as the great Sierra falls away in
the Coast Ranges of Southern California. Only three passes out of the list
of seventy-nine are used by railroads; others are traversed by main or through
wagon-roads, while the remainder are crossed by local wagon-roads or trails.
The railroad passes are distinguished by small capitals and those used
by main wagon- roads by italics.
124 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OK LOOTH MERIDIAN.
Except where stated to the contrary in the column of remarks, all of
the passes mentioned have been visited by parties of this survey, and the
altitudes have been obtained from their barometric observations. Other
authentic results, where known, have been noted for comparison, when
there is no doubt as to the identity of the pass.
To avoid any misunderstanding as to locality, the approximate latitudes
and longitudes, with distances and directions of the principal peaks, have
been given, as shown by the plots of this office.
Approximate posi-
tion.
I La «^ 6 . ijx
D
,
4::
44
43
37
42
45
42
24
42
19i
42
131
41
544
41
in
II
:m
11
33i
II
04 J
HI
59
In
33J
120 45
] 20 52
120 l:4
120 is
120 18
120 15
120 12
120 17
120 15J
120 28*
Name and height of pass.
Prominent neighboring peaks, with
approximate distance and direction
from pass.
Camp Curry.
Lang ton's . . - .
Sycan
Chewaucan . .
Antler
Warner ,
Bidwell ..
Lassen's. .
Lake .
Cedar ...
A-lturas .
Madeline .
tfoble ....
Height
Name.
Feet
5,513 ; Crest of Great Desert Plain of
Central Oregon ; no marked
peaks or divide.
....do
5,225
6, 868
5,731
4, 929
7, 204
6,203
7,034
6, 356
5, 500
5, 7 16
■:.. oii':
Winter Ridge ; no marked
peaks.
No marked peaks; divide low.
Xo marked peaks; divide very
low , a pass in main crest of
Warner Mountains, 5 miles
east, is 6,«r> feet.
Sugarloaf, N. 59° E. t 10$ miles .
Fandango Peak, southward :U
miles.
Fandango Peak, northward \ik
miles.
Cedar Peak, southward 3 miles
Height.
Feet.
Remarks.
Prineville and
wagon-road.
Harney
\ m;
7, sis
7, 848
< ledar Peak, northward 3 miles - 30£
Im ide low ; peaks from 800 to
l .null feel above pass.
Divide low ; no prominent
peaks.
Lassen's Butte S. 37° E., 0$
miles not iii main divide,
though highest.
Lake view and Prineville
wagon-road.
Trail west from Summer
Lake to old Eugene road.
Lake view and Prineville
read.
"Wagon-road, Drew's Valley
to Antler Post-Office.
Old Oregon and California
military mad ; present road
from Lakeview to Warner
Lake Valley.
New Ayres grade, between
Bidwell and Lakeview.
( Htl Lakeview and Bidwell
road, Altitude above Foi t
Bidwell from Ly decker's
tables.
Wagon-road from south and
Goose Lake Valley to Sur-
prise Valley.
Alturas and Cedarvilleroad.
Susan ville and Alturas road
divide between Madeline
Plains and South Fork of
Pit River.
Lieutenant Beek wit h's route.
Pacific Railroad Reports.
Sacramento Valley and Fort
' !rook ioad, divide be-
tween Canoe and Bat tie
Creek
' 0,074, Lieutenant Beckwith Pacific Railroad Reports.
PASSES— WESTERN RIM— GREAT INTERIOR BASIN.
125
Approximate posi-
tion.
Name and height
f pass.
Prominent neighboring peaks, with
appioximate distance and direction
»
J
from pass.
Remarks.
-
Latitude
Longi-
tude.
Name.
Height
Name.
Height
14
O '
40 30
'
121 13J
Poison Lake
Feet.
5,409
Unnamed point, S. 42^ E
Feet.
7,419
Honey Lake Valley, Susan-
ville, and Fort Crook road.
15
40 27
121 01}
Fredonyer
5,670
Unnamed peak, S. 52° E., 5
miles.
Unnamed peak, N. 78° W., 8}
miles.
7. 023
6,649
Cross-road between Susan-
ville and Fort Crook road
and Susauville and Red
Bluff road.
16
40 21J
12(1 52
SusanvUle —
5, 507
Unnamed peak, N. 57" W., 5*
miles.
Unnamed peak. S. 28° E., 6}
miles.
7, 023
7, 496
Susanville and Red Bluff
road.
17
40 19
120 44
Gold Run
6, 428
Unnamed peak, S. 53° W., 45
miles.
Unnamed peak, S. 76° E., 2}
miles.
7,496
7,667
Susanville and Taylorville
road.
IK
40 13»
120 28J
Thompson
6,022
Thompson peak, N. 57° W., 4J
miles.
7, 752
Ranch-road from Honey Lake
Valley to Thompson Creek .
Mil ford Peak, S. 37° W., 4 miles
6,573
19
40 074
120 20}
McFadden
5,999 MilfordPeak,N.55°W.,6miles
6,573
Ranch-road from Honey Lake
McKesick's Peak, S. 62° E., 5f
7,083
Valley to Thompson Creek
miles.
Basin.
20
40 OH 120 Hi
6,006
McKesick's Peak, N. 31° W.,
7,083
Local road from Long Valley
5i miles.
to Last Chance Valley.
Adams Peak,S.32°E.,93miles.
8,432
21
39 47J
120 06
Beckworth
5,193
AdamsPeak, N. l°E.,8Jmiles.
8,432
Wagon-road from Reno to
Summit Peak.S. 18° W., 6} miles
8, 302
Beckworth post-office.
22
39 39j
120 08
Loyalton
7, 117.7
SummitPeak.N. 8° W.,2Juiiles
8,302
Wagon-road between Loyal-
High ridge, south
8,820
8, 820
8,033
ton and Reno.
23
39 33J 120 09
Sardine Valley
6,346
High ridge, northeast
Truckee and Loyalton road.
Peak, southwest 2 miles
21
39 323 120 12}
Sierra ville...
6,893
No marked peaks near
Wagon-road from Reno to
south end of Sierra Valley.
2:>
39 30}
120 16}
Sierra Valley
6,321
Ridge rises 700 to 1,000 feet
Wagon-road from Truckee to
2G
39 36|
120 283
Tuba Gap*
6,700
above passes.
Haskell's Peak, N. 50° W.,5
8,126
Southend of Sierra Valley.
Wagon-road, Sierra Valley to
miles.
Sierra City. Whitney
DownievilleButtes, S. 81° W.,
8,541
gives 6,642 feet altitude of
27
39 40J
120 27}
Haskell's *
5,315
9 miles.
Haskell's Peak, S. 76° W., 5
8,126
this pass.
Wagon road, Sierra Valley
miles.
to Quincy.
Beckworth Bntte, N. 12° E., 6*.
7,250
miles.
28
39 29
120 26*
6,958
No marked peaks near, ridge
Henness Pass wagon-road.
rises 400 to 800 feet above
Whitney gives 6,996 feet.
passes.
;,
39 25
120 27
7,677
Branch road to Meadow Lake
mining district from Hen-
ness Pass road.
30
39 19
120 19}
7,043
Castle Peak, 3} miles north-
ward.
9,013
Summit of wagon-road from
Truckee to Emigrant Gap.
> Yuba Gap and Haskell's Pass are not in the main
ward iu Beckworth Butte. The main divide bends
spur runs directly north.
divide, but in the high spur west of Sierra Valley, terminating north-
Bharply eastward about 17 miles south of Beckworth Butte, while the
12(3 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
Approximate posi-
tion.
Name and height o
" pass.
Prominent neighboring peaks, with
a}. proximate distance and direction
-
-
from pass.
Remarks.
2
Latitude.
Longi
i ii.].-
Name.
Height.
Name. Height
•
O '
o '
DONXIR
Feet.
6,983
Feet.
Summit Station, Central Pa-
cific Railroad. Whitney
gives 7,056 feet and railroad
levels 7,018 feet for summit.
3!
39 I2j
120 16
Soda Springs
7,906
Granite Chief, 1J miles south-
west.
K, S76
On trail between Squaw Val-
ley and Soda Springs.
32
39 11'.
120 16j
Squaw Valley
K, 630
Granite Chief, J mile northwest
Rocky Point, south
8,876
s, 765
Trail from Squaw Valley to
American Valley runsover
this gap.
33
39 04 j
120 131
7,704
Twin Peaks, north 2J miles. .
8,824
Trail to head of Blackw 1
Creek.
!
39 02
120 12
Burton, or < reoi ge
town.
7,164
Ellis Peak, northward 24; miles
S. 675
Georgetown and Lake Tahoe
trail. Whitney gives 7,119
feet and railroad levels 7, 154
feet for this pass.
35
38 493
120 01;
Johnson's
7, 266
Pyramid Peak, N. 7s \\\, 7
miles.
Bed Lake Peak. S. 17* E. 8
miles.
10. 052
10, 120
Simpson gives 7,222 feet, Cei
tral Pacific Rail mail survey
7,373 feet asaltitudeof this
pass.
30
38 41 i
119 59£
Carson
8, 634
Red Lake Peak, N. 12
mile.
Alpine Peak, S. 12° W ,, 2 miles
10, 120
10, 426
Summit, of Amador ami Ne-
vada wagon-road. Whit-
ney gives 8, 759 feet altitude
of this pass.
37
39 13
119 54
Frauktown*
7, 960
Rose Peak, N. 5° W.,8j miles.
in, 320
On trail between HotSprings
Marlette Peak, s, 13 \\
miles.
,- 631
(Lake Tahoe) and Frank-
town.
38
39 10§
119 52 i
Marietta 1
8, 265
Marlette Peak 1 mile north-
8,631
Summit of wagon-road from
Carson to Marlette's Lake,
west.
Unnamed peak, southward 1J
9,100
via Ash Canon.
miles.
:;<.<
39 05|
119 53j
Tahoe*
7, 1X6
Unnamed peak, N. 10° E
miles.
9, Mil
Carson and Glenbrook (Lake
Tahoe) stage-road.
Genoa Peak, S. 11 " E., 4 miles
9,155
m
119 53J
Daggett's* -
7, 297
Genoa Peak, X, 6' E . 1 , miles
9, 155
in, 035
Summit of Kingsbury grade.
Simpson gives7,180 feet for
Monument Peak, S. 6° W-, 4
miles.
1 In- pass.
ii
38 50
[19 541
Freel's*
- 685
Freel's N 26° E 1] miles
10, 849
Summit of (rail from Lake
Valley to Hope Valley.
12
38 47",
119 56=
Luther's*
7,681
Freel's N 28° E 5i miles
10, ,K49
10,010
Old stage-road from Hope
Vall.v to Lake Valley.
Stevens, S. 25° W-, 4} miles
Simpson ^ives 7,505 feet
for altitude of this pass.
•The six passes from Franktown to Luther s, inclusive, are not in the main crest of the Sierra, but in a lofty spur
forming the eastern barrier of the Lake Tahoe Basin and separating it from (he Carson Valley. This spur diverges from
( he main ridge just, north of ( 'arson Pass, at. Red Lake Teak (latitude 3S° 42}', longitude 119° 59', altitude 10,12(1 feet), running
approximati ly X. 25° E., to Fred's Peak, and thenco almost due north some 35 miles, to the canon of the Truekee River, in
latitude 39° 30'. This spur is v.ry nai row, being less than 6 miles wide at Genoa, and very lofty, its main peaks, Freel's
.hi the smith and Lose en the north, rising 800 feet above the highest in the main divide west of Lake Tahoe. Its topo
graphic details are well shown on the special map of the Lake Taboo Region, and the name Tahoe Mountains has been
proposed for it. Locally it is called the " Eastern Summit," in contradistinction to the main ridge across the lake, win. b
known as the Western.
PASSES— WESTERN RIM— GREAT INTERIOR BASIN.
127
Approximate posi-
Name and height of pass.
Prominent neighboring peaks, with
approximate distance and direction
"C
from pass.
Remarks.
1
a
Latitiule.
Longi-
■
Name.
Height.
Eeighi
O '
Feet
y;
119 57*
Blue Lake
*8, 960
Alpine Peak, N. 72° W., 2 miles
10, 426
Northwest of Upper Blue
Lake, on old wagon-road.
near the site of Summit
City mining camp.
44
L19 55
Peak west of pass, J mile
Markleville Peak, X 30 E ,2
miles.
9, 155
9,431
Summit of wagon-road be-
tween Charity and Hermit
valleys; road crosses main
divide at about 1J miles
south, at a point about 100
feet lower.
4.".
■
119 48J
Mountain
(orEbbet's).
Highland Peak (Silver Mount*
ainsi, east 3 miles.
10, 956
Big Tree wagon-road, be-
tween Sonora and Silver
Mountain. The highest
point on the road is on the
divide between the Moke-
lumne and Stanislaus riv-
ers, 8,157 feetabovesea and
about 6 miles west of the
main crest of the Sierra.
4'i
38 30
1," IV
Wolf Creek (north)
8,438
Highland Peak, northward 3
miles.
10, 956
These gaps are at the head
of Wolf Creek and crossed
Wolf Creek (south)
8, 729
Arnot Peak, southward 2 miles
10, 068
by trails.
4"
38 19i
i
9,660
Sonora Peak, north I| miles ..
Leavitt'a Peak, southward 3
miles.
11.444
11,553
Summit of Sonora and Mono
stage-road.
4-
119 37$
Relief (north)
9,305
Peak, li miles north
10, 829
Old Relief trail crosses north
Relief (south)
9, 585 Tower Peak, S. 44" E., 6 miles
11,719
gap.
4 i
38 03
110 19
Green Creek
10, 161 Matterhorn, northward
12,260
On trail from Bridgeport to
Conness Peak, southward
12,552
mite Valley ; pass is
on main divide; small lake
in pass
50
38 02£
119 17.V
Virginia Creek
11,040
Dunderberg (Castle) Peak, 1 ;
miles northeast. 4
Conness Peak, 5J miles south-
ward.
L2 289
12,552
Summit of Bridgeport and
Yosemite trail, on divide be-
tween Virginia and Green
creeks; pass not on main
divide.
51
37 54i
119 15
McLane's
10, 165
Dana, 2 miles southeast waul . .
Conness, 5i miles northwest-
13, 043
12, 552
Summit of Great Sierra
wagon-road; altitude esti-
ward.
mated from Whitney.
52
37 51 £
119 m
Mono
10, 7(55
Dana, 3 miles northward
13,043
Summit of Mono trail head
of Bloody Caiion; altitude
from Whitney.
53
37 37
Long Valley
9 200
Minarpt« tn w*»ct. war J
12, 266
On trad from Chiquito Mead-
ows to Long Valley. Alti-
Red Slate Peak, southeast-
13, 147
ward.
tude from Whitney.
5:
37 28
San Joaquin
12, 400 Red Slate Peak northwest wai d
13, 147
Summit of trail from San
Joaquin Basin to Owen*a
River Valley; altitude
from Wlntiu ■■.
* Estimated.
128 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
Approximate posi-
tion.
Lougi-
Imlt'.
63
ali
uile.
36
■Iii
36
32
36
25
:::.
3 3 feet above sea), reducing by Williamson's formula; and combining the, results, gave 3,934.3 feet as
a final value for the altitude above sea of the floor of the Upper Iron Bridge. Iu like manner inde-
pendent sets of observations taken in the lower portion of the valley gave 3.924.(1 feet for the floor of
the Lower Iron or El Capitan Bridge.
Base lints measured in the vicinity of these two bench-marks afforded a number of good points
of view from which, by angulation, data were, secured for the altitudes of nearly all the important
points in the walls of the valley, including Eagle Peak, Cloud's Rest, and others, from which it was
possible to extend the work to peaks of the High Sierra.
It will be noted that, these figures make the El Capitan Bridge only 9.7 feet below that at
Barnard's. As the, distance between the two bridges in a straight line is about 3.3 miles, it results
that the average fall of the floor of the valley between these two points is only about, three feet per
mile. For lack of time and means no line of levels was run to check this result, but it cannot be
greatly in error, as the current of the river between the points mentioned is sluggish, and no marked
fall in the channel was noted until the El Capitan Bridge was reached. Here it was quite perceptible,
132 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SUEVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
I.— SPECIAL LIST OF ALTITUDES OK POINTS OF INTEREST IN AND ABOUT THE
YOSEMITE VALLEY— Continued.
Points of int'i est
l. Principal Waterfalls— Continued.
Ribbon (or Virgin's Tears) :
Top
Pool at foot . . . .
Sheei fall, 2,632 feet; cascades and rapids, 1,449 feet; total, 3,081 feet.
Nevada :
Top
Pool at foot
Height of fall, 617 feet,
Vernal Fall .
Top
Pool at foot
Height of fall, 330 feet.
II. Cliffs and Points of North Wall ok Valley.
El Capital) :
Rounded summit
Soutli edge of cliff
Altittn], a.
Refen nee
A hn\ c
valley.
Feet,
3, 081
1. 449
1,987
1,370
\ 1,11V I'
sea-level.
Feet.
7, 1)06
5, 374
0,921
5,304
3,561
3, os;
L.B .
LB
U. I! .
U. B .
U. B .
4,729 IP.
7,486 L. I'.
7, nil' L. C .
Means
of
measure-
ment.
and for the same distance below it (3.3 miles) the average fall is about 128 feet per mile by barometric
data. From the above it will In- seen that the gently sloping floor of the valley lying between the
above-mentioned bridges makes a natural plane of reference for the various cliffs, domes, and falls.
In the subjoined list the altitudes refer, in tho case of peaks or domes, to the highest points or
summits; in the case of cliffs, to seme easily identified point at or neat the edges; in the case of a
waterfall, to the lip of the fall and to the pool at the foot of the cliff. As a rule the altitudes given
are the results of independent angular measurements from two or more id' the well-determined stations
above referred to. In the case of points not will defined or not visible from such stations, barometric
results are given. At the time of using the barometer fur the measurement of falls, the stage of water
was so lew as to permit the observations to be tak n .at the lips of the falls and at the edges of the
pools at their feet, thus making a close approximation to the true altitude possible.
Should absolute i-ulius for the altitudes of the floors of the bridges mentioned be obtained at any
future time by means el' levels of precision, it will be an easy matter to rectify the altitudes of all
points in the list referred to them by applying the proper correction. The reference station is therefore
noted in each case. In the mean time the barometric values above given may be taken with consider-
able confidence, as they accord closely with other authoritative results for the altitude of the floor of
the valley. Colonel Williamson, in his Barometric Hypsometry, Part II, p. 2d, gives 3,935 feet as the
result of bis computation el' Miss Sproats' observations taken in i October, 18G-; and Professor Whit uej
gives 3,947.5 feet as the final result of several independent series of observations taken in 1867 and 1873.
i Sec hio Barometric Hypsometry, edition of 187 1. p, 11.)
For convenience of reference the list has been subdivided as follows:
1. Principal Waterfalls.
II. Cliffs and Points of North Wall of Valley.
III. Cliffs and Points of South Wall of Valley.
IV. Domes and Peaks in the Vicinity of Valley.
V. Peaks of the High Siena (from Tower Peak to the Merced Group).
Heights above sea as well as above the Yosemite are given. Under the. heading "Reference
station," U. B. stands for Upper Iron Bridge near Barnard's, and L. IS. for Lower or El Capitan Bridge.
Under the head of " Moms of measurement," T stands for transit, C for cistern barometer, and A lor
aneroid,
ALTITUDES— YOSEM IT E VALLEY.
133
1— SPECIAL LIST OF ALTITUDES OF POINTS OF INTEREST IN AND A130IT THE
YOSEMITE VALLEY— Continued.
Points of interest.
II. Clifs axd Points of North Wall of Valley— Continued.
El Capitan — Continued.
Southeast corner of cliff
"West edge of cliff.
Kai-al-au-wa:
1. First point west of Ribbon Fall
2. Second point west of Ribbon Fall ..
3. Third point west of Ribbon Fall
Eagle Peak (highest of "Three Brothers ")
Middle Brother
Lowest Brother
Pom-pom-pe-sa (pyramidal rock southwest of Three Brothers;
Columbia Rock (on Eagle Peak trail)
Valley View Point (on Eagle Peak trail)
Eagle Tower (point of cliff west of Eagle Peak trail)
Tosemite Falls Flagstaff (on cliff west of fall)
Lost Arrow, or Giant's Thumb (Granite Needle, near Yosemite Cliff).
Yosemite Point (high cliff east of fall)
Le-sam-ai-ti Cliff (east of Indian Canon)
Shade to Indian Baby Basket (west of Royal Arches)
Washington Tower:
Southeastern edge
Southern edge
III. Cliffs and Points of South "Wall of Valley.
Leaniug Tower (south of Bridal Veil Fall)
High Point (south of Leaning Tower)
Cathedral Rucks (also called Three Sisters and Three Graces :)
Lowest point
Middle point
Highest
Cathedral Spires (highest) .•
Cliffs southeast of Cathedral Rocks and south of Cathedral Spires :
First .
Second
High Spire south of Cathedral Bridge
Profile (or Fissure) Cliff
tin- Sentinel
Union Point (rock)
Glacier Point (jutting rock)
Cliff southwest of Register Rock (opposite Grizzly Point) .
Cascade Cliffs, Little Tosemite Valley :
West Cliff ,
East Cliff
IV. Domes and Peaks is Vicinity of Valley.
South Dome (base of flagstaff at summit I
Altitudes.
Reference
A bove
valley.
Upper buttress to northward
Lower buttress, or Awaia Point .
Fret
3. lilt",
3, 127
to
:■ 359
3,212
a a 12
2,723
3, KIT
2, 770
1,892
(WO
1,083
1,124
3,228
2,594
2,846
2,903
1 . 626
1, Tils
1,875
1,922
1,905
3,288
1,035
2,593
2, 097
2, 000
2, OUT
2,868
2,884
3,500
3,071
2, 350
3, 277
2, 198
Aliu\ e
sea level
4,889
4 185
2,980
Fee*.
7,031
7, 052
t..
7,284
7, 137
7,257
0, CIS
7,751
0,710
5,820
4,630
5,017
f>, (158
7, 162
0,528
0, 780
0,897
5. 500
5, 452
5,809
5 856
:,. 830
7,213
5,569
li, 527
6,631
5,931
0,031
6,802
6,818
7, 425
7,005
0, 290
7,211
0, 432
7, 728
8,084
8,823
8,119
0, 920
LB..
LB.
L. B .
L. B .
L. i: .
U. B.
U. B
U.B.
U.B.
U.B.
U.B.
U.B.
U.B.
U.B.
U.B.
U.B.
U.B.
U.B.
U.B.
L. B .
LB .
U.B.
U.B.
U.B.
U.B.
U.B.
U.B.
U.B.
LB .
U.B.
U.B.
rj.B.
U.B.
r. b .
U.B.
U.B.
U.B .
U.B.
Means
of
measure-
ment.
134 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
I.-SPECIAL LIST OF ALTITUDES OF POINTS OF INTEREST IN AND ABOUT THE
YOSEMITE VALLEY— Continued.
Points of interest
Altitudes.
Above
valley.
Above
sea-level.
Reference
station
Means
of
measure-
ment.
IV. Domes and Peaks in Vicinity of Valley— Continued.
Norlh Dome
Basket or Mitre Dome (/ D mile northeast of North Dome)
M"imt Watkins:
Rounded summit, north
Rounded summit, south
CI. aids' R< 3t
Sammit
First pinnacle, sonthwest
Second pinnacle, southwest
Bluff iVa mile southward (west of Hopkins' meadow) .
Starr King:
Main peak
Dome xVo mile northwest ,
Dome loo mile southeast
Dome in mile southeast
Cap of Liberty
Mount III ode lick
Grizzly Point
Sentinel Dome
Ostrander's Rocks:
North
South
Kaial-au-wa Hill [head of Ribbon Fall Brook)
V. Peaks of the High Sierra from Tower Peak to the Merced Choi p.
Tower Peak (northern part of Tuolumne Basin)
Matterhnrn (one of tin- crags in Tuolumue divide at head of Twin Lake Cation) . .
Conness Peak
Warren Peak
Dana Peak
Hoffmann Peak
Ti n-ai-ya Peak (south of Lake Ten-ai-ya)
Cathedral Peak
E( h" Peak
Mi ■('lure Peak
L\cll Peak
Ritter Peak .
Minarets
Clark Peak (northwest end of Merced Group)
( ioiv Peak
Red Teak
Mi re. d Peak (culminating point of Merced Group)
Peaks ok the White Mountain Range, near Cai.iioii.nta ami Nevada State
Line.
MeBiide Peak (northern extremity of White Mountains, 50.55 miles eastward of
LyillPeak)
White Mountain Peak (culminating point of White Mountains, 56.23 miles east
ward of Lyell Peak ,
Feet.
3,501
3, 670
4, 489
4. 260
5, 146
4,637
4. 893
4,661
3, 128
2, 701
2, 272
4,188
4,208
4,223
5,035
7,785
8, 326
8,618
7,347
9,109
6,900
6, 370
6,986
7, 250
9,041
9,170
9,196
8,332
7, 578
7,620
7, 752
7,774
9, 481
10,311
Feet.
7, 525
7,604
8, 423
8, 200
9,912
9, 462
9,407
9, lis
9,080
8,571
8,827
8, 595
7,062
6,035
6,207
8,122
8,142
8, 157
8,969
11,719
12, 260
12, 552
12, 281
13, 043
10, 834
10, 304
10, 920
11,184
12,975
13, 104
13, 130
12,266
11,512
11,554
11,686
11.708
13,415
1 1, 245
U.B.
TJ. B
r. b
U.B.
U.B.
U.B.
U.B.
U.B.
U.B .
U.B
U.B .
U.B
r. b
U.B
U.B.
U.B.
U.B.
U.B.
U.B.
U.B.
U.B.
U.B.
U.B.
U.B.
U.B.
U.B .
U.B .
U.B.
U.B
H. B
U.B.
U.B.
U.B.
IB.
U.B.
U.B.
U.B.
U.B.
DISTANCES— YOSEMITE VALL E Y .
135
II -CONDENSED TABLE OF DISTANCES FROM BARNARD'S, AT THE UPPER IRON BRIDGE,
TO VARIOUS POINTS IN THE YOSEMITE VALLEY AND ITS VICINITY.
Note.— The subjoined list of distances to various places upon the principal roads and trails presents
in a condensed Conn information of interest and value to visitors to the Yosemite Valley, as well as to
permanent residents. The distances are based upon odometric measurements taken by parties of the
Survey in 1878-'79, when all the important roads and trails were, meandered.
Through the courtesy of Mr. J. M. Hutchings, when guardian of the Valley, bearings and distances
were furnished which gave the location upon the map of the more recently constructed pieces of road,
known as Meadow Avenue, Tisseyak Avenue, ai.d Pohono Avenue, also of a number of new bridges.
The distances, as given in the list, are over roads and trails which will lie in use for years. Several new
trails are now (1886) completed or in course of construction; notably a route, from Glacier Point to top
of Nevada Fall via the Tululawiak (or South Branch) Fall ; Anderson's new trail to Vernal Fall via
the north bank of the Merced; and a trail from the Yosemite Fall to ami down Indian Canon; but
for these this office has no data. Barnard's, at the Upper Iron Bridge, has been taken as an initial
point on account of its central location, towards which all the principal roads converge.
TABLE OF DISTANCES.
Names of points.
From Barnard's to—
Artist Point, Madera Road
Bridal Veil Fall. Madera Road, opposite to
Black Spring, Coulterville Road
via Meadow Avenue and Yosemite Bridge
via Cook's and Folsom Bridge
via South Road and El Capitan Bridge
Cascade Falls, Coulterville Road
via Meadow Avenue aud Yosemite Bridge
via Cook's and Folaom Bridge ■
via South Road and El Capitan Bridge ■
Cathedral Spires Bridge, northeast Cathedral Spires, on South Road
Chalybeate Spring, Mirror Lake Road ■
Columbia Rock, Eagle Peak Trail
Cook's Hotel
Clouds' Rest, summit via old trail to Register Rock
Eagle Meadow, Eagle Peak Trail
Eagle Peak (summit)
El Capitan Bridge (opposite to) via South Road
Folsom Bridge
Forks Coulterville and Big Oak Flat Roads, north of El Capitan Bridge :
via Cook's and Folsom I .ridge
via Meadow Avenue and Yosemite Bridge
via South Road and El Capitan Bridge
Glacier Point, by trail
Harris' ..
Hopkins' Meadow, Clouds'Rest Trail via old trail to Snow's
Indian Camp, west of Folsom Bridge :
via Leidig's -
via Meadow Avenue
Indian Cation Bridge
Leidig's Hotel-
Lyell Peak, by trail
Lyell Camp, head of Tuolumne Meadows on Lyell Creek
Altitudes.
Distances
from
Barnard's.
Above val-
ley.
Above sea-
level.
Miles.
Feet
Feet.
5.85
725
4,650
4.04
4.70
8.00
3,338
7.84
2.44
" 45
1 98
1,083
5, 017
0.77
11.83
5,978
9,912
5.46
3,137
7,071
0.36
3,817
7,751
3.63
3,925
1.50
3,930
3.74
3.99
3,944
3.83
4.45
3, 277
7,211
1. 15
9.30
1. 59
1.84
1 07
38. 20
9, 170
13, 104
32. 56
:,, 084
9,018
136 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100T1I MERIDIAN.
TABLE OF DISTANCES.
Names of points.
From Halliard's to—
liirror Lake:
via Meadow Avenue
via Tisseyak Avenue
New "Inspiration Point," Madera Road
Nevada Falls (top) via old trail to Snow's
Pobono Bridge:
via Meadow Avenue and North Road
via Folsom Bridge
via South Road and Bridal Veil Falls
River View via Folsom Bridge and North Road
K< -ister Rock (in Canon of Merced, on old trail to Snow's)
Rocky Point (at foot of "Three Brothers,'' on North Road)
Sentinel Dome summit
Snow's < lasa Nevada Inn, via old trail
South I 'nine, top, via "hi trail to Snow's
Tenaiya Bridge (over Tenaiya Creek, south of Washington Tower) .
Tisseyak Bridge (over Merced River, south end Tisseyak Avenue).
Tululawiak Bridge.
Union Point
Valley View (or Transport) Point
Vernal Fail, foot of, via old trail to Register Rock
Yosemite Bridge
Falls (top of upper, at Flagstaff)
Falls (foot of upper)
Falls (foot of lower) by road
Distance
from
Barnard's.
Altitudes.
A bove val-
ley.
Above sea-
level.
Mill's.
Feet.
Feet.
2.86
102
4,096
3.07
7.24
1, 440
5,365
5.45
1,987
5,921
5.40
5.15
5.17
4.86
3. 25
577
4,511
1.44
5. -.7
4,188
8,122
4. 64
1,355
5,289
io. oo
4,889
8, 823
2.06
2. OS
4,184
6,290
3. i:t
2,356
2.42
1,124
5,058
3. r .n
795
4, 729
II. )S
4. IX
2,594
6,528
2.85
1,046
4,980
0.88
114
4,048
ROUND TKIPS.
From Barnard's— Miles.
To Mn n. i Lake via Meadow Avenue and return via Tisseyak Avenue 6. 53
Through Tisseyak Avenue and n turn, omitting Mirror Lake 5. 11
To Pohono liiiiijie via Meadow Avenue and Korth Road, anil return via South Road iO. 57
Grand circuit of tlie Valley via Meadow, Tisseyak, and Pobono Avenues 15.28
The same, including Mirror Lake and Cascade Falls 22.48
The study of. the Laramie in the Trinidad coal fields has led to a very
important contribution of much economic interest by Professor Stevenson,
showing- the continuity of the Laramie coal beds, proving to this extent
their general resemblance to the coal beds of the Carboniferous strata or age.
COLLECTIONS.
The only natural history collections of the year were made by Profes-
sor Stevenson in the mountain region east of the Rio Grande and between
the latitudes of Fort Garland and Santa Fe, and consisted of a number of
invertebrate fossils and fossil plants and specimens from 26 distinct coal
SUMMARY or RESULTS. 137
beds. The topographic results of the season are found on published sheets
Nos. 52 D, 56 B and D, 61 B and D, and G2 A and C, and also on the
original platting sheet of the Great Salt Lake and vicinity.
FINAL SUMMARY.
Although this work was projected simply as a first survey during the
initial stages of settlement of the region penetrated, looking to a resultant
topographic map, to be speedily available for military administration and
operations as its primal object, the whole limited in means, men, time,
and money, nevertheless, there has been an outcome also from other fields of
observation, among the total of all of which the following may be briefly
summarized:
Square miles.
Total area west of one hundredth meridian (see progress
and annual reports and rectangle map accompanying Ap-
pendix E) 1,443,360
Mountainous portion of same west of the Great Plains (ap-
proximately) 993,360
Surveyed topographically of above mountain area *359,065
Topographic maps of same, published in 50 atlas sheets (each
19 by 24 inches), on scales of 1" = 8 m., or 1:500,880; 1" =
4 m., or 1:253,440; 1" = 2 m., or 1:126,720; 1"= 1 m., or
1:03,360; 1" =§ m., or 1 : 42,240 326,891
Part of above area surveyed, but not issued in regular atlas
sheet form (original data reduced upon partially completed
plotting sheets) 32,174
Regular topographic atlas sheets of above scales issued (19
by 24 inches) 50
Regular land classification atlas sheets issued (19 by 24 inches),
(embracing 134,653 square miles) 30
Regular geological atlas sheets issued (19 by 24 inches) (em-
bracing 129,S41 square miles) 11
Special and miscellaneous maps issued (various sizes and
scales) (not accompanying reports) 19
Special maps issued (various sizes and scales) (accompanying
reports) 54
Total maps of all kinds issued 164
Total number of publications of all kinds issued (15 quarto, 12
annual reports, 1 1 special and miscellaneous) -1 1
* Note. — Field-plots for all of above arc in contours, while lina.1 published maps are both in
hachures and contours.
138 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OP 100TI1 MERIDIAN.
GENEEAI GEOGRAPHICAL RESULTS.
Observations and delineation of the physical details of 1 4 .' > mountain
ranges, 1 <>.'> groups of mountains, and 36 plateaux, within the limits sur-
veyed topographically, from among 161 ranges, 1!)6 mountain groups, and
41 plateaux for the entire western mountainous area.
Discovery and naming of the great Colorado Plateau in 1 869 and 1871.
Securing the principal part of the data necessary to a final classification
of the mountain and plateau systems of the western mountain region.
Topography of 124,300 square miles of the Great Interior Basin (total
area, 208,600 square miles) secured, and 1,925 out of 2,775 miles of its
perimeter traced and definitely located, including its northwestern and south-
western portions.
The position and general profile determined of 840 miles of the Conti-
nental Divide.
Special exploration of the Colorado of the West to the head of naviga-
tion, and its (Irand Canon to the mouth of Diamond Creek.
Determination of the limits and extent of the Great Interior Basin, in-
cluding Deatli Valley, the Amargosa Desert, and the Colorado and Mohave
River Basins.
Special examination of the Colorado River of the West, from Stone's
Ferry to Fort Yuma, with a view to its diversion for purposes of irrigation.
Specially accurate topographic surveys of Lake Tahoe and vicinity
and Yosemite Valley (including much hypsometric detail) and its approaches
(see special maps). Special typical contour Survey of the Washoe mining
region.
Determination of passes of western, northwestern, and southwestern
rim of the Great Interior Basin and of the Continental Divide from fortieth
parallel north latitude to Mexican boundary.
Preliminary location of southern portion of eastern boundary between
Nevada and Utah in 1869.
Preliminary exploration of north and south railroad lines crossing the
Colorado River at the mouth of the Virgin River and at foot of the Grand
Canon.
SUMMARY OF RESULTS. 139
Location and extent of great forests in Eastern Arizona and Western
New Mexico.
Determination of heights of 395 peaks (with names, many of which are
new) above 10,000 feet, and of 754 others (with names) between 5,000 and
10,000 feet in height,
Location and profile of 202 mountain passes (2d of same belonging to
the Continental Divide, and 79 to the western rim of the Great Interior Basin),
and meander of not less than 90 rivers and thousands of minor streams.
Exploration and underground measurement of 4 caves in Nevada and
New Mexico.
Meander of 21 lakes (including Great Salt Lake).
Exploration of the Grand ( Jaiion of the Colorado, the Canon de Chelle,
and others, also surveys about the Great American Falls of Snake River. '
Discovery of north and south routes, especially from California, Ne-
vada, Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado to Arizona and New Mexico, also from
California and Nevada to the Vallev of the Columbia,
Discovery and measurement of levels below sea with determination of
limits of special Death Valley Basin.
Determination of non-existence of "Preuss Lake," found on current
maps of 1869, along eastern boundary of Nevada,
Determination of evaporation about Great Salt Lake.
Measurement of volumes of 7 principal streams with reference to water
supply and irrigation.
Observations for land classification for an area of approximately 1 75,000
square miles.
Topography and partial land classification of 33 Indian (including 19
pueblos) and 32 military reservations, with geographic co ordinates of seven
others.
Landscape and stereoscopic photographs of mountain forms and Colo-
rado Canon and other physical details.
Connection made with all land survey stakes wherever found, with
results permanently recorded on unpublished plotting sheets.
Invention and introduction of the modified secant conic projection, ac-
complishing a minimum of distortion in azimuth and distance, and the con-
joining of sheets.
140 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
The introduction and development of land classification, commencing in
1872 (see Chapter V.)
Fifteen regular atlas sheets issued (l"-8m.), embracing 261,232 square
miles ; thirty-four quarter atlas sheets (1' — 4 in.), embracing 146,026 square
miles; one subquarter atlas sheet (1" = 2 m.) ; also Colorado Canon map,
scale \" — 6 m.; of Lake Tahoe region 1" — \ ms.; Yosemite 2' — 1 m.; and
of tbe Washoe district, scale 1" = 1,500 feet, the three latter as special types.
Contributions to the theory and practice of the determination of field
astronomic latitudes and longitudes and barometric hypsometry appear in
Vol. II, quarto series.
Published latitudes and longitudes (other than those contained in this
volume) found in part in Vol. II, Astronomy. — Ast. Report, 1874 — Prelim-
inary Report of 1869.— Distances, &c, 4°, 1872— Special Volume, royal
8vo., and Annual Reports of 1 87r>-'76- , 77-'78-'7!> and '80.
Vertical limits of timber on various mountain ranges ascertained.
Invention of apparatus for determining absolute personal equation (see
]». 47o, Vol. II).
Improvements in the portability, telescopic, and microscopic power of
triangulation instruments.
Determination of the mean declination for 1875 of 2,018 stars.
The preparation, issue, and use of special forms (4f> in number) for
astronomic, geodetic, trigonometric, barometric, topographic, and other ob-
servations and their reduction.
A trigonometric basis for the Survey with initial points measured and
developed liases was established in IH1?>.
Hourly barometric observations at many reference stations made and
reduced.
Determination of altitudes, reports upon, published in part in Vol. II,
special volume royal 8vo, and Annual Reports for 1875-'76-'77-'78-'79
and '80.
Geological reconnaissance of an area of not less than 221,500 square
miles.
Determination of the ex tent and correlation of the geological forma-
tions for the above with new geological facts and conclusions ; of the ex-
SUMMARY OF RESULTS. 141
istence of fossil remains widely distributed; and of glacial and volcanic action
and phenomena.
Determination of the limits in area within which the search for the
precious metals may be successful.
Special contributions to the origin and building- of mountains, the
structure and age of ranges, to glaciation, the existence of precious and eco-
nomic minerals, opportunities for artesian wells, also to economic geology,
age of coals, distribution of lava, and the presence of borates at new locali-
ties east of the Sierra Nevada in the Great Basin.
Special chapters relating to the geological phenomena found upon the
Colorado Plateau, in the Grand Canon of the Colorado, the Basin Ranges,
the Cordilleras, the Sierra Madre, and San Juan Ranges of the Rocky Mount-
ain systems, &c.
Not less than fifty thermal and mineral springs discovered, of which
twenty-seven were analyzed.
Old "Lake Bonneville" outlined and partially investigated.
Location and examination of 219 mining districts.
One new mineral substance discovered, analyzed, and named.
Not less than 31 new species of vertebrates from the Loup Fork and
many others from the Eocene, and G3 of invertebrates discovered, described,
and their geological and other relations established.*
In zoology, from the very large and rare collection of birds only one
was of a new species, while of reptiles there were eight, fishes thirty-two,
mollusca one, and insects sixty-four, from the extremely valuable and rich
collections, with many specimens of species exceedingly rare, though
not new.f
* The identification and description of these new species by Prof. E. D. Cope, and Dr. C. A. White
may be found in Vol. IV, quarto reports, and Appendix to Vol. Ill (Supplement), Geology.
t Messrs. Yarrow and Henshaw have kindly prepared the following list of Dew species in zoology :
BIRDS.
Aphelocoma iiistilaris Henshaw. Santa Cruz Island, Cal., 1875. H. W. Henshaw.
REPTILES.
Bufo pictus Cope. Utah, 1872.
Spea stagnates Cope. Utah and New Mexico, 1874.
7i'a»« onca Cope. Utah, 1872. H. C. Yarrow.
Chilopoma rufipunctatum Cope. Southern Arizona, 1874. H. W. Henshaw.
EnUniia plutonius Yarrow. Arizona, 1871.
Sceloporus jarrovii Cope. Southern Arizona. 1874. H. W. Henshaw.
Seeloporut tristichns Cope. New Mexico, 1874. W. <;. Shedd.
Scelopor im .wiarai/dinitx Cope, Utah and Nevada, 1872. H. C, Yarrow,
142 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OK 100TH MERIDIAN.
In Volume VI (Botany) is found the enumeration or description of 104
orders, 637 genera, and 1,657 species from the Survey collections, and not
a few of which are new.
Plagoplerua argentissimua Cope. San Luis Val., Col., 187*2.
Lepidonuda vittala Cope. Col. Chiquito River, Ariz., 1873.
Lepidomeda jarrovii Cope. Col. Chiquito River, Ariz., 1873. H. W. Henshaw.
Apocope henshavi Cope. Provo, Utah, 1372. H. C. Yarrow and H. W. Heushaw.
Apocope couesli Yarrow. Camp Apache, Arizona, 1873. H. W. Heushaw.
Apocope venlricoaa Cope. Arizona and New Mexico, 1873. H. W. Heushaw.
Alburiiellua shims Cope. San Ildefouso, N. Mex., 1874. E. D. Cope and H. C. Yarrow.
Alburnellw jcmezanua Cope. San Ildefouso, N. Mex., 1S74. E. D. Cope and H. C. Yarrow.
Ctralichlhya phyaignalhua Cope. Arkansas River at Pueblo, 1874. C. E. Aiken.
Ceratichthya sterletus Cope. San Ildefouso, N. Mex., 1874. E. D. Cope and H. C. Yarrow.
HypsiJepis iris Cope. San Ildefouso, N. Mex., 1*74. E. D. Cope and H. C. Yarrow.
Eyboptia timpanogeneia Cope. Utah, 1872. H. C. Yarrow and 11. W. Heushaw.
Gila phlegethontis Cope. Heaver River, Utah, 1872. H. C. Yarrow and H. W. Heushaw.
Gila taenia Cope. Provo River, Utah, 1872. H. C. Yarrow and H. W. Heushaw.
(iihi ardeaiaca Cope.
Gila gula Cope. New Mexico, 1874. H. W. Heushaw.
Gila nigra Cope. Arizona, 1*74. H. W. Heushaw and J. T. Rothrock.
Gila seminuda Cope and Yarrow. Southern Utah, 1872. H. C. Yarrow.
Siboma utruria var. lonyiceps, Cope. Utah, 1872. H. C. Yarrow.
Myloleitcus parovanu8 Cope. Beaver River, Utah, 1872. H. C. Yarrow and H. W. Henshaw.
Hyborhynchua siderius Cope. Camp Lowell, Ariz., 1874. J. M. Ratter.
Hyborhynchu8 nigellus Cope. Pueblo, Colo., 1874. C. E. Aiken.
Campoatoma aikeniiCape, Pueblo, Colo., 1874. C. E. Aiken .
Pantoateua plalyrhynchua Cope. Provo River, Utah, 1872. 11. ('. Yarrow and H. W. Henshaw.
Panloateua jarrovii Cope. New Mexico, 1873. H. W. Henshaw and 11. C. Yarrow.
Panlosleus vireacena Cope. Pueblo, Colo., 1874. C. E. Aiken.
Caloalomua alticolua Cope. Twiu Lakes, Colo., 1*73. J. T. Rothrock.
Catoatomua fecundtta Cope and Yarrow. Utah Lake, Utah, 1872. H. C. Yarrow and H. W. Henshaw.
Moxoatoma triaignatum Cope. Pueblo, Colo., 1874. C. E. Aiken.
Haplochilua floripinnia Cope. Colorado, 1873. H. W. Heushaw and.). M. Keasby.
Cm n idra vheeleri Cope. Beaver River, Utah, 1872. H. C. Yarrow and H. W. Henshaw.
Syllaemua latifrona (fossil) Cope. Colorado, 1874. W. L.Marshall.
INSECTS.
Trogua mellosus Cresson. New Mexico, 1874. T. V. Brown.
A/jama nitida Cresson. Colorado, 1873. C. W. Whipple.
Aijama albipea Cresson. Nevada, 1872. H. C. Y'arrow.
ilyzine frontalia Cresson. New Mexico, 1874. H. C. Yarrow.
Ammophila yarroioi Cresson. Pueblo, Colo., 1874. H. C. Y'arrow.
Stizua nrriidi nsis Cresson. Nevada, 1872. H. C. Y'arrow.
Eumenea colorodenaia Cressou. Colorado and New Mexico, 1874. H. C. Y'arrow.
\',sp,i ocddentalia Cressou. Nevada, 1*72, H. C. Yarrow. New Mexico, 1873, II. \V. Henshaw.
Ealietus trizonatua Cresson. Nevada, 1872. H. C. Y'arrow.
Agopoaltmon meliveniria Cresson. Colorado, 1872. H. C. Y'arrow.
Xnmiit nevadenaia Cresson. Nevada, 1*72. II. C. Y'arrow.
Eunomia marginipennia Cresson. Colorado and New Mexico, 1874. H. C. Y'arrow
Megacilissa yarroioi Cresson. New Mexico, 1*74. H. C. Y'arrow.
Melecta thoracica Cresson. Eastern Nevada, 1872. H. C. Y'arrow.
Mclissodes nevadenaia Cresson. Nevada, 1*72. II. C. Y'arrow.
SUMMARY OF RESULTS. 143
It contains also contributions to economic botany and geographical
distribution of vegetable life.
Bombua nevadensis Cresson. Eastern Nevada, 1672. H. C. Yarrow.
Aphaenogaster sp. nov., Camp Hill, 1874. .1 H. Rutter.
Lithunjis apicalis Edw. Colorado and New Mexico. II. C. Yarrow and C. E. Aiken.
Nomada grandis Edw. Colorado. H. C. Yarrow.
Argymds hrsperis Edw. Colorado.
ArgynnU nitocrU Edw.- White Mountains, Ariz., 1873. H. W. Henshaw.
ArgynnU nukomis Edw. Arizona, 1871.
ArgynnU nausicaa Edw. Rocky Canon, Ariz., 1874. H. W. Henshaw.
Syucliloe crocale Edw. White Mountains, Ariz., 1873. H. W. Henshaw.
Gyrocheilus tritonia Edw. White Mountains, Ariz., 1873. H. W. Henshaw
Apatura leilia Edw. Camp Lowell, Ariz., 1674. H. \V. Henshaw.
Satyrus wheeleri Edw. Arizona, 167:!.
Thecla sira Edw. Fort Wingate, X. Mex., 1874. H. W. Henshaw
Li/cana melUsa Edw. Colorado, 1871.
Lemonias cytherea Edw. Arizona, 1873. H. W. Henshaw.
Catacola editha Edw. Sonoita Valley, Ariz.. 1874. H. W. Henshaw.
Euchaetes elegans Stretch. Oweu's Valley, Cal.
Leueartica albida Stretch. Owen's Valley, Colo., 1875. H. W. Henshaw.
Arelia doctu var. arizonensU Stretch. Arizona.
Arctia yarrowii Stretch. Arizona,
Lasia klettii Osten-Sacken. Camp Apache, Ariz., 1873. F. Kh-tt.
Bembidinm nevadensis Ulke. Nevada.
Dasytes ruficollis Ulke. Nevada.
Epicauta wheeleri Ulke. Arizona.
Lylla lugubris Ulke. Owen's Valley, Cal.
Crossidiim iniermedius like.
Lioderma viridieata Uhler. Colorado. J. T. Rothrock.
Scolopocerus secundarius Uhler. Gila River, Arizona, O. Loew
Megalonotas aodalicius Uhler. Colorado, Nevada, Oregon.
MirU instaWU Uhler. Colorado. J. T. Rothrock.
Hadionrma militarls Uhler.
Calocoris superbus Uhler. California. F. Bischoff.
CorUa dUpersa Uhler. California. F. Bischoff.
Mantis wheehri Thomas.
Pedloscerleles nevadensis Thomas.
Syrbula fusco-vittata Thomas. Lower Arizona, 1874. H. \V. Henshaw.
Oedipoda hoffmanni Thomas. Arizona, 1871. W. J. Hoffman.
Oedipoda mneelerii Thomas.
Oedipoda ulahensis Thomas. Utah.
Oedipoda sparsa Thomas. New Mexico.
Eremovia magna Thomas. Lower Arizona, 1874. H. W. Henshaw.
Pezotettix oregonensis Thomas. Oregon. J. Haldeman.
Pezotettix marshallii Thomas. Southern Colorado.
Pezotettix hamphreysii Thomas. Southern Arizona, 1674.
Caloptenus yarrotcii Thomas.
Acridium shoshone Thomas. Nevada, Arizona.
Acridiuni albolineatum Thomas. Arizoua? 1873.
Sleiroxys hermanii Thomas. 1673.
Steiroxys bilineata Thomas. San Carlos, 1874. H. \V. Henshaw.
MOLLUSCA.
Anodonta dejecta Lewis. Arkansas River, west of one hundredth meridian. H. C. Yarrow.
144 I'. S. GEOGEAPHIGAL SURVEYS WEST OF 1U0TII MERIDIAN.
The numen ms archaeological and ethnological collections from vicinity
of Santa Barbara, California, from Pueblos in Arizona and New Mexico,
and certain interior tribes, are mentioned and described in Volume VII of
the quarto series, which contains also notes upon human crania and skele-
tons and 40 vocabularies of languages and dialects of as many nomad and
village tribes.
The following is a list of the various lots and specimens forwarded by
this office through the Smithsonian Institution to the National Museum,
their practical importance to the Survey having ceased with the examina-
tion and reports made thereupon. This list has been compiled from the
records of this office and those of the Smithsonian Institution so far as the
latter have been available:
Subject.
F. Y..
1871.
F. T.,
1872.
F. Y.,
1873.
P. Y.,
1874
F.T.,
1875.
F. Y„
1876.
F. T.,
1877.
F. Y.,
1878
F. Y.,
1879.
F. Y.,
1880.
F.T.,
1863.
F. Y..
1884.
Total.
Soi ka
2,494
1,921
9
1,813
500
8
2
2
4,415
13
3,806
1,000
9
10
6,627
286
30
61)
Minerals, ores, &c:
1,993
Vertebrate fossils :
500
1
Invertebrate fossils
10
126
9
1,420
21
1,566
135
250
52
2, 159
10
1, 100
Mammals :
43
26
IK
793
li)
4
•j
150
Birds and mammals (alcoholic) :
Mammal crania
37
059
20
193
31
4
3
1, 055
11
22
Birds :
CO
522
10
20
4
361
19
738
4711
31
Birds' in :sts
Birds' eggs :
12
14
9
=
Birds' crania (sterna, &c.) :
Birds' skeletons:
Bhd embryos :
750
140
C50
91
5
750
153
800
116
5
Reptiles (batrai liians :
135
27
15
3
550
109
•J 75
48
950
192
850
,00
83
8
J50
49
12
o
16
o
3,230
46
400
35
3
1
2
Fishes :
SUMMARY OF RESULTS.
145
F.Y., F. V.,
Subject. 1871. 1872.
F Y.. F. Y., F.Y.,
1873. 11874. 1875.
p v If T F Y. If.Y., F.Y., F. Y*.,F. Y., T . ■
i876 1877! 1878 1879. 1880. 1883. > 1884. l0,aL
-
Coleoptera (beetles) :
300
135
100
5
i
•j, mill .
34 .
4,5(10 4
240
500 .
48 .
288 .
144 .
50
13
450
43
25(1
26
601)
66
211 18
643
650 .
18
3
1
Ortboptera (graasboppers) :
1, 150
Specimens
Lots
Lepidoptera (butterflies):
483
162
66
771
306
3
Specimens
Lots
Diptera and Xeuioptera (flies) :
1
50
Specimens ■
Lota
Hymenoptera (bees and wasps)
790
50
3
1
3
J
13
1,291
49
Aracbnida (spiders) :
250
23
100
16
1,000
95
100
1
350
42
Mollusca (shells) :
150
15
200
14
-11, 000
2,100
80
23
12
1
100
2
11
2,080
9
13
12
1
235
321
29
13, 200
Specimens
Lota
Diatomaccous earth :
2
11
Ethnological :
366
366
Archaeological :
Lots or boxes
2
> 71!
4
1
4
745
1,657
165
2, 92*
165
11, 083
881
7,248
465
6,63
1 14,00]
2, 46(
9, 02(
141
5,86
1 72(
1 31 161,659
56
i 12:
....
3
1 2
* Approximated.
Note -The collection of rocKs, minerals, ores, & c, comprising more than four thousand specimens
Smithsonian and National Museum as follows: 187- , p. 1248, 18,8, p. 0., 187a, , ,
. 1880, p. 36.
10 WH— VOL I
146 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TB MERIDIAN.
Latitudes, longitudes, altitudes, and topographic details have been
furnished for the use of the Government in the compilation of the new
western territory, and United States maps by the Engineer Department,
and special maps prepared and compiled by engineer officers at headquar-
ters, military division, and department, by the General Land Office, the
Post-Office Department, the Coast and Geologic Surveys; also to 18 pub-
lishing houses and private map publishers in America and Europe.
Independent of the maps, the main body of the information is found in
nine principal volumes (8 quarto and 1 royal octavo). Mention is made in
the list of contributors to the quarto volumes, in the various reports and
upon the resultant maps, of those assistants and others through whose zeal
and industry so full and complete results have, in the main, been attainable.
The whole points a permanent contribution to the geography, topog-
raphy, and natural history of 359, 065 square miles of the western portion
of the United States.
COLORADO RIVER AND GRAND CANON. 147
CHAPTER II.
rrmBBABT of Colorado grand caSok and river trip of isti.
EXPLORATIONS OF THE COLORADO RIVER OF THE WEST.
A brief chronological account of the earlier explorations prior to the
commencement of the 19th century, and of subsequent exploring and sur-
veying trips, is not thought to be out of place as a preface to the present
report upon further exploration of the river from the direction of its mouth
toward its source, made by parties of the expedition of 1871.
\n epitome of the statements contained in the report of Lieutenant
Ives concerning the early explorations of the river, which doubtless were
gathered by searching among many authentic records, are given herewith.
Very little has been known concerning this river. Two streams, Green and
(^d rivers, which flow through Gtah in a southerly direction, have been supposed
to unite somewhere near the southern boundary of that Territory and form the Colo-
rado, but the point of junction has never been visited nor determined.
# *
In less than fifty years after the landing of Columbus, Spanish missionaries and
soldiers were traveling upon the Colorado, following its course for a long way from
n! : mouth and even attaining one of the most distant ^*™«£%£^£
upper waters. More information was gained concerning it at that time than was
•icouired during the three subsequent centuries. ,
" In thevearl540 the viceroy of New Spain, interested in the accounts derived
from a Franciscan monk of the latter* travels in the Territory ^<^*£*££
sent an exploring expedition into that region under the command of Vasquez de
Coronal A detachment of twenty-five men, led by one Diaz, left Coronado's party
and traveled westward. He discovered the Colorado and followed it to its mouth.
# * * *
About the same time Captain Fernando Alarcon, by order of the viceroy, sailed
up the Gulf of California and ascended the Colorado in boats for a long distance.
148 CT. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
Another of Coronado's captains named Cardenas, with a party of twelve men,
reached the pueblos of Moquis, and repaired from them, with Indian guides, to a
portion of the Colorado far distant from that seen by the others. The history states
that after twenty days' march over a desert, they arrived at a river the banks of which
were so high that they seemed to be three or four leagues in the air.
#######
They averred that some rocks, which appeared from above to be the height of a
man, were higher than the tower of the Cathedral of Seville. This was the first de.
scription of the famous Big Canon of the Colorado.
Several times during the succeeding two centuries the lower part of the river was
visited by Catholic priests. In 1744 a Jesuit missionary, named Jacob Sedelmayer,
went thither, following the course of the Gila, and traveled extensively in both New-
Mexico and Sonora, and about thirty years afterwards the Jesuits established missions
among the Yuma Indians, who live at the junction of the Gila and Colorado.
In 1770 another Catholic missionary, Father Esealaute, traveled from Santa Fe to
Utah, and having explored the region south of the Great Salt Lake, pursued a south-
westerly course towards the sources of the Virgin, and then crossed to the Colorado,
which he reached at a point that appears to have been almost identical with that at-
tained from the opposite direction by Cardenas more than two centuries before.
From this time the river was scarcely approached, excepting by an occasional
trapper or some overland party crossing the lower portion en route to California. A
considerable part of the emigration induced by the gold discoveries in that region
passed through New Mexico by way of the Gila, and the travelers were subjected to
molestation from the Yuinas. In 1850 a detachment of troops was sent to the mouth
of the Gila to keep these Indians under control, and not long afterwards a military
post, called Fort Yuma, was regularly established.
The difficulty of furnishing supplies to the garrison across the desert was such that
in the winter of LS50 and 1851 General Smith, commanding the Pacific Division, sent a
schooner from San Francisco to the head of the Gulf of California, and directed
Lieutenant Derby, Topographical Engineers, to make a reconnaissance with a view of
establishing a route of supply to Fort Yuma via the Gulf and the Colorado. The re-
sult of the reconnaissance was successful and the route was at once put in operation.
In 1851 Captain Sitgreaves, Topographical Engineers, with a party of fifty indi-
viduals, made an exploration from Zuni westward. He struck the Colorado at a point
about KiO miles above Fort Yuma, and followed the east side of the river, keeping as
near to the bank as possible, to the fort.
In the spring of 1854 Lieutenant Whipple, Topographical Engineers, in command
of an expedition for the exploration and survey of a railroad route near the 35th
parallel, reached the Colorado at the mouth of 35111 William's Fork, and ascended the
river about 51) miles, leaving it at a point not far below 7 where Captain Sitgreaves had
first touched it.
The course of the Colorado northward could be followed with the eye for only a
short distance, on account of mountain spurs that crossed the valley and intercepted
COLORADO RIVER AND GRAND CANON. 149
the view. A high, distant range, through which the river apparently broke, was sup-
posed to be the mouth of the "Big Canon," which the Spaniards in 1540 had visited
at a place far above.
The visits of exploratory parties and other trips made prior to the year
1857, and not mentioned by Lieutenant Ives, are as follows:
Capt. Francisco de Ulloa, who, in September, 1539, coasted the Gulf
of California, found the waters turbid from the effects of a strong" current
and suspected that he was near the mouth of a' great river. The position
of such a river was accordingly indicated on a sketch map by the pilot.
Gov. Juan de Ofiate in 1604 went from New Mexico with two priests
and thirty soldiers to Moqui and thence crossed the country southwest-
wardly to the Santa Maria (Bill Williams Fork), which was followed to the
Colorado. He used the name Colorado, but applied it to the branch since
known as Colorado Chitpiito, not suspecting any connection between it and
the great river which he found to the westward and named Rio Grande de
la Esperanza. Members of his part}* ascended the river for some distance,
and he afterwards followed it to the mouth, noting the Gila and naming it
Rio de Jesus.
Father Kino, who, prior to the year 1700 (making a final trip in 1702),
explored a part of California, crossing it from the east to the west on the
26th degree of latitude, from Loreto to New Year's Harbor, following the
Rio San Tomas, now the Rio de la Purissima, and the Boca de la Puris-
sima. (See Annual Report U. S. Geographical Surveys, 1878, accompa-
nied by map, p. 228.)
Father Garces, a Carmelite friar, made a journey in 1775 from Sonora
through the Colorado River country, thereby opening another line of com-
munication to the interior, extending as far as the Southern Sierra Nevada.
Father Font, in his visit to portions of the Great Basin System in 1777,
crossed the Colorado at the Mohave Valleys and proceeded to the eastward
as far as the Moquis Villages.
A copy of the map accompanying the journal of Father Font was
procured in California by the late Brevet Maj. Gen. E. 0. C. Ord, United
States Army, then a captain, and is on file in the Engineer Department.*
"Jedediah Smith, a trapper, explored the Colorado from the Virgin to the Mohave Valleys in
September, 1826.
150 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
Captain Emory, Topographical Engineers, United States Army, in
1846-47 crossed the river near the mouth of the Gila while en route to
California as a member of the military command under Colonel Kearney,
and there established a latitude station. (See Ex. Doc. No. 41, first ses-
sion Thirtieth Congress.)
Parties of the Mexican Boundary Commission Survey reached the
river at points near the Gil.a and to the southward in the years 1849, 1854,
and 1855. The latitude and longitude of the junction of the Gila and
Colorado was, for the first time, determined by Lieutenant Whipple, of the
Topographical Engineers ; and that part of the boundary from this locality
to a point on the river 20 miles to the southward was determined, as also
the latitude of the latter by the zenith telescope, by Lieutenant Michler, of
the Corps of Topographical Engineers.
Lieutenant Parke, of the Corps of Topographical Engineers, while
engaged on the Pacific Railroad surveys in 1855, crossed the Colorado at
Fort Yuma, near the junction of the Gila, en route eastward to the Rio
( J rande.
The expedition of Lieutenant Ives, which took the field in 1857, the
report of which appears in an executive document of the Thirty-sixth Con-
gress, first sesssion, was the most important expedition ever fitted out for
the direct and positive exploration and examination of the river from its
mouth toward its source.
The work was in many respects most admirably done; and, although
he failed to reach the highest point to which navigation could be directed
in case of a commercial necessity, still, for the first time, he developed an
understanding of the geographical position, topographical accessories, and
the hydrographic peculiarities of nearly 600 miles of this hitherto almost
unknown great river.
The next expedition was that sent out from Santa Fe in 1859, under
Capt. J. N. Macomb, Corps of Topographical Engineers, with a view to
determine the junction of the Grand and Green rivers. A point was
reached by one of the parties of this expedition on the Grand River
approximately 4 miles from and in view of the junction ; from which
locality the return trip was made to Santa Fe. The accounts of this expe-
COLORADO RIVER AND GRAND CANON. 151
dition are to lie found in the Annual Reports of the Chief of Topographical
Engineers of 1860 and 1861, and in a special Geological Report by Pro-
fessor Newberry published by the Engineer Department in 1876.
Meanwhile adventurous prospectors and others, doubtless, reached por-
tions of the river below the mouth of the Grand Canon. A monument on
the northern shore found by a party of this survey in 1871 showed that
the Grand Canon had been entered from In-low by a party of four men, of
whom 0. D. Gass, met by myself in 1869 at Las Vegas, was one. This
was probably in 18(!4.
Captain Rodgers, in October, 1866, took the steamer Esmeralda, 97 feet
long and 22 feet wide, to Callville. (See Annual Report Chief of Engi-
neers, 1868, Appendix X.)
One James White, with another prospector, attempted to descend the
river in a raft from a point on the Grand in 1867, a brief narrative of which
is related by C. C. Parry, assistant geologist Union Pacific Railroad Survey,
in letter to J. D. Perry, Union Pacific Railroad, January 6, 1868, and sub-
mitted by Brevt. Lieut. Col. R. S. Williamson. (See Annual Report Chief
of Engineers for 1868, p. 1191 .) The following is compiled from the above
report:
James White, formerly a resident of Kenosha, Wis., left Fort Dodge
April 13, 1867, and, with a party under Captain Baker, made a prospecting
tour of the San Juan region. Captain Baker was killed in a side canon of
the Green River, August 24, and White, accompanied by one Henry
Strole, commenced the descent of the river on a rude raft, noticing the
junction of the Green and Grand and the mouths of the San Juan and
Little Colorado. Strole was washed overboard on the fourth day and was
drowned. White then lashed himself to the raft and continued on the per-
ilous journey, securing, by the barter of his arms to Indians, enough mes-
quit bread to sustain life till he reached Callville, on the Colorado, Septem-
ber 8, just fourteen days from the time of starting.
" His narrative throughout hears all the evidences of entire reliability, and is sus
taiued by collateral evidence, so that there is not the least room to doubt that he
actually accomplished the journey and within the time mentioned by him."
The above narrative was corroborated by P. W. James, of the river
party, who knew White well at Camp Mohave while the latter was a mail-
152 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
rider between that point and Callville. So far as is known, he is the first
white man who passed through the walls of any part of the Grand Canon.
It is believed that Mr. John Moss and Capt. Samuel Adams subsequent
to 1870 made trips in or about the canon region, but no authentic account
of critical observations by either of them is available.
The expedition down the river from the crossing of the Green River
by the Union Pacific Railroad was undertaken by J. W. Powell in 1869,
and carried out successfully. The several canons through the Uintah
Mountains, those between the junction of the Green and Grand, and the
commencement of the Great Grand Canon proper and the Grand Canon
itself, were passed by a boat party, which upon debarking reached the
settlements from the mouth of Virgin River.
In 1870 the eastern boundary of Nevada was established by I. E.
James, and the terminal point on the northern bank marked.
Subsequently, Mr. Powell, in his geological explorations and examina-
tions of portions of the Colorado Plateau system, caused to be prosecuted
geologic, topographic, and other examinations of sections bordering more
especially upon the Grand Canon both, north and south of the river.
In the reconnaissance of 1869 I reached, with parties under my charge,
the Colorado at the mouth of the Virgin River, and traveled along its
northern and western banks as far to the south as El Dorado Canon. In
1871 a regular boat party was organized by men selected from the expedi-
tion of that year, and the ascent of the river made from Camp Mohave
through the Black, Boulder, Iceberg, Virgin Canons, and the transit of a
portion of the Grand Canon, making a total distance of 205 miles, along
which 225 rapids and falls were noted. In 1872 the river was traversed
along its northern banks from the foot of the Grand Canon to the mouth of
Virgin River by myself and party. The river was approached by parties
of the expedition of that year in the heart of the Grand Canon at the mouth
of the Paria and at the crossing of the " Fathers." (El Vado de los Padres.)
In 1873 the river was crossed at the mouth of the Paria by a party
under Lieutenant lioxie. In 1N75 and 1876 Lieutenant Bergland, of the
expeditions of those years, approached the river, making certain topographic
and hydrographic examinations and surveys at points at and between Camp
COLORADO RIVER AND GRAND CANON.
153
Mohave and Fort Yuma. The source of the Grand River, one of the main
tributaries, was discovered by Lieutenant Pike in his expedition of 1805
and 1806 ; that of the Green River (the main fork or continuation of the
Colorado proper) by Captain Bonneville in his explorations of the years
1832 and 1833.
From such examinations as I have been able to make, the above appears
to cover all the prominent explorations that have been conducted with a
view to determine points upon the river itself, or the conditions of its hydrog-
raphy or adjacent topography, and while it is not submitted as a complete
account, still it is vouched for by such publications as it has been found
possible to examine. Doubtless, a more thorough search among the writings
of Herrera, Haykluyt, Torquemada, Ramusio, and others, of the travels of
the Jesuits, and the manuscripts of Spanish travelers and explorers that may
be found in the libraries at Madrid, Mexico, that of Bancroft in San Fran-
cisco, at the British Museum, and the Propaganda at Rome, and the Con-
gressional Library at Washington, D. C, would bring to light new details, if
not fresh facts.
The river has been crossed by railroad surveying parties, namely,
those of the Texas Pacific, Southern Pacific, Thirty-fifth Parallel, and
Atlantic Pacific, at points near the Mohave Valleys and Fort Yuma.
A brief abstract of the voyages and explorations above enumerated is
herewith presented.
CHRONOLOGICAL ACCOUNT OF EXPLORATIONS OF THE COLORADO RIVER OF THE
WEST.
PRIOR TO THE TEAR 1800.
Name of party.
Expeditionary
year.
Authority for and remarks.
Capt. Francisco de Ulloa ...
Captain Diaz, of Coronado's
expedition.
Captain Cardenas, of Coro-
nado's expedition.
Capt. Fernando Alar^on
1539
1540
1540
1540
Sailed up to the head of the Gulf, found the waters turbid from strong cur-
rents, and suspected but did not see the mouth of ;i great river. (See An-
nual Report United States Geographical Surveys, 1878.)
Leaving the main command and proceeding westward discovered the Colo-
rado and followed it to its mouth. (See Ives' Colorado River Report.)
Separating from the main command, reached the Moquis villages and prob-
ably some point in the canon region to the north and westward. (See Ives'
Colorado River Report.)
Acting in conjunction with Coronado's expedition, ascended the Gulf of Cali-
fornia and tin- river for a considerable distance for fifteen days in boats.
(See Ives' Colorado River Report.)
154 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
CHRONOLOGICAL ACCOUNT OF EXPLORATIONS OF THE COLORADO LIVER OF THE
WEST— Continued.
PRIOR TO THE YEAR 1800— Continued.
Name of party.
Gov. Juan de Ouate
Numbers of Catholic priests
Father Kino
Juan Ugarte
Jacob Sedelmayer
Fernando Consak
•
Juan Bautista Anza
Father Garces
Father Escalante
Father Font
Expeditionary
year.
from 1540tol740
1698 to 1702
Authority for and remarks.
1775
1775
177G
Reached the river at junction of Santa Maria (Bill Williams' Fork) and fol-
lowed it to its mouth. {II. L. Oak, of Bancroft's Library, San Francisco,
Cal.)
Visited the lower part of the river in their missionary endeavors. (See Ives'
Colorado Ri\ er Report.)
A Jesuit priest who followed a land passage from New Mexico to California.
fSee Annual Report Tinted States Geographical Surveys, 1878.)
Sailed along the east coast of Lower California, reaching the mouth of the
< lolorado in July, 1721.
A Jesuit missionary who followed the Gila to the Colorado. Thirty years
later missions were established near junctions of Gila and Colorado. (See
Ives Colorado River Report.)
Similar trip to that of Ugarte, reaching the mouth of the Colorado on July
11, 174*5, attempting to ascend the river with his canoes.
Crossed the Colorado overland from Sonora to Monterey, establishing a new
route.
Crossed the Colorado en route from Sonora to Mission San Gabriel (a second
journey to California).
Traveled from Sonora through the Colorado River country; opens another
route to the interior near southern end of the Sierra Nevada.
< !rossed the Green and Grand rivers near their junction, and, returning from
region of Great Salt Lake, forded the river at a point known as " El vado
de los I 'ad res," north of theMoquis towns. (See Warren's Memoir, Pacific
Railroad Reports, Vol. XI.)
Crossed the Colorado at the Mohave Valleys en route from Monterey, Cal.,
to the Moquis villages. (See "Warren's Memoir.)
SUBSEQUENT TO THE YEAR 1800.
Jedediah Smith.
Bvt. Maj. W.TL Emory, To-
pographical Engineers.
Lieutenant Derby, Topo-
graphical Engineers, and
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COLORADJ RIVER AND GRAND CANON. 159
an object of pleasure to observe, while bis childish enthusiasm and frankness were often turned to
good account when the war councils of the fourteen Mohaves threatened disturbance. He became
much attached to young Loring, who, with Messrs. Haruel and .Salmon, of the river party, were the
victims of the Wickenburg stage massacre, and, singularly enough, in company with other Mohaves,
became one of the detectives to discover the Apache Mohaves who perpetrated this most terrible out-
rage.
September 24.— Reached Camp No. 9, bead of Black Canon.— The necessity for
reaching the land parties at the crossing near the foot of the Grand Canon does
not permit of our resting even on Sunday. By diligent labor camp at the head of the
canon is reached, where the walls are quite abrupt and fully 1,700 feet in height. This
brings us out to daylight once more. During the day several rapids have been
passed, none very difficult except one, which will be called Horseshoe Rapids, because
of its form.
Here the face of the current strikes the western bank and from it rebounds to
the south and east with impinging force along a collection of seemingly small boul-
ders; and upon striking the sharp bluff along the eastern shore takes a similar turn
to the southwest. This rapid delayed us two hours. The channel has been deep and
the water smooth, although the current was strong. The walls of the canon have ex-
ceeded the usual height, and come for the greater part to the immediate edge of the
water, bordered, however, at intervals by little sand banks. The walls of the canon
near its head arc composed of a highly metamorphic sandstone, exposing here and
there brecciated cliffs and conglomerate boulders.
The Black Canon, although interesting in the extreme, does not equal in grandeur
what was expected of it from the description given in Ives's Report. The walls are
not so high nor as vertical as therein represented. However, the velocity of the
current and number of rapids that are met, the sombre character of the walls
many peculiar weird forms, points at which a stillness like death creates impres-
sions of awe, all tend to the belief that one of nature's grand labyrinths has been
passed.
Plate No. .V /A" has been selected from the photographic subjects as typical of Black Canon be-
tween Camp S and its head. The walls in other places are more abrupt and then- perpendicularity at
the water's surface more marked, thereby presenting scene after scene of rare grandeur, but wanting
in the gentler undulations of form shown in the sketch from "Mirror Bar."
September 25. — Beaching River Camp No. 10, in sight of Callville (deserted). An
early start soon brings us past Fortification Rock to t lie mouth of Las Vegas Wash.
A considerable rapid is passed near the head of the canon. Those encountered later
in the day were less violent, as the river spreads over a wider space. There is
a marked change in the temperature. The equinoctial having passed, there are
fewer changes in the increased currents due to local precipitation at points nearer the
sources.'
Las Vegas Wash was passed at noon, and thus have had views on three sides of
the isolated peak which will be called Black Butte. Fortification Mountain is in sight
during the entire day. The shallow rapid opposite Las Vegas Wash contained suffi-
cient water to allow the passage of the barge, which only reached camp at 11 p. m.
The brightness of the moon affords, however, a light nearly equal to that of day.
Table Mountain, nearly opposite the head of Black Canon, an elevation of approxi
160 U. S. GEOGEAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
mately 2,250 feet, is one of the marked features. The immediate canon walls are not
greatly in excess of 1,000 feet, while protruding points are from 1,750 to 2,000 feet,
approximately.
September 26.— Reaching River Camp No. 11, near the foot of Boulder Canon.
This point, a short distance within Boulder Canon, has been selected as a rendezvous.
Leaving the bunts for a while, following up the wash that comes in from the south at
a point in sight of Callville, an Indian trail, supposed to lead into the Hualapais coun-
try, is noted. One oft lie boatmen says that the Hualapais and Bah utes cross the river
at this point and interchange commodities. It is called one and a half days' long In-
dian marches, probably 75 miles, to the Hualapais mining district.
The walls of Fortification Rock seem to be sandstone highly metamorphosed, while
those in Boulder Canon are of granite. Floating pieces of iron ore (hematite) are noticed
in the wash. Here in a marked degree is shown the large annual denudation of these
sandy and conglomerate mesa forms. Thus is it made clearly manifest that the erosive
agents of nature little by little are decreasing the profile of all mountain forms.
The Indians exchange powder and ball for sheep and buckskin, the Pah-utes buy-
ing from the emigrants.
September 27. At Lay-Over Camp. Astronomic and magnetic observations are
here made, the former having been taken at all other camps. The boats and barge are
carefully overhauled, cleaned, and caulked. Reports were heard of gold ore having
been found near the wash that leads into the river from the south, at the mouth of
which camp is made. This day of rest, being the first since the commencement of the
trip, is heartily appreciated. The " Picture" comes up a little before noon, and the
party are all together again. The photographic party have met with good success.
Having rationed anew, they will still continue on a roving commission until the ren-
dezvous at the crossing is made.
Septi ruber 28.— Reached River Camp No. 12, near head of Boulder Canon. Being
anxious to arrive at the crossing, an early start is made, and all the force crowded to
its utmost. A severe, wind storm is met near the head of the canon, and the party
becomes divided, one portion camping at the head of the canon and another fully 2 miles
above. At the former camp a gale fills the air with sand so completely that it could not
be kept out of the food, and during the night formed in drifts, covering the blanket
beds.
Mr. Gilbert furnishes the following general section of Boulder Canon : a nucleus
of syenite, against which rest plicated crystalline schists, and over the whole are suc-
cessive massive layers of trachyte, flanked at the east by basalt.
September 29.— Camp No. 13, near mouth of Virgin River. The river here makes
a sudden bend to the southward, and although the right-line distauce to the mouth of
the Virgin River does not exceed 5 miles, by the river course it is fully 10. The rap-
ids encountered to day are less violent than usual. Two settlers are fouud,.who have
just arrived for the purpose of establishing a ferry to aid prospectors en route to the
1 1 ualapais mines, in Arizona. They have found a good road to the head of the Sacra-
mento Valley, which to the southward skirts the mountains to the eastward of this
valley. An Indian was here found with a note from the guide, Spencer, which gives
hope that he will accomplish his difficult mission of selecting a camp on the south of
COLORADO RIVER AND GRAND CANON 161
the river for a land rendezvous after having planted signals at the mouth of Diamond
Creek, the objective point of the river party, aud having selected a crossing and made
a junction with the land command near Saint George, Utah.
The territory of the Pah-utes, who have lately been at war with the Mohaves, has
beeu successfully traversed and neutral ground reached. The Mohaves held a long
conference with the Pah utes of the Muddy region, several of whom live in this locality.
A singular salt well on the mesa was visited. The elevation is found to be ap-
proximately 50 feet above the river. It is doubtless a reservoir of waters accumulating
on the rock bed that here ascends nearer to the mesa surface.
September 30.— River Camp No. 14, near Notre Dame Rock. A distance of from
13 to 14 miles was traveled and camp made on the southern bank a little after dark.
A heavy rapid was passed a little less than 1 mile below cam]., and also during the
day. on the southern side, peculiar mesa forms, denoted respectively as Dome Rock and
the Cloister. The river here bends considerably to the south. The barge moves
slowly, and the duty (breed upon the white men, who have tn go frequently into the
water, 'is very severe. One sees what appears to be a high range of mountains about
30 miles distant, apparently perpendicular, which is presumed to be the commencement
of the Grand Canon.
October 1 .—Reach Camp No. 15, above Long Rapid. Rattlesnakes have been very
plenty along the sides of the canon. To day Notre Dame and Cathedral Rocks were
passed, and a little higher another mesa, islands that are the commencement of the
canon cut out by the river from the Virgin Range. As this is our first canon upon
entirely new ground it will be called Virgin Canon. Two or three slight rapids are
passed, and a very large one at the head of the canon, by far the most violent yet seen.
The difficulties of towing have been very great. A salt spring is noted on the southern
bank, near the .enter of the canon.
October 2.— Reached Camp No. 10, foot of Iceberg Canon. Emerging from the
canon are some lone rocks, against which the water breaks heavily in the flood season.
An island appears here which is doubtless covered at high water. Indians approached
from the southern bank and proved to be Pah utes, who are planting a small strip of
land near the river. They bring squashes, melons, and nets, to trade. They seem to
be entirely sequestered from the other Pah-utes, ami have no news except that they
have apparently seen the source of Truxton Springs. It is surmised that they have
seen white men cross the river a little above the Grand Wash. The Mohaves are
"■ettiug tired and lazy, and the boats move wearily, passing a wash coming in from the
uorth, & and next a rapid, just at the foot of the canon, that, because of the peculiar
contour of its northern walls, is called Iceberg Canon. The barge, as usual, does not
reach camp until after dusk.
October 3.— Camp No. 17, foot of Grand Wash, Iceberg Canon. The peculiar
shades of color drifting in the strata, and the contour of the prominent walls have
all been most singular in this canon. The progress to day is slow, and at night the
distance traveled is not more than 7 or 8 miles.
October 4.— Camp No. is, crossing of the Colorado. To-day beaver-holes were
noted and paths very plentiful along the river. One boat pushes ahead to reach the
point of crossing, where it is expected to meet one of the laud parties prior to Octobers.
The barge and other boats are left, with orders to come in as rapidly as possible. The
11 WH— VOL I
162 I '. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF KIOTII MERIDIAN.
walls of lli«' canon are soon passed, and what seems to be the extreme face of what
well could be the beginning of the Grand Canon is seen. In between are numbers of
broken washes of semi-plateau slopes. In less than a mile horse-tracks are discovered,
and it is concluded that a few horsemen had camped there some days since. In tracing
these up the river the land camp would doubtless be struck. Traveling ahead alone
on foot on the river bank voices are soon heard, and it is found that Lieutenant Lock-
wood and his party had come to the river, thinking it might be necessary to build a
raft, and had gone a little way up the river to the old Ute crossing to get timbers and
find a trail on the other side. Our meeting here was a cause for mutual congratula-
tion. Here the mail is received, and parties at once dispatched to bring the main
command to the crossing. Our rendezvous camp is made on the southern side, and
every one is gladdened to know that the most difficult enterprise of the expedition has
been so far consummated in a most satisfactory manner.
October 5. — At the crossing of the Colorado. The day was spent in camp in pleas-
ant intercourse, making arrangements for further operations, and the opportunity is
taken advantage of to thoroughly overhaul the barge and boats. The former is to be
left at the old Ute crossing, about 3 miles above the camp. The start will he made
with picked crews, rationed for 15 days. Loping to reach the mouth of Diamond Creek
in that time. The barge will form the basis of supply in case the difficulties of
the ascent necessitate falling back upon it. Gooil grass is found upon the plateau
about a mile and a half to the southward, where the animals can recuperate. A
Tiiarked change as to the conditions of grazing is noticed at once upon crossing the
river. Between the walls of the canon to the east and the Virgin range to the west,
nearly as far north as Saint George, Utah, is an area almost entirely destitute of
grass, while every plateau, with its contiguous mesas, is covered with a thick bed, as
one passes to the southward.
Parties of relief are projected, to reach the crossing from the rendezvous at Truxton
Springs with further rations in case of disaster. Another party is to attain the mouth
of Diamond Creek, which is about 35 miles from the general rendezvous. Diffeient
routes of travel to be followed between now and the close of the season are discussed
and arranged. About 4 o'clock the command begins to tile down to the river bank
and is brought across the river as fast as the different parties come up. All the boats
are brought into requisition and the concentrated force quickly completes the crossing.
The entire expedition is safe on the southern side of this turbid, unmanageable stream ;
and thus the greatest and most extraordinary obstacles of the season are successfully
passed.
Friday, October 6. — At crossing of the Colorado. All the animals are brought
across this morning by swimming against a tierce current with a- single loss. Mr.
( ; illicit proceeds with his boat to the mouth of the Grand Canon with a view of making
a geological section at this point. He succeeds in reaching the high mesa, about 3,500
feet, but is unable to return to the bed of the river before dark, and makes his camp
high up in the rocks.
The Mohaves have a. great feast over the animal that was killed in crossing,
and in consequence many are sick; but the presence of a Pah-ute medicine man has
its influence in relieving the horrible pains of several of the overfed aboriginals. A
greater part of the day has been made hideous by his roars, screams, and moans over
.
COLORADO RIVER AND GRAND CANON. 163
the victims. For the third time the Mobaves have tried to desert and return to their
homes. By dint of threats and persuasions they are. however, induced to remain
until the completion of the river exploration. Observations are here made by Lieu-
tenant Lock wood and myself for time and latitude. The barge is left near the cross-
ing as the nucleus of a relief station, and with it Sergeant Eisenbise, one soldier,
Captain Asquit, and three other Indians. The canon exploration is to be made by
3 crews of 9 persons each.
October 7. — Camp No. 19, near foot of the Grand Canon. The land parties are
left this morning to take one more day for recuperation, and the three boat parties
merrily start out to search for further wonders in the Grand Canon, imagining but
U'W of the many difficulties that were soon to be nut.
Gilbert Camp is reached at 1 p. m., but be had not then returned from the
summit of the plateau. A little farther on a full view, magnificent beyond description,
of the walls of the Grand Canon is had. Camp is made after nightfall on the southern
shore, near a little stream trickling from the sides of the canon. Sheltered by the
foliage that clusters around this little ravine one manages to protect himself from the
wind drifting sand. In the vicinity of the old Ute crossing, near the foot of the Grand
Canon, the river widens and the rapids are more shallow. This is the best point yet
noted for fording, still in the lowest of waters swimming would be necessary, and at
high water doubtless the swift current would prohibit this method even.
Plate Xo. XX is an illuminated sketch made from a photograph taken in the Grand Canon near
its month, and is hence typical as to form, showing peculiarities of erosion that give rise to great vari-
eties of profiles. The coloring is in some respects more brilliant than that in nature, although less
vivid than in soire of the beds, as, for instance, the red wall of limestone. The sun breaking through
upon the vari-colored sedimentary beds enlivens a, contrast of colors that no artist can accurately copy.
October 8. — Camp No. 20, head of Winding Rapids. In following up the little
ravine near the camp the source of its pure stream of water is discovered, and near
it most beautiful beds of ferns. The photographer remains in this locality taking
views. The springs near the Tufa Bluff's, on the north side, not far from our former
camp, were examined and four were named — Tufa, Grotto, Baptismal Font, and Holy
Water Cup. The temperature of these springs is 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The water
is most clear and sparkling. A small stream of water, entering the river from a side
canon to the south, was passed where elm trees were seen. Five rapids are passed
within two miles. A section of the river is here made by Mr. Hainel, and observations
for time and latitude are taken by myself.
October 9. — River Camp No. 21, near Cascade Rapids. Camp is broken early and
the start made in fine style. It is hoped this day to make considerable distance, but
soon many rapids are stumbled across, and at noon 9 had been passed, and prior to
sunset, 15, some of which had as many as three falls. Observed three tufa mineral
springs about noon, temperature 70 degrees. During the day a monument on the
north shore was passed, in which was found a memorandum signed by "4" men, one
of whom was O. D. Gass, of Las Vegas Ranch, Nevada, who had ascended to this
point in 1864 (?) (The "4" was partly obliterated.)
The rapids are more formidable than any yet seen. I am satisfied that no one
has ever ascended the river above this point, and Mr. (lass, one of the 4 persons men-
tioned above, told me in 18C9 at Las Vegas ranch that he considered it impossible to
penetrate further. It is for this party to try it, however, and if successful to-morrow
164 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST <>F 100TH MERIDIAN.
there will seem to be little doubt of reaching Diamond Creek. Traveled 7 A miles
today. The narrowest point in the river yet reached is immediately above Tufa
Springs — 75 feet. Its bed here is one of erosion through the underlying granite walls
rising on either side. The coarse carving, noted in detail on the limestone and boulders
of debris beaches, is here shown on a grander and more picturesque scale, than else-
where seen. The geological horizon of granite is just reached, and it is not improbable
that it extends as far as Diamond Creek, where it was noted by Dr. Newberry, in 1858.
A wash with high banks comes in at the camp from the north and is covered with
driftwood, evidencing the rise at stages of high water.
Plate XXI here introduced shows a projecting rock on the right hand of the sketch called "Devil's
Anvil,'' that overhangs the almost perpendicular canon. Part of the southern wall is shown, and also
the ri \ ei -lied. The photographic view was taken at a point a little higher up than Diamond Creek by
one of the land parties of 1872.
October ID. — River Camp No. 22, opposite Vernal Falls. We traveled this day
not far from tive miles. Two boats are lost over the rapid immediately in front of our
camp, but secured again without damage. Early to day a rapid is passed with a direct
fall of at least 8 feet. The entire fall of the rapid before mentioned is 35 feet, above
which comes smooth water for approximately 1A miles, flowing along solid granite
walls of the canons on either side. Another rapid met during the day calls for all
the strength of the? different crews. Much water has been taken by the boats. At
last a long rapid of two falls appears, with smooth water at its head, extending for
quite a distance. The boats succeed in passing the first one a little after dark. It is
not considered safe to try the other, as everything has to be unloaded and the first
boat has been very nearly swamped. Therefore a dark and dreary camp is made
among tin- debris of the slopes, where, cuddled up Indian fashion, the weary hours of
the night are passed. The labor of the past few days has been very wearing upon
the men, and one of the strongest Indians was thrown upon the rocks and badly
bruised, making two invalids in the party. I have several times during the day
despaired id' reaching Diamond Creek in time to join the relief party there, as each
rapid in turn seems to be more powerful than the last, and the number per mile is
evidently on the increase; and, furthermore, it appears unlikely that any party litis
ascended the river farther than this locality, or that one ever will. Still, the objective
point can be reached, it is believed, if the men and boats hold together. Traveled
approximately 5 miles and camped on north shore.
October 11. — Camp No. 23, below Disaster Rapid. This morning Mr. Gilbert
makes certain special geological examinations, among others examining an injected
dikelike mass of basalt in the granite. Portage is made, and the rapid near camp
passed. Another appears within one fourth of a mile, then smooth water for a little
distance, after which a powerful rapid that takes the strength of all of the three crews.
Then appears another stretch of fair water that brings one to the worst rapid of the
trip. All the boats are brought up and lines thrown ahead. This rapid seemed long-
but not dangerous, however, but the first boat going into it proved differently. The
first dash filled the boat with water, the second swamped it, and in this way the lives
of two boatmen were endangered. The boat ran back agaiust the rocks almost a per-
fect wreck, and its contents were washed down below the overhanging rocks. A stout
cise containing my most valuable private and public papers and data for a great
u s
VEYS WEST '■ M
VIEW" LOOKING SOUTH INI IE GRANI
FROM 9HEAVWITZ CROSSING-.
1872.
COLORADO BIVEE AND CIIA.M) CANON. 1(55
share of the season's report, which for the first time had not been taken out of the
boat at a portage, was lost, as well as valuable instruments the astronounca and me-
teorological observations, and worse than all the entire rations ot that boat, lhese
losses could not be made good, and this disaster threatened to drive the canon partus
back to the barge station at the crossing, thus pronouncing the trip a partial failure
Night came, and the boats dropped back about half a unle to camp. ^ eary my elf
and much dispirited, it is still uecessary to maintain cheerfulness toward tne little
party, who see ..eat trouble ahead. A compact vein ot basaltic lava ot 6 feet
thickness obtruding through the granite was noticed, as also like intrusions ,.t a number
of points elsewhere on either side of the canon. The .man.tc grows higher and is
beautifully sculptured in pot-holes and other tonus.
October 12.-Eeached < 'amp No. 24, head of Disaster Rapid. The morning is oc-
cupied in searching up ami down the river lor any trace of articles lost fr boat No.
1 but without success. Our party are all despondent, and as the boat swamped yes-
terday was badly damaged, and rations are very short, a portion of the party is
here detached to make the descent in this boat, with the expectation of reaching the
laud party and following their trail to the southward from the point i on the river
where the barge lies anchored. No one except Mr. Gilbert and myself think that the
boats can pass the rapids in front of us. It requires no little courage to continue far-
tueron, since one day later would prevent a return in time to meet the relief party
at the river-crossing, and the barge has rations only up to a certain date. Mr. Gilbert
and myself propose to reassure the men by taking the fust boat across the rapid
Portage of the stores is made to the wash at the head of the rapids, which consumes he
greater share of the day, and half an hour before twilight a rope is stretched and the
emergency prepared for. The entire force is stationed along the line, and the cast-oft
is made, 'in five minutes the worst part of the rapid is over, and just as the sun sinks
gloomily behind the canon horizon the worst rapid is triumphantly passed, amid the
cheers and exultations of every member of the party. Astronomical observations
were made here. „. ,
October 13 -River Camp No. 25. This morning the second boat passes Disastei
Rapid successfully, and a fresh start for the further ascent is made. Three Other
^ ere rapids are passed duriug the day, still the distance traveled has been nearly six
m il es \bout 3 p. m. a beautiful vista is passed, formed by the granite boulders that
approach quite to the bed of the river, contracting the channel so as to produce an
enormous current. The shifting current for quite a distance has sculptured strange
contours among the granite walls that at this low stage protrude above the water.
Many are carved like full columns, others honeycombed in extravagance ot form, mak-
ing the view in all its phases tin- grandest and most sublime of any noticed along the
route. The channel here is the narrowest yet met-being less than 50 feet w!de. The
thickness of the granite beds becomes greater and greater, ami now reaches Iron, 700 to
son feet. The more solid the granite the less dangerous and difficult the rapids and
falls This is easily explained, since the rapids have formed by accumulated debris
breaking in from the side canons, and from the boulders detaching from the sales ot the
main wall and falling into the stream. The latter more frequently make the dam, and
the irregular flow of the water causes these most terrible rapids. It becomes neces-
sary to make a ve.v difficult portage just at dusk. It is very severe, since the men are
166 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
greatly worn. The hope of ultimate success sustains the sinking courage as also the
belief that no one will follow speedily in our tracks, thus making the ascending ex-
ploration of the river complete and final.
October 14. — At River Camp No. 20, above Portage Rapids. The temperature at
night in the canon has been of late decreasing, and the morning tire that can be made
by a little drift wood picked up is very agreeable. An old Indian trail is found in the
creek that conies into the canon from the .south. There are a few hills of scanty corn
of this season's growth, while a little avenue among the willows seems to have been
planted with beans in hills, but no appearance of fruit. The Indians have evidently
been hei'e in the early spring, but not since. One of the worst rapids of the trip was
met to-day, which obliged the portage of the boats with all the stores for fully one-
fourth of a mile. Mr. Hainel and myself penetrated a second creek coming in from
the south, following a gentler slope than any yet seen, which leads to the belief that
possibly one could emerge by it from the canon bed, if necessary. The distance to-day
is 2f miles. It took six hours to pass the rapid above mentioned. This ruing the
rear boat picked up a duck floating down the stream that had been killed by a shot,
and it is hoped this may indicate that the land party has reached the mouth of Diamond
Creek, and that it is not far distant.
Camp is made at a southern bend of the river, and for the first time out of sight
of a rapid. Now and then a stray duck is seen, but hardly any other wiuged animals.
The flora of the side canons is extremely meager. Their streams have no fish. A
peculiar salmon and hunchback are found in the river at places, but being without
hooks it has been impossible to increase the scanty stock of provisions. No new plants
or other forms appear, and the entire canon is but one grand rock laboratory. Noted
today a small snake witli black and white rings, different from any yet seen. Trav-
eled 2| miles, approximately.
October 15. — River Camp No. 27, Castaway Rapids. After an inspection of pro-
visions held this morning, it becomes necessary to further curtail the amounts allowed
to each individual. A rapid is passed early in the day with a fall of 8.8 feet, at which
point the river is 48| feet in width. Eleven rapids are met and passed during the day,
the entire distance gained being about 3J miles. The semi-granite walls appear on
either hand with a superior cap of sandstone more prominent, giving at this special
locality great perpendicularity to the walls. Towing is hence a thing very much to
be dreaded. The short lengths of apparently smooth water are becoming less frequent,
and swift currents are noted at each turn in the river. This indicates — and our ane-
roids verify the fact — thai the fall per mile increases at every step.
Mr. Gilbert's boat is cast away in pulling through the last rapid, and he and
Ilecox go so far down the stream that the crew could not reach them, hence they go
supperless to bed among the rocks in this wild canon. Our camp is a little shelving
place in the rocks, witli scarcely room enough for the little party to sleep among the
boulders. Everyone is gloomy at the prospect, starvation staring one in the face with-
out the certainty of relief either in advance or retreat.
Octobct 16. — Cam]) No. 28, Starvation Camp. To-day it has often been necessary
to climb as high as 100 feet to pass the tow-rope ahead. Two portages of stores were
necessary, and one portage of the boats. In passing the third nest of rapids the rope
parted and one of the boats was cast away upon one of the roughest rapids in the
COLORADO R1VEK AND GRAND CANON. 1G7
river. Tlie sight, although exciting, was an extremely sickening one. The boat was
caught, however, on the other side, and extricated after much difficulty. Such acci-
dents are disheartening in the face of the presumable dangers yet in advance, the
number and extent of which are yet unknown. The boat upon the second trial, how-
ever, passed safely. Washes reach the river from either side at the head of this rapid,
and hence the magnitude of the dam accounts for its length. The one from the. north is
a stream with about 200 inches How ; the one from the other direction has a very gentle
slope.
Mr. Ilamel climbed the granite wall, and reports it smooth and level on the top of
the mesa. It may yet lie necessary to take this route to the mouth of Diamond Creek.
Astronomical observations were made for time and latitude. The entire rations of the
party scarcely make a re-enforce to my blanket pillow, where they are at night placed
as a precaution.
October 17.— Camp No. 29, below Concealed Rapids. .Made a portage of boats
to-day among the narrowest and heaviest rapids of the trip. Width 35 feet, fall 10,1
feet. Speculations are rife to day as to the prospect of either want and starvation and
inability to get out of the canon, and yet 1 believe there will be some loophole in event
of the utmost emergency. Fortunately the weather during the day continues tine.
The warm genial sun now and then reaches the river and improves the temperature
of the water, with which all persons have constantly to deal, and the hands are not so
cold that any of the party suffer in consequeuee. The river trip would still continue
practicable were the unforeseen trials and privations known so as to be mastered. As
it is. eaeh day seems like an age, and the danger of complete disaster stares one so
plainly in the face that a state of uneasiness naturally prevails. To day I have been
thinking over a plan of sending forward upon the mesas to reach Diamond Creek.
My mind is still bent upon taking the boats to their original destination if they will
hold together. It has been necessary to guard the entire stock of rations in person for
the last few days. It is decided this evening in the event of emergency that the boats
shall be abandoned, the mesa reached ou foot, and the mouth of Diamond Creek thus
reached. Gained 3i miles to-day. Saw the new moon by daylight, 2 p. m.
October 18. — River Camp No. 30, Look-ahead Camp. It is now hardly daylight
until 7 o'clock, at which time the weary labors of the day are begun. A portage about
9 o'clock is effected at a rapid where some ugly boulders of enormous proportions are
the only beach. To-day the fifth castaway is noted, and Gilbert and Salmon try their
luck at swimming. It is estimated that the distance to the mouth of Diamond Creek
cannot exceed 17 miles. The track of a man's foot with boots or shoes on is noted on
the southern bank. It is hoped that it may be some one from the relief party. A
longer portage of boats has to be made, but it proves successful, and the cam]) at night
is so selected that it is believed the mesa inclose proximity may be climbed in the
morning. Notwithstanding the great obstacles of the day, a distance of .'U miles has
been gained. The boats are leaking badly. Complete instructions are made for the
two messengers, Hecox and Roberts, who volunteered to start out iu the morning to
reach Diamond Creek. This seems a necessary measure, as the lives of twenty persons
are now dependent upon the success of the messengers sent ahead for food. A fair-
sized loaf is cooked for each, and they will depart at daylight. Between It) and 11 a.
in. Mr. Gilbert saw plainly the planet Venus. Astronomical observations were here
takeu.
168 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
October It). — Camp No. 3L, mouth of Diamond Creek. The climb to the top of the
first mesa is very strep, but it was pleasant to find that there was sufficient space to
the rear to admit of a pretty level trail along the next series of bluffs. The messengers
feel hopeful, and fully appreciate the necessity for vigorous efforts on their part. It
is fully understood by them that the parties intend to abandon the heats and follow
on their trail on the morning of the 22d, if no assistance is sent before then. There is
a slight chance of their reaching Diamond Creek and bringing provisions back by the
second night. If not there must be considerable suffering on the part of those left
with the floats. At a mile a little creek is crossed, on which old tire beds show the
presence of Indians in their hunting season. 1 attempted to explore the bed of the
stream crossing into the river, and was obliged to climb to the lower mesas, narrowly
escaping a fall of 130 feet. The canon cut out by this stream is the most romantic I
have ever examined among the varied scenes of years of mountain life. Shortly after,
one of the members finds a fish-pole and line with a large salmon attached, which
probably came from the party at the mouth of Diamond Creek, and a little later a
float and message from Ilecox, who had reached the mouth of Diamond Creek. About
2 p. m. a signal is seen, which proves to be a handkerchief left by Spencer, about G
miles ahead, toward which all possible exertion is made, hoping to reach that point-
before sundown. Camp is reached before dark, not knowing until then how tired and
weary all had become. Mr. Ilauiel reports having seen during the day a star at a
point iu the canon where the upper walls were in close proximity. Sextant observa-
tions for time and latitude were here made, and also a- cross-section of the river by
Mr. Ilamel.
Plate XXII was redrawn from a photograph taken in 1872 near the mouth of Kauab Wash, and
shows some of the pecularities of the erosion and the number of beds that make up the plateau system
at this locality.
Plate XXIII gives an illustrat inn of the \ erticality of the lower or first wall above the bed of the
river, as also the carving of its surface at Paria Creek. A part of the summit of an irregular plateau
appears in the distance.
Plate XXIV is a sketch redrawn from a photograph by O'Sullivan at the mouth of Diamond
Creek, showing the northern wall of the canon that is here eroded into gentler profiles. The parlies
(enumerated below) belonging to the two boats that reached this point occupy the foreground. The
following persons made the entire river trip: (1) Lieutenant Wheeler, (2) 1'. W. Hauiel, (3) G. K.
Gilbert, (4) T. 11. O'Sullivan, (5) E. M. Richardson, ((>) Frank Hecox, (7) William George Salmon, (8)
R. W. .tames, (!•) Thomas Hoagland, (10) George Phifer, (11) William Roberts, (12) Privates Brew,
Fly mi, anil Keegan, and six Mohave Indians (Pauabona, Seliquirowa, Ohthua, Havauata. Sowickopelia,
and Mitziera), making twenty in all. The entire party worked with a will and were uufiagging in
their exertions, more eapecially those who were willing to continue the ascent after the third or
damaged boat returned to the crossing, Mr. O'Sullivan, in the face of all obstacles, made negatives at
all available points, some of which were saved, but the principal ones of the collections were ruined
during transportation from Prescott, Ariz., via mouth of the Colorado, San Francisco, &c, to Wash-
ington, D. (.'., thus destroying one of the most uuique sets of photographs ever taken.
Observations for time and latitude were made by Lieutenant Lockwood and my-
self at the mouth of Diamond Creek. This same point had been reached by Ives dur-
ing his laud trip eastward to Fort Defiance. The relief party is overhauled at Fetich
Tree Spring by the advance ruuuers, and they and a fresh relief party from the ren-
dezvous at Truxton Springs reach the river on the 20th, bringing mental comfort and
rations. A number of the boat party proceed the 131st to join the rendezvous, while
u
S. GEOGRAPHICAL S I V\ M [AN.
r OL.I
GRAND CANON OF THE COLORAD :R,
NEAR MOUTH OF THE KANAB WASH, LOOKING EAST
1872
) GRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100 th MERIDIAN.
u REPORT. PLATE XXIII
GRAND CANON OF THE COLORADO, NEAR PARIA CREEK, LOOKING EAST.
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COLOEADO RIVER AND GRAND CANON. 169
the balance begin tbeir perilous journey down-stream, joining tbe barge and continu-
ing the descent to Mohave, which point was reached in safety on tbe evening of tbe
fifth day, thus evidencing the difference in rate of travel whether with or against the
current.
The transfer of the land parties to the south to the selected point of
rendezvous, through a section almost a desert waste, without water and a
terra incognita, the successful junction of the river and land divisions, and the
accomplishment of the duties laid out for the different parties at the speci-
fied times was a masterpiece of successful exploring, and shows the admir-
able will and energy of all parties of the command. The guide, Charles
Spencer, contributed in no small degree to the harmonious working of the
plan, and to his intimate knowledge of the country was due the certainty
as to date of connecting forces.
The river at Camp Mohave on September 15, 1871, was found by Mr. P.
W. Hamei to have a mean velocity of 3.006 feet, and a volume of discharge
of 1 6.232 cubic feet per second. The observations were taken along a profile
of 870 feet in width and cross-section of 5.400 square feet. Lieutenant
Bergland, on September 3, 1875, found a mean velocity of 1.25 feet near the
same point, a discharge of 11,611 cubic feet through a cross-section of 4,628
feet, the width being 1,116 feet, The above observations can alone be
reconciled in view of the sudden rises of the river from violent mid-sum-
mer rains near the sources of the Green and Grand and the Little Colorado.
There local floods, having their source at great altitudes, are of short dura-
tion, and their influence will be felt but for a few davs at any point along
the stream, and hence the observations at intervals of not more than ten
days may not properly be comparable or bear a fixed ratio to the mean
flow. Soundings from 14 to 28 feet were noted in the river channel at foot
of Boulder Canon. At Stone's Ferry, on August 11, 1875, Lieutenant
Bergland found a flow of 18,-110 cubic feet per second through an orifice
of 5.723 square feet, the width being 480 feet. The cross-section at foot
of Grand Canon was 2,610 square feet, the width 315 feet, and sound-
ings were recorded from 3 to 2<> feet. At mouth of Diamond Creek the
width was found to be 280 feet, and soundings noted from 9 to 30
feet.
170 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
One of the results of the river exploration has been to determine the
absolute limit <>t' navigation, a question not settled by the exploration of
Ive>, as a steamer ascended the river to a point (Callville) a. short distance
beyond the uppermost point reached by him in his boat. This limit is the
foot of the Grand < 'anon, or near the crossing of 1871.
It is certain that at no stage of water could steamers reach this
point unless the channel shall be improved by the removal of sunken
rocks: but no insurmountable obstacles of this nature exist. The furthest
practical head of improved navigation must remain permanently at the
foot of the Grand Canon.
The exploration of the Colorado River may now be considered com-
plete. Its course has been traced from its mouth to the junction of the
Green and Grand, and the positions of incoming' tributaries noted. The
greater part of the basins of the Grand and Green have undergone quite
thorough exploration and survey during the past ten years, as well as much
of the Great Colorado Plateau that borders the river in the vicinity of the
great canons.
These stupendous specimens of extended rock-carving that make up
the system of the canons have been partially described and made known.
They stand without a known rival upon the face of the globe, must always
remain one of the wonders, and will, as circumstances of transportation
permit, attract the denizens of all quarters of the world who in their travels
delight to gaze upon the intricacies of nature.
MAP.
The special map, on a scale of 1 inch to 6 miles, accompanying this re-
port shows, besides the line of the river from Camp Mohave to the mouth
of Diamond Creek and beyond, a number of the routes of the contiguous
land parties, and locates by careful projection for the first time this little-
known part of the river and its vicinity, embracing original detailed topog-
rapiiv not elsewhere published. Each camp is marked so that the posi-
tion stated in the text can be readily found. The western edge of this por-
tion of the Colorado Plateau, a name proposed by myself for this class of
elevated mountainous structures bordering more especially upon the Grand
LO-
WEST OF THE IOOth MERIDIAN.
30
I13°io'
18
L NITKO STATES GEOG RAPHICAL
in ■ ■
COLORADO RIVER AND GRAND CANON. 171
("anon region of the Colorado and embracing' portions of Southeastern
Utah, Northern and Northeastern Arizona, extreme Northwest New Mexico,
and extreme Southwest Colorado, is made distinct. The abrupt bend to the
south is a marked feature, and the truly canon features of the river as far as
Mohave are shown. The Atlantic and Pacific Railroad now (1886) traverses
the southeastern quarter, passing Truxton and Beale Springs. The field-
notes of the canon proper were plotted on a large scale, which alone can
show something of its intricacy and grandeur.
GEOLOGICAL SECTIONS.
The "Aubrey group'' of the Carboniferous at the mouth of the Grand
Canon, according to G. K. Gilbert (see Vol. Ill), is made up of approximately
200 feet of cherty limestones, .'500 feet cross-bedded yellow sandstones, mass-
ive, 800 feet red and white shales and sandstones. The "Red Wall group"
of the same formation consists of 510 feet of alternating sandstones and com-
pact limestones, 800 feet red wall limestone (sheer escarpment), 1,365 feet
limestones with intermediate calcareous shales. The "Tonto group" of
the Lower Silurian is made up of 75 feet of marbled limestone, GOO feet of
argillaceous shales with thin sandstones, mostly red, 80 feet dark red sand-
stone, heavy bedded, and of 90 feet of granite, &c, to river of the Archaean.
Mr, Gilbert gives the following geological section at the mouth of
Diamond ('reek: Granite and overlying schists at the base; then succeed-
ing the "Tonto group" composed of sandstone, shale, and limestone; the
red wall bed of limestone; then Aubrey sandstones and limestones (see
page 69, Vol. Ill, Geographical Surveys).
The geological formations along the river route were observed as far
as practicable by G. K. Gilbert. The topography gathered by Mr. P. W.
Hamel in the midst of so many obstacles, is but an attestation of his skill
in this direction made manifest in all his former duties under me. With one
accord the river party were faithful to their duties and trusts, and by hearty
action rendered the river ascent so great a success.
172 II. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TI1 MERIDIAN.
CHAPTER III.
POPULATION, INDUSTRIES, COMMUNICATIONS, IRRIGATION, AND ARTESIAN WELLS.
POPULATION.
The scene of operations was purposely laid in regions the most remote
from local centers of settlement, the latter being availed of purely for
outfitting, rendezvous, and supply.
The attempt has been made to tabulate the population so far as the
published details of the ninth and tenth censuses will allow, with the fol-
lowing result:
TABLE OF CERTAIN AREAS WEST OF THE 100th MERIDIAN, WITH ACTUAL AND RELATIVE
POPULATION.
[Computed and estimated from ninth and tenth censuses.]
d
®*
a
•
= o
id
®_:
A
el
a
rt
a
n~
'I
S "
a
o-S
CD a)
Locality.
M
!j£
S-i
t
O a)
c u
*
pi-
U
.5 °°
p * «
a
P.-H
9-"
CrH
c rt
m
B
ce
eflra
CO
5^2
O
Z
*
£*
e 3
H
H
fc
H
Ph
<
PLi
fc
a,-"
PT
Sq. miles.
Sq. miles
113, 020
158, 360
103, 925
9, B58
560, 'J47
39,864
1 1. 999
0. 09
3.54
0. 38
40,441)
804, 0!I4
104, 327
0. 30
5.40
1.87
61,816
04, 906
34. 283
7.371
103, 200
28, 780
1. 922
0.12
1.59
li. 8.")
28, 683
148,591
12 J, 015
0.47
2. 29
3.00
300
54
392
292
44
330
Idaho
84 800
0.18
32, 01O
ii 38
8, S77
21
8, 829
0.99
111
371
Nevada
110,700
42,491
0.38
02, '.'tjli
0. 56
62, 181
18,053
0. 20
53, 370
0.80
47
193
122, 580
111 K74
0.74
mi. 565
174, 708
II 07
80 052
84, '.'ii7
1.05
117,0111
1.47
31
40
96,030
90, 923
0. 90
1. 82
7, 000
5,614
0.71
13,924
1.83
92
147
Utah
84, 970
80, 786
1.02
143,963
1.69
; 969
51, 265
1.31
134, 245
3.44
65
102
Total
874, 385
936, 84.'
1.07
1,032,033
1.87
35*. 684
302, 205
0.84
631, 067
1.70
75
109
'Nun:. — These are the areas for which it has heeu possihle to compute or estimate population.
The area of 358,084 square miles out of a total of 359,065 square miles
surveyed contained in 1870 (as near as maybe ascertained from the census
tables) 302,211") white inhabitants, of which 103,200 belonged to California,
84,200 to New Mexico, and the balance to other States and Territories.
POPULATION. 173
This number increased to that of 631,067 (approximated) during the suc-
ceeding ten years.
From the foregoing table it appears that the largest per capita of pop-
ulation of the political divisions tabulated was 3.54 per square mile for
California in 1870 and 5.46 in 1880, with a minimum of 0.09 per square
mile for Arizona in 1870 and 0.36 for 1880 (also Arizona), while the largest
pro rata in the areas surveyed, according to political divisions, was 1.5!* per
square mile for California in 1870 and 3.66 per square mile for Colorado
in 1880.
In case of the areas surveyed the average per square mile is but little
increased, on account of comparatively large towns, except Leadville for
Colorado; hence the larger share belong to the productive class, whether as
miners, agriculturists, or stock growers, and not to the middle and non-
productive classes, who are consumers only.
In case of each political division the increase for 10 years (1870-1880)
is at a greater ratio for the surveyed area as compared with the total area
of the State or Territory, which indicates the occupation of virgin lands, and
is a sign of a healthy development, no little part of which, it is believed, has
been due to the fact that the knowledge, gained by the Government expedi-
tions and surveys has been disseminated far and wide through published
maps and reports, official and otherwise.
The probable future ' agricultural population of the area surveyed
(359,065 square miles), taken as a whole, will be governed as much, if not
more, by the permanent supply of water than by the acreage available, for
nearly all requires irrigation to be productive, and the most superficial
estimate shows a tremendous deficit in water, as compared with the amount
actually required (governed by known moduli) to irrigate alone the valleys,
plains, and comparatively level foot-hills.
Hence, in the aggregate, the waters of the western mountain region
represent a large relative wealth, yet but little developed, while the present
laws admit of practical, if not permanent, alienation of the water from the
land.
No wiser move could be made in the future of the land question than
to have a critical measurement of all the principal means of water supply
made and recorded for the use of the Government and people,
174 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TII MERIDIAN.
The average percentage of arable land for about 175,000 square miles,
classified, was found to be 5, which applied to the whole surveyed area,
and at the rate of 200 inhabitants to the square mile, gives an estimate of
3,500,01)0 for the farming industry, which can easily be increased to a limit
of nut less than 15,000,000 for all classes of inhabitants (only 16.95 per
cent, found arid for 175,000 square miles) connected witli mining, stock
raising, manufactures, and commerce.
While any estimate is largely conjectural, yet the population for mining
alone, which is not limited l>v the area mined, as supplies can be almost
entirely imported, may be enlarged indefinitely, pursuant to the fixed and
intelligent search for the precious metals, and the development of the
economic minerals, constantly being made available through improved
means of transportation for the demands of an increasing population, the
center of which moves steadily westward.
The character, disposition, and peculiarities of the moving and fixed
population that lias taken possession of the Pacific coast and interior during
the past 40 years is well known to every one, but not so that of the Mor-
mons, who occupy and control a large meridional area about midway between
the plains and the Pacific.
The survey covered substantially all the area over which these people
have spread, and it falls within the scope of the observations made to record
certain data bearing thereupon.
The area of the survey has embraced nearly all the territory occupied
by this people in Utah, a part of the settlements in Idaho, and all those
formerly in Southeastern Nevada, The total number of towns, villages, and
settlements entered from 1869 to 1878 was 182, of which 145 belong to
Utah, 23 to Idaho, and 11 to Nevada. Of these 107 were visited person-
allv. The total population of Utah according to the census of 1880 was
143,963, while it appears that the number within the surveyed area is,
approximately, 134,245, which includes none for Morgan, San Juan, Emery,
and Uintah counties. The population, as per census of 1880, of the 23
Idaho towns above mentioned was not less than 8,82J), making a total
population in 1880 for 168 places (Mormons and Gentiles) of not less than
143,074, independent of Mormon residents remaining in Nevada.
MORMONS. 175
The actual number of Mormons is not particularized in the census
report, but each of the towns referred to is a Mormon town in the
sense of being controlled by the dual, or church and state, authority of
this modern religious hierarchy.
New settlements have sprung- up in Arizona, New Mexico, and Wyo-
ming since the expedition visited the localities in these political divisions
now appropriated by the Mormons, while 11 of their southwestern settle-
ments that fell within Nevada when the boundary was run in 1870 were
brought back to Utah since it was alleged that taxes were higher in Nevada
and the State law against polygamy could doubtless have been enforced.
The probable Mormon population in the western Territories did not,
as it would appear, exceed 150,000 in 1880, which number is increased by
emigration not less than 1,000 annually, and by the excess of births over
deaths. This population, beginning with an American nucleus, has been
recruited principally from the manufacturing and commercial centers of
Great Britain, Denmark, the Scandinavian regions, Switzerland, and Ger-
many, and usually from a mentally low and uneducated class, naturally
willing to adopt any new scheme of religion, especially when coupled with
proffers of an open air, healthy home, with promise of land to live upon,
and a loan or donation of agricultural implements and seeds as an adjunct
thereto.
It appears that the following order of succession in authority prevails
in the church organization: (1) president; (2) presidency of three; (3)
twelve apostles ; (4) the seventy (special) ; (5) elders ; ((>) priests ; (7)
teachers; (8) deacons; (9) bishops (judges); and (10) ordinary or lay
members.
It is believed that this organization, admitting as it does of providing
a place with some authority attached to it for each person of sufficient
mental ability, has been so far perfected that the actions, if need be, of
each man, woman, and child to the greatest detail can be observed and
earned, when necessary, direct to the main president.
The church was organized by Joseph Smith, the first president, in 1830,
in Manchester, N. Y. The succeeding presidents have been Brigham
Young and John Taylor (lately deceased).*
* At date of proof-reading (August 10,1887) the office is vacant.
176 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
The tithing- house is one of their principal institutions ; it is the
receptacle for one-tenth of all the income and earning of each individual,
and the amount is devoted to the uses and purposes of the Lord through the
needs of the church.
Agriculture is with them the predominant, industry, and they are, with
very few exceptions, provident, industrious, and thrifty.
Mining for the precious metals has always been looked upon with sus-
picion, as a disturbing - element to the true interest and progress of the
community, while manufactures on a limited scale where skilled mechanical
labor has been available have been prosecuted successfully in several of the
larger towns. In every town that has been settled from fifteen to twenty
years I have been favorably impressed with the quiet and orderly demeanor
of the inhabitants, the cleanliness and substantial nature of their dwellings,
and a spirit of contentment based on a willing industry that would do credit
to any community in any quarter of the globe. The meetingdiouses, to be
sure, predominate in numbers, and often to the exclusion of the school-
house, and in many of the outer settlements, especially, some of the children
appeared lawless, unkempt, and untaught.
They claim, and it is believed with justice, that their communities are
without abandoned women, doctors, or lawyers. The practice of polygamy
is cited as the reason for the first, the old women attend to the second, and
the bishops and other officials are both lawyer and judge.
The "spiritual wife" system, or practice of polygamy, which conflicts
with and is contrary to the laws of modern civilization, was only "revealed"
to Joseph Smith about 1841-42, and was at first, at least, confined prin-
cipally to the high priests and chiefs of the hierarchy. The practice, result-
ing from this so-called revelation, acts as a powerful secular instrument by
which to hold the communities together.
Lieutenant Gunnison, in his history of the Mormons published in 1852,
presents his views of causes that may operate to defeat the practice of
polygamy within the church itself.
The greatest benefits that could possibly obtain for these people, now
alienated from the balance of the civilized world, would be the extirpation
of polygamy by a means which shall render adults renouncing the practice
INDUSTRIES.
177
not liable, the present polygamous offspring legally legitimate, and the
church corporation restricted to the ownership only of such lands and im-
provements as are needed for strictly religious uses.
Contact with "Gentiles," so called, making for themselves permanent
homes in all the region now occupied by the Mormons, the introduction of
Christian schools and other religious teachings, will help to emancipate this
community that has sought a habitation within our border.
INDUSTRIES.
Mining is more or less general for the whole area, while farming or
ranching is the exception for all other divisions than Utah. Some idea of
the agricultural production of the region surveyed may be had from the
following table compiled from the Tenth Census :
TABLES SHOWING FARM AM' LIVE STOCK PRODUCTION FOR AREA SURVEYED WEST
OF 100TH MERIDIAN (CENSUS OF 1880).
States and Territories.
Farms.
Improved
land.
Estimated
value of all
farm pro-
duction,
1879.
Horses,
males,
asses, and
oxen.
Cattle.
Sheep.
Wool.
Swine.
Number.
591
7. li 1
2,651
591
1,120
4. 992
1,867
8,941
Acres.
40,211
I, 121,303
364,018
41. 7:.J
241,470
232,371
184,501
Dollars.
449,710
7,324,411
2, 753, 814
170, 180
2, 296, 097
1,859, 225
1,411,041
3, 283, OKI
Number.
54, 502
57, 0114
4, 980
20, 082
37,351
27, 385
42, 645
Number.
33, 609
158,263
344,774
10, :,7ii
96, 033
70, 344
85, 173
76, 506
l, ins, ■::.:
74'.. 543
5,075
105, 730
188, 253
Pounds.
313, 074
4, 919, 201
3, 105, 091
22, 535
435, 352
3,250,236
1,705,17(1
747, 768
Number.
1,012
156, 809
7,165
992
5,351
5 389
24,726
15, 989
27, 860
2,619,385
10,547,523
249, 785
047, 447
4, 200, 313
14, 049, 327
217, 873
Note.— The counties embraced, in whole or iu part, are as follows: Arizona: Graham, Apache,
Gila, Yavapai, Mohave, Yuma, Pinal, and Pima (two-thirds). California : Plumas, Alpine, Tuolumne,
Mono, Mariposa, Inyo, Kern, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Tulare (two thirds), Calaveras (one-half),
El Dorado (one-half), Lassen (one-half), San Diego (one-sixth), Shasta (one-seventh), Tehama (one-
third), Butte (one-sixth), Sierra (one-half ), Nevada (one-third), Placer (one-third), Amador (one-third),
Merced (one-eighth), and Fresno (one- third). Colorado: Jefferson, Douglas, El Paso, Pueblo, Huerfano,
Costilla, Rio Grande, Conejos, La Plata, San Juan, Ouray, Saguache, Gunnison, Carter, Fremont, Lake,
Park, Summit, Clear Creek, Gilpin, Arapahoe, Bent, Boulder, Larimer, Las Animas, and Weld. Idaho:
Bear Lake, Oneida. Nevada: Washoe, Storey, Ormsby, Lyon, Douglas, Esmeralda, Nye, Liu
White Pine, Churchill, Roop, Eureka, Lander, and Elko (one-tenth). A'eio Mexico: Dona Ana, Grant,
Socorro, Valencia, Santa Fe, Rio Anil, a, Taos, Bernalillo, Colfax (four-fifths), Mesa (four-fifths), San
Mignel (four-fifths), and Lincoln (four-lilt lis). Oregon: Lake, Wasco, and Wa 'lie.
Rich, Weber, Davis, Box Elder, Tooele, Utah, Wasatch, Juab, Millard, San Pete, Sevier, Beaver,
Pinto, Irou, Salt Lake (seven-eighths), Kane, Washington, aud Summit (one-half).
12 WH — VOL 1
178 l ; . S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF lOOTD MERIDIAN.
The relative amount of the whole area surveyed being farmed in 1880
appears to be about 1.1 per cent, with 2.7 per cent, for California, 1.5 per
cent, for each Colorado and Utah, and less for all the others. It should be
remarked that the regions are among the least settled, more inhospitable
and remote than all others of the Western mountain region. The largest
number of cattle per square mile are found in Colorado, and the least in
Arizona, the most sheep in New Mexico, wool in California, and the least
pro rata of sheep and wool in Idaho. The limit of the possibilities for all
kinds of live stock is yet far distant.
Agriculture can never be general for the territory surveyed, but must
be confined to the narrow valleys, plains, and glade-like spaces, and lower
levels of the foot-hills bordering on the streams, irrigation in nearly every
instance being imperative on account of climatic conditions, orographical
features, and especially insufficient and variable rainfall. In minor localities
where the average rainfall is sufficient crops mature without it, its amount
being limited both by small relative percentage of arable land, and the
scarcity of water defining the area that may be reclaimed.*
Hence this industry must forever, in this section, be subordinate to
others, principally mining, and in case of the full development of the latter
food supplies will be a permanent import.
A timbered area of about 27 per cent, was found for 175.000 souare
miles, examined and noted. f
This is much larger than would have been found for the whole area
(359, 065 square miles), as portions not determined belong to the more desert
tracts, especially of Eastern and Southeastern California and Southwestern
Nevada, where scarcely any timber is found, and it may be assumed that
this percentage is much greater than that for the whole territory south of
* Note. — Nothing' short of the exact gauging of streams and other sources of
supply and of contiguous fields available for irrigation, making due allowance for re-
turning water to its former channel after uses in irrigation, and allowing for absorption
and evaporation while in transit, and applying a proper water modulus of, say, 1 cubic
foot per second for each 200 acres, will give any adequate idea of the amount of land
that may be ultimately and permanently tilled.
t Noi e. — Dr. Rot.hrock gives in a table on page 33, Volume VI, the proportionate
area of wooded to open ground iu Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada,
California, Texas, Kansas, and Nebraska, as 86,793,679 acres wooded iu a total of
740,373,523 acres, or 11.7 per cent.
FORESTS AND TIMBER. 179
the 40th parallel. Hence it would appear that the relative amount is small,
not so much for the local supply for long periods, but for the requirements
upon it to be made by the Mississippi Valley region, if not the East, when
the northern forests are exhausted, in the near future.
The greater share of the timber being coniferous, indicates that nature
will not readily replenish the depletions when made, as is the case for
deciduous growths.
It is clear that the preservation of these forest areas cannot be guarded
with too great solicitude.
While all of the relations of the forests to climates are not yet fully
determinate, yet it is well known that they establish more uniform or equable
climatic conditions, tempering, as they do, the extremes of wet and dry, heat
and cold.*
While the permanent official control of these forest areas may not be
possible, as the Government does not hold in perpetuity, yet the laws gov-
erning the disposition of the remaining public lands to settlers may be made
such as to determine their segregation into the hands of small holders, the
timber may be protected from destruction until Government patents issue,
while, finally, individual States may govern through statutes looking to the
minimum of spoliation and the maximum of replanting, or to the conserva-
tion and extension of existing forests.
First of all, these areas must be protected from fires (the most
destructive factor), which, whether accidental or intentional, injure the
large trees and kill the young growth. f
The browsing of animals is a considerable source of destruction.
The law should not permit cutting under a certain size; as, for instance,
the yellow pine (JPinus ponderosa) should not have a diameter of less than
*Note. — As a general result from scientific investigation at meteorological
stations in Germany, France, Switzerland, and Italy it has been found that during the
warmer season (1) the air and earth temperatures were lower in the forest than in con-
tiguous woodless places; (2) their variations less; and (3) the relative humidity was
greater. (See Woeikof ou the influence of forests upon climate. Petermauu's Mit-
theiluugeu, 18S5. No. 3.)
tNoTE. — Professor Sargent gives in Volume IX, Tenth Census, the aggregate of
about 750,000 acres burned over in 1880, in the eight divisions given in the preceding
table.
180 U. S. GEUGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
12 inches at 20 feet above ground. No trees should be cutsolely for lumber,
as the tops are left to rot. Where trees are removed for lumber others
sin mlil be planted.
Dr. Rothrock recommends for this purpose : (1) Removal of the In-
dians: (2) affixing a severe penalty in case of conviction of setting fire ;
(3) removing sheep from timbered areas.
The Swedish law (enacted prior to 1647) compels the '"private owner
to plant and protect from cattle two timber trees for every one cut."
Dr. Rothrock is of the opinion that with care and reasonable expense,
areas denuded of timber may be regrown.*
There is not the same necessity for the protection of pine as fur all
other species, including conifers, junipers, oaks, walnut, &c. Heavily
timbered areas will be of great advantage, especially in decreasing evap-
oration in vicinity of tanks, that will be required as a part of future irri-
gating systems.
While the law should limit the present waste, there never need be a
time when the removal of forests for legitimate purposes shall cease. Dr.
Rothrock is of the opinion that there are thousands of acres in Arizona where
the blue gum and the western catalpa (both valuable hard woods of rapid
growth) may be planted. lie says :
It may fairly become a question as to whether it would not be money well invested
if the General and Stale governments were to anticipate future wants, and plant ex-
tensive areas of our Western domain with hardy and rapidly growing timber trees.
It appears from the latest statistical information available that already the States
and Territories comprising our domain are, in the percentage of timber area to the
entire surface, actually below Norway, Sweden, Russia, and Germany.
Since the above was written (1878) the deforestation, especially in the
conifer regions, has been going on at an ever-increasing rate. The pro-
portionate grazing area for 175,000 square miles, where data were computed,
is found to be 411.37 per cent. This is probably larger than the average for
the whole western mountain area, but points to this industry as one rela-
tively large, and which in the increasing volume of population will naturally
*Notk. — It is not by any means certain that the natural regrowth will not exceed
the amount necessary for ordinary industrial uses, except for the coniferous areas. In
deciduous forests it is economy when trees have, reached their prime that they be cut
rather than left to rot, others taking their places.
GRAZING AND OTHER LANDS. 181
be carried to a maximum. To this end 'the water must be husbanded, and
indeed much of the area possessed of natural perennial grasses cannot now
or ever be utilized for want of water for the stock.
Independent of the conservation of the present sources of supply, an
increase may be had at selected points through artesian wells, and a better
distribution through a system of reservoirs and tanks. A prior table gives
249,785 as the number of horses, mules, asses, and oxen for surveyed area
in 1880, with 947,447 cattle, 4,200,313 sheep, 214,873 swine, and an annual
production of 14,fU9,327 pounds of wool
Stock-raising has become already a fixed and settled industry in which
much capital is invested and wherein business skill and enterprise will
ultimately cover the whole field of our western possessions.
The question of the utilization of grazing areas without water must
soon come up for action, as no existing land law is adequate to their free
appropriation by the actual settler. About 17 per cent, of an area of
175,000 square miles examined for land classification was found to be
absolutely barren. The total percentage for the whole western mountain
region of about 1,000,000, although it includes the "Great Interior Basin"
and "Desert," so called, will probably be less than the above, not exceeding
10 to 12 per cent. The misleading term "arid region" has been applied theo-
retically to territory west of the Mississippi, embracing more than four-tenths
of the entire country, excluding Alaska, and the assumption made thatonly
about 3 per cent, of this area can be used for agriculture through irrigation.
Actual observations (which so often explode theories) for 175,000
square miles adjacent to, bordering upon, and within the most desert, barren,
and sterile wastes give a much larger percentage. The plentiful fields of the
more productive and favored parts of California, Oregon, and Washington,
especially, do not enter into this calculation, nor large tillable areas in
Central Montana, all of which would largely add to the proportionate- area
finally available for agriculture, with present known sources of water supply.
The present desert-land act provides for reclaiming portions of these areas
fit for cultivation, when irrigated, but there will yet remain large tracts
substantially desert and mountainous, worthless for the usual industries oi
agriculture, including grazing, timber growing, and mining, which if availed
182 I • S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
of at all permanently by settlers must be done by making the subdivision
tracts larger and the rates nominal. These might be termed barren lands, and
described as including all those sterile lands, whether of the mountains, the
plains, or the valleys, not including those known to the law at present as "min-
eral," "timber ami stone," "saline," "town-site," "desert," "coal," or as agri-
cultural lands. These should be determined by a practical classification and
marking out on the ground in advance of the legislation for their disposition.
Mining for the area in question has been carried on principally for the
precious metals (gold and silver). The prominent districts of Washoe
(Comstock Lode), Bodie, Cerro Gordo, Eureka, Austin, White Pine, Little
Cottonwood, Pinal, Leadville, Rosita, and the San Juan fall within the area
surveved. These, when coupled with the Black Hills of Nebraska, Tomb-
stone of Arizona, and Wood River district of Idaho, include the districts
that have been the principal producers of gold and silver bullion from 1869
to 1879, inclusive, with the exception of certain of the gold mines (Lode
and Placer) of California and the silver deposits of Central Colorado.
The expedition of 1869 took the field during the White Pine excite-
ment, since which a roving mining population has superficially prospected,
far and wide, developing hundreds of centers where concentrations of the
precious metals have been found partially exposed. Many of these have
been exploited, a few systematically, the greater number sporadically, or
in a desultory way.
So far as time and means would permit, consistent with the aims of a
topographic and geographic survey, it was the intention to follow in a gen-
eral way this mining development, hence a "List of questions" was prepared
(see Prel. Kept., 1871, p. 32), and information based upon them has been
gathered at 219 separate localities or mining districts. In this manner
specific information was obtained, particularly with regard to discovery, time
worked, exterior communication, boundaries, area of croppings, relation of
ledges to mountain structure, direction and extent of lodes and deposits, char-
acter of wall and country rock, nature of ores, results of assays and milling,
annual production, number of mills, costof mining, milling, labor, supplies, &c*
* There were on March 20, 1880,804 districts wherein subdivision surveys by the
and office had been made or were in progress. Mr. King, in "Statistics of the pro-
duction of the precious metals," Tenth Census, gives a condensed estimate of the
MINING PRODUCTION.
183
The following, relating to the world's annual production, is taken from
the Tenth Census: '
A.— ANNUAL BULLION PRODUCT OF THE WORLD. *
POLITICAL DISTRIBUTION.
Country.
Gold.
Silver.
Total.
Dollars.
33, 379, 663
989,161
910,804
1, 993, 800
78, T46
4,1100,000
1 , 993, 800
29,018,223
1,1162,031
205,36]
Dollars.
41,110,957
25, 167, 763
Dollars.
74,490,620
26, 156, 924
910, 804
1, 993, 800
420,225
1.000,000
1,039,190
498, 771
5, 000, 000
3, 032, 990
29, 018, 223
2, 002, 727
6, 938, 073
160, 270
17, 949
415,676
62, 435
2, 078, 380
916, 400
3, 064, 758
7, 143, 434
166, 270
72, 375
26, 584, 000
1,994
90, 324
26, 999, 670
64, 429
2, 078, 380
466, 548
1. 382, 948
100, 756, 306
81,336,045
182, 092, 351
* Table CC, Vol. XIII, Tenth Census, p. 3*1.
5 From Dr. Soetbeer's estimate in 1875.
t Census of 1880. t Actual export.
| Estimated from production of other years.
CONTINENTAL DISTRIBUTION.
Continent-
North America
Africa
Australia
Europe, including Russia in Asia
Japan
South America
Total bullion
proauct.
Dollars.
101, 558, 348
1, 993, 800
29, 018, 223
39,007,271
1,382,948
8, 531, 761
Percentage
of total
product.
Per cent.
55.78
1.10
15. 93
21.75
0.76
4.68
Total
182, 092, 351
100. 00
production of the precious metals in tbe United States from 1848 to 1880, by nscal
years, from reports of the Hon. H. C. Burchar.l, Director of the Mint, showing a total
of gold of $1,520,041,532 ; silver, $460,422,260, or $1,080,463,792 for both. The great
est gold production for any single year after 1849 was $65,000,000, for 1853; and the
least, $33,467,856, for 1875. The largest annual silver yield appears as $51,60U,0UU,
for 1885; while in 1878, the largest output of gold and silver (yet recorded), a total
of $96,487,745 occurred. The total output from 1804 to December 13,1885 (81 years),is
stated (p. 20., Mineral Resources, 1885) at $1,708,715,670 for gold; $722,283,21; for
silver; total, $2,430,998,887.
184 U. S. GEOGEAPHIGAL SURVEYS WEST OF iOOTH MERIDIAN.
Illness, lack of time, and want of assistance has prevented the system-
atic presentation of the data thus collected, which more properly belongs to
an office created for a special purpose than to one conducting a general
topographic survey of the country.
Mention of these several districts will be found under the heading
"Description of Maps."
The following table serves to exhibit a general view of the production
of gold and silver in the territory surveyed, and demonstrates the great ex-
cess of the mining over the farming production at the present stage of de-
velopment of this region.
TABLE INDICATING THE ESTIMATED VALUE OF GOLD AND SILVER CRES PRODUCED
IN SURVEY AREA FOR YEAR ENDING MAY 31, 1880.*
State or Territory.
Ore raised.
Gold.
Silver.
Total.
Tons.
30, 794
509, 633
348, 492
500
343,272
10,486
Dollars.
262, 872
9, 829, 348
2, 633. 823
12,500
5, i li
86, 776
Dollars.
2, 813, 055
1,525,240
19, 306, 086
14, 069, 610
774, 533
Dollars.
3, 075, 927
19, 535, 992
Utah
154.048
270, 563
6, 165, 525
6, 436, 088
Total
1,397,825
IS, 562, 264
44, 654, 049
63,216,313
The greatest .production of gold and silver from a single district has
been the output of the Comstock lode, estimated at s 30;">, 779,612.48, to June
30, 188*) (an average of five estimates, see p. 417. — "Lord, Comstock, Mining
and Miners.")
The "great bonanzas," consisting of substantially connected ore bodies
and found ir the Consolidated Virginia, California, and Ophir ground, had
yielded $107,000,000 up to the close of 1877 (see Church, Comstock Lode,
p. 111). In 1880 California was the largest producer both of deep mine and
*Note. — The est i in :it cil placer production for same area during same period is $1,788,168, of which
$1,585,223 belongs to California. The total bullion output west of the Mississippi for same period is
estimated, gold, .$33,140,017; silver, $41,061,371 ; total, $74,201,388. The total bullion output for the
abovo States and Territories fir same period is $65,953,753. (See Tenth Census.) The total bullion
output for the year 1870 is given at $06,000,000, of which $56, '275,0110 was divided from the above
political divisions. (See Raymond Mining SI a ti sties.) The mint authorities estimate the value of ihe
gold produced in 1885 at $31,801,000, the silver at $51,600,000, total, 883,401,000. (See Mining Ee-
sources. )
MINING PRODUCTION. 185
placer gold, while Colorado was in the lead as to silver, with Nevada second.
In the aggregate production Colorado was first, California second, and Ne-
vada third.*
There has been a slight falling off in the gold production of California
for the five years ending 1885, a substantially uniform production of silver
in Colorado, and a slight decline in the aggregated metals for Nevada in
1882 and 1883, a large increase in Montana, especially in 1885, and a gen-
eral increase elsewhere in the Western States and Territories for the same
period.
In smaller districts the reduction of ores (a truly separate business)
takes place in favorable adjacent locations, either as an adjunct to the min-
ing company or property, or as a separate ownership, the latter for all
large districts. It may be noted that the output of complex silver ores
has led to the centralization of reduction works, as evidenced at Argo,
Boulder, and Pueblo, in Colorado, which, as transportation improves, will
become more prominent.
The present status of the gold and silver industry of this region amounts
to an increasing annual production, now exceeding nni^OOC^OOO, which bids
fair to still further increase, in view of developments and reduction in new-
localities exceeding a deficit in older-established districts.
Hence the outlook is and has been encouraging, and especially as
business methods and conservatism replace the irregular results of former
wild speculations.
At least one-third of the world's current production of gold and one-
half that of silver comes from the mines of the United States. While min-
ing for the precious metals in the United States has not in so large a pro-
portion of cases been a source of profit individually, yet it is believed by
many that it has been so in the aggregate; the bullion products represent
labor and are comparatively indestructible. It adds to the world's wealth,
* Note. — In 1885 California was first in gold production, with Colorado leading
for silver, with Montana second, Utah third, and Nevada fourth; with Colorado first,
California second, Montana third, and Nevada fourth, in the aggregate of gold and
silver. In general, it may he said that the three States above mentioned have pro-
duced thus far the greater share of the gold aud silver of the mines west of the 100th
meridian.
186 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TJB MKItlDIAN.
stimulates other industries, and adds to the ordinary increase of population,
which hitter sympathizes with healthful, equable production.
The New Almaden Quicksilver Mines, so long' well known in mining
literature, cauv within the area under observation. These mines have been
the greatest producers of mercury on our continent, and their output largely
governed, for a time, the condition of this industry, now considerably de-
pressed on account of the somewhat irregular demand.
The lead product is the result of the reduction of this metal found in
connection with the argentiferous galena ores (carbonates and sulphurets),
one great center of which is at Leadville.
Of the 13!), 897 short tons of lead estimated as produced in 1884, it
appears that 112,965 tons was mined in Utah, Nevada, Colorado, Idaho,
New Mexico, Arizona, and California, with Colorado leading at 63,165 tons.
The principal copper mines falling within the area of survey are those
of the well-known Santa Rita district, in New Mexico ; the Aztec and Spring
Hill districts, New Mexico, and on the Rio Francisco, in Arizona.
Copper impregnations were noted in the orthoclase-porphyrite on
Mount Turnbull, and along the northern bank of the Colorado between
the "Rio Virgen" and Boulder Canon.
The Santa Rita mine produces native copper, but as a rule the deposits
of the southwest, so far as developed, are oxidized ores, often in large bodies,
extremely rich. While this condition is not favorable to permanency, yet this
is compensated for by the great field for prospecting the increasing number
of producing localities
The total copper production for the United States in 1 882 was 90,646,232
pounds, of which 31,288,767 pounds, or about one-third, came from Arizona,
Montana, New Mexico, California, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada,
Idaho, while in 1885, of a total production of 170,962,607 pounds, more
than one-half, or 97,461,S49 pounds (i. e., 15,000,000 pounds more than the
product of the Lake Superior region), came from the same territory,
Montana alone having produced 67,797,884 pounds, or nearly as much as
the whole Lake Superior region. (See Mining Statistics, 1885, p. 210.)
The ores of Arizona are principally carbonates and oxides, the principal
centers being the Clifton, Bisbee, and Globe districts. Coal, mostly bitu-
COAL. 187
minous, and principally in the Tertiary and Cretaceous formations (with
beds also in the Carboniferous), is found distributed far and wide. It is
believed that one bed extends from the western border of the Plateau near
Cedar City and Kanara, in Utah, southeastwardly to the Rio Grande, over
500 miles. This is found in the Tertiary and Upper Cretaceous, as is true
generally for the coals of the Great Colorado Plateau system. Lignites have
an exposure among other localities in the Cretaceous rocks throughout Col-
orado and New Mexico, and on Oak Creek south of the Arkansas. Coking
coals of the Cretaceous were noted at and about Trinidad and near Hamil-
ton, Colo.; also on Twin Creek, Wyoming. Few coals were discovered in
Arizona, but evidence of extensive- beds in Colorado and New Mexico is
most abundant. Thin beds of anthracite (altered by volcanic dikes) were
noted at Los Cerillos and the Placer Mountains, New Mexico, and Ohio Creek
Colorado, and semi-anthracites in the Placer Mountains near Silver City, N.
Mex. Between Trinidad, Colo , and Las Vegas, N. Mex., Professor Steven-
son determined the geological horizon of twenty-six distinct superposed beds,
of which his is the first systematic examination. Bituminous coal is found
at Golden, Boulder, Canon City, Colorado Springs, the San Juan region in
Colorado ; on Red Creek near Elizabethtown ; Nacimiento east of Mount
Taylor; San Antonio; 8 miles north of Port Wingate, and near Acoma, in
New Mexico; 16 miles north of Fort Apache, and 12 miles west of Fort
Wingate, and 25 miles northwest of the Moquis villages, in Arizona; and
in Castle valley, the Muddy, San Rafael, and Sam Pitch valleys east of
Kanara, and North Fork of Virgin, in Utah; at the source of Twin Creek
and Ham's Fork of the Bear and Green River basins, in Wyoming, and
elsewhere too numerous to mention, as will be seen from the many reports.
The principal anthracite coal of Colorado is found on Slate, Anthracite, and
Ohio creeks, of the Gunnison drainage. (See p. .">2, Mining Statistics, 1883-
'84.) There are stores of coal underlying tens upon tens of thousand
square miles of area surveyed, yet only scarcely scratched, and but most
superficially known.
188 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TB MERIDIAN.
PRODUCTION OF IRON AND STEEL IN 1862.
[Taken from mining
statistics. ]
Locality.
Pig iron.
Rolled iron.
linn rails.
Steel rails.
Steel ingots.
Torn
23,718
987
6 750
Tr.ii.s-.
4, 739
Tons
Tom.
18,217
5,164
Tom
3,036
57
31,512
30, 582
3, 036
23, 381
23, 513
The foregoing serves to give an idea of present rate of iron and steel
production, which is not at all commensurate with the extensive sources of
supply, most of which are not yet fairly explored, even, in vast regions
mostly too remote from large manufacturing centers and other consumers
of iron products. The principal sources of iron production in Colorado are
the South Arkansas, Hot Springs, Placer, Silver Cliff, and Grape Creek
districts; in California, at Clipper Gap, Placer County; and in Utah, at
Iron County. The latter mines (magnetite and hematite) are found 8 miles
west of Cedar City, covering a, known area of 2h to 5 miles, where princi-
pally assessment work only, to hold the claims, has been done
Hematitic and magnetic iron ores were noted by Professor Stevenson
in Archaean rocks in the Placer Mountains, and carbonate ores in Cretaceous
shales of the Arkansas and < ralisteo regions. Good ore is plentiful in many
parts of New Mexico, in the Raton, Sandia, and Santa Fe Ranges, on the
Rio Puerco, and elsewhere.
Chromic iron in considerable quantities is found in San Luis Obispo
County, California,
Iron croppings (magnetite and hematite) were discovered in a wash on
the northern bank of the Colorado between mouth of Virgin River and head of
Boulder Canon. (For other localities known and discovered, see various
survey reports. )
Zinc is found principally as zinc blende, and also in silver ores, within
the survey region, and especially in Gilpin County ; on Leavenworth
Mountain, near Georgetown, in galena ores in small quantity; on Brown
.Mountain in larger quantity and more refractory; also on Republican
Mountain in more than usual amount.
MINING PRODUCTION. 189
It occurs to some extent in the Leadville ores and in the Ten-Mile
district, and in the Little Giant mine of the San Juan region Arsenides
of nickel found in Churchill County. Nevada, are rich, but not largely
developed. (See Blake, Mining Statistics, 1883-'84, p 537.)
The only tin ores opened within the region of survey were the Temescal
mines, California, situated on the southwest slope oi the Temescal Mountains.
The vein extends a considerable distance, and is reported to contain 18 pei
cent, of tin. Tin was discovered in 1883 near San Diego, Cal, Fort Mc-
Kavett, Texas, and in the Black Hills oi Dakota, and is known to exist in the
granite regions of Idaho and Montana.
Salt deposits were noted at the Great* and Little Salt Lakes, Utah;
also in Sam Pitch, Juab, Millard, and Sevier Counties; in Snake Valley,
Nevada, near Salina; and on the Virgin River, Utah; in South Park; on
Salt Creek, Colorado; in New Mexico, 7 miles east of Zandia Mountains;
Ojo de Tao, a salt marsh 70 miles south of Galisteo; and Lake, 40 miles south
of Zuiii; also in the saliferous sandstones between the Colorado Chiquito
and Morpiis village at Sunset Crossing; Santa Catalina; and Croton Springs,
Arizona. Salt in lesser quantities has also been noted at very many
localities.
An alum cave was discovered near Cook's Peak, New Mexico. Alum
is also found in Jefferson County, California; near Auburn, Placer County,
California; in an alum-bearing bed on the Gila, in Socorro County, New
Mexico; on the Verde River in Arizona, and in many places, in Utah.
Analyses of the Owens, Mono, and Black Lakes, < lalifornia and Nevada,
develop the presence of immense quantities < »f carbonate of s< >da. Extensive
beds of borates of lime have been discovered near Death Valley, Inyo
County; at Desert Springs, Kern County, and in the < lalico district of San
Bernardino County, California, independent of those already known in the
central part of Nevada.
Nitrates are found in the Cosnino caves, Arizona. Garnets and aqua
marines, with occasional small rubies, were noted northeastwardly from Old
*Itis estimated that tbe annual output of suit from Great Salt Lake is L00,000
tons (1887).
190 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
Fort Defiance; turquoise, in thin, irregular seams, at the old Spanish mine
at Los Cerillos, N. Mex., and milk opal, inclosing- fragments of basalt, on
the Gila River, above the confluence of the San Francisco.
Sulphate ot antimony and arsenic were noted in silver ores in the San
Emigdio and Banner districts, California, and in Green Mountain, 15 miles
south oi Kernville. Antimony is produced considerably from mines on
( '<>\ ote Creek, Iron County, Utah.
Petroleum is found in many parts of Colorado, especially in Fremont
County. It was first bored for on Oil Creek northeast of Canon City, a later
notable well being 1 1 miles southwest of Canon ( !ity, in the Arkansas Valley,
which region affords abundant opportunity for prospecting. Petroleum
exists also in many counties of California. Among those known are Hum-
boldt, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, San
Luis Obispo, and Kern Counties. Details of their development and product
will be found in several survey reports and in mining statistics.
Asphaltum occurs at Rancho la Brea, 7 miles west of Los Angeles, in
commercial quantities, and over a large area; also in Santa Barbara
County, and on Sulphur Mountain.
California consumed and produced in 1884 about 2,500 tons of as-
phaltum, exporting only to British America, Oregon, and Nevada. Sulphur
occurs in Southeastern Idaho, near Swan Lake, and near Soda Springs,
Oneida County; in several localities in New Mexico; in Santa Barbara
and Ventura Counties of California, and near Humboldt House, Nevada;
and at Cove ('reek Fort, Millard County, Utah, within region of survey,
but the output is inappreciable from any of these localities, due to the cheap
price of Sicilian sulphur and cost of transportation. The yield (a decreas-
ing one) in 1884 was about 500 tons for the whole United States, coming
principally from the Nevada mines. In 1885 the yield from the Utah
deposits had increased.
Many other economic minerals were noted, nearly all of which were
in an undeveloped state, and when one reflects noon the profusion and
range (from the latest Quaternary to the Archean) oi the geological forma-
tions exposed within the territory in question there need be no surprise in
the future at any actual mineral discovery. The search has begun in
MANUFACTURES.
191
earnest, the chances for fraud are gradually becoming lessened, business
principles are applicable in more cases than hitherto, and it may be said
that the mining industry, as a whole, of the Western mountain region is
only in its infancy, but certain of a sure and healthy growth.
The foregoing references, gathered somewhat at random, serve to give
a hasty view of mining outputs and the existence of ores, while the possi-
bilities, now but comparative!}' little known, are vast and widespread, await-
ing both exploration and development.
A tabulation following, census data, indicates the increase in manu-
factures for the survey area for 10 years, and the actual annual production
at each decade.
TABLE SHOWINO MANUFACTURES FOR AREA SURVEYE1 > WEST OF THE 100TH MERIDIAN
(NINTH AND TENTH CENSUSES).
States ami Territories.
Arizona
California —
Colorado
Idaho
Nevada
New Mexico .
Oregon
Utah
Total
Establish
ments.
Capital.
Products.
Number.
15
540
256
2
306
160
46
505
Dollars.
136, 500
2, 863, 609
2, 835, 605
12,500
4, 954, ;:o
1, 376, 536
104, 550
1, 259, 726
Dolla is.
142, 174
5, 026, 871
2, 852, 830
13, 330
15, 272, 696
1,335,409
120,714
2,112,617
1, 830 13, 541, 816 26, 876, 641
Establish-
ments.
Number.
47
1,561
601
39
168
136
104
625
( lapital.
Products.
Dollars.
177, 775
2, 336, 698
4,290,714
105,950
1, 195, 050
449, 625
313, COO
2.1)13,5117
Dollars.
374,496
4, 954, 358
•14,237,709
300, 899
1,988,455
1, 269, 932
961,881
4, 279, 044
3,301 11,482,919
28, 366, 774
•This includes all of Arapahoe County, comprising Denver alone, which had (1880) 259 establishments, $2,301,850 capital,
with $9,367,749 as a product.
The total shows not alone the comparatively small amount of manu-
facturing to the grand total of this industry, but its insignificance as com-
pared with agriculture even, the latter being less than one-third of the
production of the precious metals for the same area.
The exterior commerce of the area surveyed may be said to consist,
principally, in the importation of produce and manufactured goods, mining
machinery, implements, fluxes, &c, and the exportation of ores, bullion,
cattle, horses, and wool.
192 u. s. geographical seryeys west of looth meridian.
The local commerce consists more especially of the delivery, of things
imported from entrepots, to the consumer, and the concentration, of things
exported at entrepots, and their invoice and shipment to the distant market.
A commerce transiting the area is a part of the present function of the
Pacific railroads. In means of communication the region in question, since
it came within the ken of civilization, has advanced from a condition of
comparative solitude, where lines of aboriginal travel followed the rude,
natural tracks of the nomadic tribes, through the era of military and common
roads, national, state, municipal, and corporate; then that of railroads, sub-
sidized and non-subsidized by the State; of water-ways, natural and im-
proved, and bridges following the call of an increasing population and
industry.
Relatively the water-ways are but a small factor in the element of
communication as a whole. Railroads have already and will in an increas-
ing ratio assist industry in the development of surface and hidden value.
These will consist of the great trunk lines forming parts of the systems
from ocean to ocean, and of north and south meridional or arterial lines,
Hanked by side lines, reaching, finally, the most remote and inaccessible of
mountain fastnesses, wherever the storage of sufficient actual or presumptive
wealth is revealed.
These main lines are to become factors in the great globe circuits of
transit and, to meet the want of a civilization ever hungering after fresh
fields to conquer, must be adjusted to the most natural road-beds, following
the most direct lines, with the easiest gradients, with absolutely permanent
beds, and wide tracks, while mechanical ingenuity must be taxed to pro-
duce heavy engines with driving machinery (electric) capable of, say, 150
miles per hour. The distance from New York to San Francisco could then
be made in about 24 to 30 hours' actual running time.
IRRIGATION.
Most of the agricultural lands within the region of survey require irri-
gation in order to be productive, either on account of an insufficient rainfall,
or, if sufficient, its irregular distribution throughout the year. For minor
localities, irregularly distributed, and for certain seasons, crops will mature
without irrigation.
IRRIGATION. 193
Irrigation being, therefore, the rule, the conditions which it imposes
become of primal importance, and these relate particularly to the water
supply and its utilization.
The greater share of the land rated as agricultural is both chemically
and mechanically fit to respond to the husbandman, sufficient moisture be-
ing, naturally or artificially, supplied. The surface forms often forbid its
practical utilization, no matter how much water may be available, because
of steep slopes and inaccessibility. However, as a rule, as much land may
be reclaimed as there is water available, and in most instances more.
These lands are in the most level parts of the valleys and plains.
The conditions surrounding the lands adjoining the flanks of the Sierra
Nevada and Rocky Mountains have been compared with the broad valleys
and plains of the Indian peninsula through which flow streams with far
distant sources in the Himalaya. The general or main conditions as to
water supply in the two cases are unlike, at least for three reasons :
(1) While the acreage is large in the United States it is relatively much
smaller than that in India, especially on account of the usually narrow
valleys and spaces occupied by subordinate mountain forms.
(2) The annual precipitation for the western region is less, usually,
both for valley and plain and mountain proper
(3) The region of perpetual snow, of itself an immense natural reser-
voir, self-feeding at a time of minimum supply, for the western mountain
interior of the United States is relatively insignificant as compared with that
of the Himalaya. In fact, water is in deficit in the western interior; hence
its future actual and relative values admit of great possibilities. ( Hitside of
the few streams gauged by this survey but little critical data as to the water
supply exist, beyond meteorological observations, supplemented by general
examinations.
While no exact statement can be made as to the relation of the mini-
mum supply of water to the actual amount of land to be irrigated, enough
is known to render the caution proper of advising the measuring of the
supply as the first preliminary, no matter how inviting may be the presence
of wide expanse of ground only needing the application of water for its
"Moncrief, in his "Irrigation in Southern Europe," says: "It is usual in [ndia thai the irrigable
area tar exceeds tin- water at com ill and with which to irrigate," ( [utroduction, p. vii.)
13 WH— VOL I
li)l U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
fructification. It cannot be doubted that many lands redeemed by irriga-
tion will yield, perennially, bountiful crops, on account of the spread of
fertilization through silts carried to them by waters, as is evidenced on a
large scale and for long periods in the valley of the Nile ( both theoretically
and practically), and in a lesser way tor the valley <>t' the Kin Grande in
the United States.
The pre-requisite information upon which to base a judgment as to the
true and complete function of irrigation as a factor in production can only
be determined by special detailed instrumental surveys of the topographic
features of the areas involved, especially of their hypsometric relations, for
the preliminary lines of canals and other engineering structures, and, above
all, for the measure of the water actually available, and especially at its
lowest stage during the crop season.
The needs for and advantages of irrigation are both self-evident, and
while the advantage of developing systems of irrigation on a large scale by
the General Government* during the early stages of settlement of tlve West,
and especially when the remuneration to private capital to engage in them
is not sufficient to justify its employment, is manifest, still such direct rela-
tion between the General Government and a fixed industry of the land is
not warranted, constitutionally or by precedent, and would entail added
duties likely to reach over large proportions.
However, when waters for irrigation shall be required from navigable
streams, the jurisdiction over which rests with the General Government, it
will be necessary to ultimately fix by law the regulation of the diversion,
distribution, and use of water so recpiired, so that commercial and other
interests shall not suffer unduly, if at all.
The systems of irrigation principally employed in Southern Europe
and India have been by canals and reservoirs or tanks.! The former is by
* In 1872 it was estimated (see p. 31, Prog. Report, 1872) that tin- United Slates then possessed
aboul 200,000,000 acres that might be reclaimed by irrigation, but since then the greater share of this
ground lias been appropriated under the various land laws. (See. Appendix, Survey and Disposal of
Public Domain.)
t Reservoirs and tanks must of necessity be above the practical heads of navigation of streams,
and where simple' ami economic in construction, be confined to comparatively small catchment areas
for their supply. When arterial and local canal conduits are established, a system of tank-supply is
destined to develop in connection therewith and as subordinate thereto, economizing much of the
water that would otherwise run to waste. Where employed in India in case of irrigation- works fed
IBEIGATIOK 195
far the most efficacious and extensive, the latter being either primitive or
confined to small areas, except, possibly, the large reservoirs for storing
irrigation water in Alicante.*
Tanks or reservoirs as storages of surplus become adjuncts to complete
systems, looking to the utilization of the larger portions of the supply in
regions where freshets prevail or the rains all fall in a brief interval. In
India, where the most extensive undertakings have been developed, the
system based on the simple principle of gravity has been designated by
the Royal Military Engineers as "canal," "natural flow," and "surface
irrigation."
This system is adapted to large areas in the United States.
For economic and sanitary reasons a scheme of drainage to relieve all
surplus waters and return as much as possible to the normal channel is
requisite.
Practice seems to indicate that the combination of irrigation and nav-
igation is not, as a rule, advisable, and that the distribution of water should
be by measurement.
The modulus, or amount of water required for irrigating a given
quantity of land, varies according to amount and frequency of rain during
the season of cultivation, the kind of crop, and somewhat upon the porosity
of the soil.
A modulus of 1 cubic foot per second for 83.4 acres, watered during
six months of irrigation, is given for the South of France, being a mean of
28 acres for gardens, 50 for beans, 70 for meadows and lucerne, 168 for
madder, 184 for chardon, and 454 for sundry other crops, watered only in
by rivers having mountain sources, they have maintained an all-year-round supply that otherwise
would have been limited to the interval from June to December, whereas in cases of rivers with large
catchment areas not rising in the mountains, with adjunctive tanks, the. supply was variable and
uncertain, and much more so for small catchment areas. Tanks were extensively used on a consider-
able scale by the natives in India prior to British occupation. Not being prime factors in a competent
and thorough engineering scheme for irrigation, their actual or prospective use should be recommended
with great caution, and determined only after instrumental test and mathematical verification, result-
ing, necessarily, from ample examination and special survey.
*See Irrigation in Southern Europe, Lieutenant Moncrief, Royal Engineers, 1 vol., 8°, 371 p.,
London, 1868. Italian Irrigation, by R. Baird Smith, captain of Royal Engineers, 2 vols., 8°, pp. 4:14
and 380. Irrigation in Southern India, by R. Baird Smith. Royal Engineers, I vol., 8°, pp. 148, with
plates, London. 1856. Report of Irrigation Commission for California Valleys, being H. Ex. Doc. No.
290, Forty-third Congress, first session, pp. 91, with maps; and Practice of Irrigation in India, Egypt,
Italy, &c, being 8. Ex. Doe. No. 1)4, Forty-fourth Cougre^. first session.
19(5 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF LOOTfl MERIDIAN.
an emergency. The large unclassified areas render the result of little
value.
In Northern India, in case of the Eastern Jumna Canal, where about
20 per cent, is lost by filtration, evaporation, &c, over a distance not less
than 300 miles, it is found that 1 cubic fool per second suffices for 250 acres,
the crops in question being 18 per cent, each for rice and sugar-cane, 50
per cent, of wheat and barley, the formei watered from 10 to 12, the latter
4 to 6 times, and the balance of inferior crops watered only once or twice.
Here the rainfall, coming principally in dune, July, and August, is about
40 inches, and the evaporation is greater than that at Madrid, given at G5
inches.
In the Henares Canal, in Spain, 1 cubic toot per second is found to
irrigate 140 acres, and in Lorca, in the province of Murcia, 210 acres are
irrigated per cubic toot. In case of the great valleys of California, th(
irrigation commissioners were of the opinion that a reasonable allowance
for the land commanded by the proposed canals would be 1 cubic foot a
second for each 200 acres, and they conclude that it would cost about $10
per acre to irrigate these valleys. Here the evaporation is high, and quite
equal to, if not greater, than that at Madrid.
While this will answer well enough tor sections in vicinity of the 40th
parallel, and areas to the northward and to the south, even perhaps to 35°
N. latitude, yet the area irrigated is quite too large for tracts bordering on
the Mexican line. Nothing less than actual experience will warrant a
determinate modulus, on account of the varying conditions.
Irrigation by canals is now carried on in a comparatively small way,
and without special system, in the interior of parts of California, Utah,
New Mexico, and Colorado.
The many difficulties besetting a generalized system, resulting largely
from vested water rights, may yet be overcome as land advances in value
and combinations of owners call on the State for either supervision or
aid.
The State engineering department of California has among its duties
to investigate the problems of irrigation of the plains or valleys of the
State.
IRRIGATION. 197
Co-existent with irrigation should be the reclamation of swamp, marsh,
or overflowed lands, lagoons, and flood plains, by arterial systems of
drainage.
The irrigation commissioners in their report very properly advise the
permanent adherence of the water to the land in the following words:
"As a matter of public policy it is desirable that the land and water
should be joined together, never to be cut asunder; that the farmers
should enjoy in perpetuity the use of the water necessary for the irriga-
tion of their respective lands; that when the land is sold the right to
water shall also be sold with it, and that neither should be sold separately."
At present vested rights have intervened largely, pursuant to the act
of July 26, 1866, which provides "that whenever, by priority of posses-
sion, rights to the use of water for mining, agricultural, manufacturing, or
other purposes, have vested and accrued, and the same are recognized and
acknowledged by the local customs, laws, and decisions of the courts, the
possessors and owners of such vested rights shall be maintained and pro-
tected in the same, and the right of way for the construction of ditches
and canals for the purposes aforesaid is hereby acknowledged and con-
firmed."
A judicial interpretation thereon appears in the following extract from
the decision of the Supreme Court (see p. 75 A. R., 1876): "4. In the
Pacific States and Territories a right to running waters on the public
lands oi the United States, for purposes of irrigation, may he acquired by
prior occupation, as against parties not having the title of the Govern-
ment."
The supreme court of the State of California has confirmed (Heyden-
felt, 5 Cal., 397, 1855) substantially the occupant by possession as against
the parties subsequently appropriating the waters under like conditions, and
declares the doctrine which must determine in other cases of occupancy
after perfection of title, a more thorough and complete recognition of the
rights to a specified amount of water, because of prior appropriation, which
amount can be limited by nothing short of the entire volume of discharge.*
"It is understood that later California decisions substantially require the return of the water
unharmed to its natural eliannel at a lower level (1883 .
L>8 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
A rainfall of from 12 to 14 inches, properly distributed, would produce
cereal crops without irrigation, while in case of a much greater precipitation
recurring irregularly it would be requisite. As a rule irrigation implies
that the increased production results from a lesser area than that where-
upon the necessary amount of rain utilized actually falls* Moncrief gives
examples of irrigation being used where there are 40 inches of rainfall, f
Whatever the conditions of rainfall, the more or less ample result from
the use of all natural flowing waters is, after the most complete system of
canals shall have been made for diverting it to this use, governed to a
large extent by evaporation, infiltration, &c.J Specially interesting are the
relations between normal water supply and its evaporation in inclosed
basins, of which Great Salt Lake is a type.
Information of interest results from the topographic and hydrographic
survey of the Great Salt Lake and the basin, drained by it, which had for
its object, in addition to an accurate detailed survey of the region, a
meander of its shores and those of its islands, with soundings necessary for
the determination of its present volume; observations upon the evaporation
of its surface, with periodic rise and fall ; the measurement at different
seasons of the inflow and rainfall, with other meteorological observations
at selected stations upon its affluents.
The topographic and hydrographic survey was completed (except
* Therefore for each acre irrigated, as is necessary, to the extent that the rainfall is in deficit,
robs more than an acre of a greater amount of water on account of loss in transit. It is clear that
the drier regions can not afford this demand. However, the rainfall in excess of 20 inches from
mountain areas should finally be held for use over a small percentage of the lower levels. Insignificant
percentages of the very arid tracts in the western mountain interior will he reclaimed by irrigation.
That these tracts are relatively small is an incentive lor their amelioration iu such a settlement of
these regions as can permanently be made in the face of physical obstacles.
tProf. Janus P. Espy, in his Fourth Meteorological Report (S. Ex. Doc. No. C5, 34th Cong., 3d
Sess.), states that any cause, natural or artificial, producing an upward current, of air will develop
rain when the complement of the dew-point (the difference between the highest temperature at which
vapor will condense and the temperature of the air) is small, the air calm below and above, and the
upper atmosphere at its normal temperature, lie suggests that masses of timber along a line 000 or
700 miles at the west be fired, with the probability that rain would develop and travel eastward a long
distance. This does not appear to be the result of the extensive accidental forest tires of the western
mountains, except for localities near the tunning space. It is suggested that the Weather Bureau
should obtain, through observations from balloons, relative and actual amounts of moisture at Btated
intervals above sea level, and that experiments be made as to the methods and effects of producing
local condensation, artificially.
{ Observations show that i of the water falling in the Seine is taken by the river to the sea, the
balance passing oft' by evaporation and percolation.
IRRIGATION. 199
certain projected lines of sounding and continuous evaporation) reduced
and held in original plotting-sheet form.
Certain meteorological data are still wanting, such as the measure for
a long interval of the atmospheric conditions at the lake surface, the rise
and fall of the latter, with annual evaporation, the re-precipitation and the
amounts of water actually used in irrigation. Maury estimates the mean
annual rainfall for the whole earth at 60 inches and principally in the
torrid zone, with a mean of 37 inches for the north and 20 inches for the
south temperate zone. Maxima are found at the rate of 86* feet per year
in the Andes, between 30° and 40 c south latitude, and in mountainous
India, at the rate of 114 feet per year. The flowing waters of rivers
and all other streams represent substantially the amount by which the
precipitation (rain, hail, snow, and dew) exceeds the evaporation of the
basin, less a small amount permanently transferred below the surface, only
a part of which returns to its ocean source. f
Evidently the secular variation for the Great Salt Lake, a type of the
whole Great Interior Basin, is in the direction of carrying off by the pre-
vailing winds more moisture than is brought to it, a movement which, still
continuing, has been going on in varying gradation from the epoch when
the ancient "Lake Bonneville" was a member of a fresh-water system of
lakes, covering a large portion of the Great Basin.
This is a direct reasonable result from the continental growth that has
upheaved across the prevailing humid-laden westerly winds from the Pacific
mountain ranges (of which the Sierra Nevada is the greatest and principal
barrier), which impinge at a considerable angle to their axis, thereby rob-
bing the moisture-laden air of much vapor, forcing the balance to the
upper-air currents, through long distances, only to be precipitated upon
meeting counter-currents, or carried with the bulk of the moisture of the
upper air from ocean to ocean.
•See Mail r j : Physical Geography of the Sea. p. 121.
1 The average rainfall upon any given area depends uponagreat variety of conditions, as latitude,
proximity to the sea, elevation, topography, extent and direction of adjacent mountain ranges,
exposure to the prevailing winds, and generally to the different local causes that influence climate.
Whatever acts to lower the temperature of the air, at a given locality, below the dew point, causes
rain. The topography is the largest local factor in precipitation.
200 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF L00TH MERIDIAN.
The total amount of humidity brought to any given area depends upon
the amount of evaporation engendered by the heat of the sun in the ocean
equatorial belt, and the direction and force of the winds translating this
vapor of water to lands of the continent, unequally distributed as they are
when compared with water areas, and presenting irregularly disposed masses
as they do to the path of these winds.*
Prior to the elevation of the Sierra Nevada to its present level, it is clear
that the prevailing winds brought to these regions more moisture than in
their onward flight was carried away. The moisture brought to the land
bv the southeast monsoons of the Gulf of .Mexico are without effect in deter-
J
mining the water supply of the Great Salt Lake Basin.
The causes which have led to the present water level of Great Salt
Lake are remote or secular, being due primarily to the resultant of the sun's
heat, which, bearing upon the ocean, produces the normal supply of moist-
ure, modified by the relations of water to land surface, the levels of conti-
nental forms, the irregular motion of the earth about its axis, if not to other
relations not yet analyzed. The former produces the air currents, governed
by varying conditions not now fully understood, while the later continent-
building fixes limits to local precipitation, and gravity, unimpeded, dictates
the return to the sea of the waters temporarily gathered by the land.
Man's occupation and cultivation serve to equalize somewhat the local
relations of precipitation, evaporation, and temperature, but simply as a
slight perturbation of the fixed law of secular variation.
Were it possible to determine a mean secular variation in rainfall for
this basin, it would apparently be in the direction of dessiccation from the
causes outlined.f
•The amount of raiu is increased or diminished according as the prevailing winds come laden
with moisture directly from the ocean, or have traversed previously large tracts, particularly mount-
ainous regions, and are therefore dry.
•(Geological evidence is in favor of a diminution of the earth's mean temperature during the
successive geologic ages. This is presumed to 1"' due to a diminution of the mean solar heat, and to
orographic changes and disturhances thai have tended to increase the area of the laud, as compared
with that of the water, and to enlarge the volume ahove sea level since archaean times. The increase
of land surface and general diminution of temperature hoth tend to dessication. TheGreat Basin has
undoubtedly undergone climatic changes from both causes. The interior of continents everywhere en-
joy a less rainfall than areas nearest the ocean shores. This is specially marked in the Great Basin,
as compared with the western slopes of the coast ranges, and the Sierra Nevada at all latitudes. Tin-
latter, for instance, robs the Inyo range, although only about 20 miles to the eastward, parallel, and
IRRIGATION. 201
Long continued observations will establish cycles of maxima and min-
ima (within which annual and minor fluctuations occur), means of which
will finally give the more permanent, secular, or climatic movement, inde-
pendent of the physical relations surrounding the maxima and minima of
precipitation, temperature, evaporation, relative humidity, etc., which deter-
mine the amount of moisture brought in the atmosphere over these regions.
There are others which by contrast may be termed local, which refer to
changes in the level of the lake, and in the amount of inflow, by human
agency, in irrigation, and the changes due to man's occupation.
There seems to be no question as to the actual temporary increase of
the streams in this basin since it has been settled.
This appears from relative measurements, and the increase of the water
surface, if not in its volume.
Mr. Gilbert states (p. GG, Arid Lands), an area of 1,750 square miles for
the lake surface in 1850 (Stansbury) at lowest stage; "-^lGG square miles in
18G9 (King) near its highest stage; while in 187s the area of the water surface
(including that of the island) was found to be 2,263 square miles, at a time
when the streams had begun to rise and the springs were well supplied from
the spring rains and melting snows. The mean depth in 1878 was found
to be 15 feet, while none is given for 1850 and 1869; an estimated variation
nearly as high, of most of the moisture that should otherwise reach it. (See "The climatic changes
of later geologic times, J. D.Whitney: Memoirs of the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard
College, Vol. VII, No. 2, 18820 The geologic observations of Messrs. King, Gilbert, and Russell, point
to two humid maxima, separated by an interval of aridity, together with an arid epoch, before the first
or most pronounced humid maxima, ami also the present period of dessication, all as having occurred
during the Quaternary. The humid epochs are stated as coincident with a larger and a lesser glacial
period. The observed data upon which this depends is founded, alone, upon two alluvial gravel be-
tween two lacustrine clay or marl beds (see Second A. R. U. S. Geol. Surv., p. IG9, and Monograph XI,
Russell; Geological History of Lake La Hontan). The connection is not clear. It has been estimated
that the so-called last glacial epoch terminated about 80,000 years ago. Various theories refer to glacial
phenomena as general in character, whereas Fraukland refers their sole cause to a higher ocean tempera-
ture than the present, thus denning glaciatiou as local. As historic records do not afford evidence of
any great secular climatic change, say withiu 2,000 years or more, it is safe ti assume that the period at
which the Great Basin Lakes were at their maximum, was many thousand years ago, since which a secu-
lar change in climate has occurred from a state of considerable humidity to that belonging t<> the present
dessication. The weather elements have only been measured instrument-ally about 100 years (thermom-
etric records began, Paris, 1763, Stockholm, 1758, Loudon, 177.V), hence nothing can be predicated upon
them as to the present movement of the climatic curve. Schott finds (see Smithsonian contributions.
Tables, Distribution, and Variations of the Atmospheric Temperature, by C. A. Schott, 1870, p. :'.l 1 i
nothing to indicate a permanent change in climate in the records fox ninety years. For long periods t"
come we must be content in gathering and comparing the maxima and minima of precipitation, tem-
perature, relative humidity, and direction of the winds, without being aide to plot the secular curve
and assign the actual climate of to-day to its proper place thereou.
202 IT. S. (JEOGRArniCAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TII MERIDIAN.
of 20 inches for the mean normal variation in level is given. Independent
of the oscillation due to the ratio between evaporation and inflow, there is
a change which appears to be regulated at present by an increase in the
tributary streams. This increase gives arise of 7 to 8 feet, and one-sixth
larger area.* This latter change has been explained theoretically by vol-
canic, climatic, and human agencies
The two latter are unquestionably involved as factors, while no evi-
dence exists as to the former producing a change in the level of the bed of
the lake, and it is apparently refuted by the fact that the water has risen
alike against all the shores and islands so far as known.
If upheaval determined the enlargement it would scarcely account for
its maintenance, as the evaporation is, approximately, 7 feet annually.
The most probable explanation of the change now going on in the
water supply of the lake is that of slow climatic oscillation, modified by
man's agency, especially in cultivation.
Observations extending over long intervals will alone give the data by
which the local or temporary fluctuations can be segregated and the secular
movement be made clear.
From the climatic cause it is not reasonable to expect a long continu-
ance of greater water supply, but on the contrary, a minimum having been
reached, the next minimum bids fair to be less than the one next preceding,
while human agencies are in favor of increasing the amount of rain within
the basin on account of increased evaporation, and hence re-precipitation,
and an increase due to the local cumulation of moisture to the degree of
saturation necessary.
The human agencies are cultivation, raising of herds, and cutting
timber. Irrigation has diminished the inflow to the lake, but increased the
active area of evaporation.
Drainage and cutting out beaver dams have increased the inflow, but
tend to decrease the land evaporation.! The inflow of the lake is increased
* Mr. Marcus E. Jones, of Sail Lake, gives a maximum rise of the lake from I -(H) to 1872 of 13' 4",
and a rise from 1849 to 1854, of 4 : and a fall from July, 1854, to January, 1860, of 4', and a still further
fall from July, 1672, to January, 1884, of 9'.
tEvaporation is inllueuced by extent of surface, temperature of air, dryness, stillness, aud
density of the water.
IRRIGATION. 203
by grazing- and timber-cutting, while the land evaporation has been de-
creased. Human agencies have no permanent influence on the total rain-
fall within a given basin, but cultivation tends to equalize it, and is in
favor of a slight temporary increase through re-precipitation* This leaves
10,000 square miles in which it would appear that the average should be
as large, if not larger, than at Salt Lake City. This is about thirty-five
times the volume that reaches the lake, according to Lieutenant Young's
measurement and estimate of 6,000 cubic feet per second inflow.f
The cubic feet of water delivered in one year at above rate would be
18,921,600,000, while that from a rainfall of 17.22 inches over 16,000 square
miles would be 642,318,336,000 cubic feet, or a presumable amount not
reaching the lake of 623,396,736,000 cubic feet, sufficient to raise the lake
nearly 10 feet.
The far greater area of land, when compared with that of the lake,
which absorbs and evaporates both, accounts, doubtless, for the above rela-
tion in the main; at the same time it is reasonable to conclude that consid-
erable portions of the vapor rising from this rapidly-evaporating surface
are translated outside of the basin before the temperature of proper con-
densation is reached.! The perimeter of the Great Salt Lake in 1878 was
found to be about 380 miles, with an area of 2,363, from which, subtracting
100 square miles for the islands, leaves a water surface of 2,263 square
miles.
* The average rainfall (compiled by the Signal Office from the post hospital reports) at Fort
Douglas, Utah, from January, 1871, to July, 1883, was 17. 53 inches. The average, for eleven years
(1875 to 1885, inclusive) at the signal station at Salt Lake City was 17.22 inches, with a maximum in
1875 of 23.64 inches, and a minimum in 1880 of 10. 94 inches, corresponding to a minimum temperature
of 48° F., while the next less mean rainfall, 13.11 inches, in 1879, corresponds to 53 c F., the maximum
mean annual temperature. On p. 22s, Tables and Results of Precipitation, Smithsonian Contribu-
tions, Mr. Schott remarks upon a type curve as pointing "to a gradual increase of the average annual
precipitation from about 1818 to the present time " for the easl coast from Maine to Virginia, but finds
the variation in the Ohio Valley, and as far west as Missouri, to be different, though not opposite, and
makes no comparisons for the regions farther west. Mr. Gilbert estimates 12,500 square miles as bring-
ing no water to the lake.
t The volume of supply equals the raiufall plus incoming streams and a few spri Dgs. The annual
evaporation is shown by the " supply," plus the fall or minus the rise.
{ The results of observation on the relative evaporating action of earth and water are conflicting.
Observations at Geneva for a year showed 199-,*, lines from earth, and 536Vi lines from water: others
at the Helder, in 1862, gave water 602.9 millimeters, and 1,399.6 millimeters for ground covered with
clover ana other grasses. The evaporation from the Nile is stated to !»■ three times greater than from
the ground bordering it (see Marsh., p. 441). The conditions of the Nile Valley in Egypt and Nubia are
more like those of Salt Lake than are those at Geneva and in Holland.
204 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OK 100TII MERIDIAN.
The approximate mean depth is 15 feet, with a greatest measured depth
of 39 feet. The mean or average volume was (1878) 946,347,28s, 000 cubic
feet, equal to an inflow of about five years at 6,000 cubic feet per second,
undisturbed by the relations between precipitation and evaporation.
Lieutenant Young found the fall of the lake to be 31 inches from March,
1878, to March, 1879; assumes a rainfall for the whole lake of 12 inches for
same interval, and 40 inches rise for an inflow of 6,000 cubic feet per
second (measured and estimated), which factors aggregate a probable total
annual evaporation of 83 inches. (See p. 230, Annual Report, 1878.)
A simple mean of bi-daily observations at level of water of lake near
Farmington for eleven days in July, six in August, and three in September,
1879, gave a mean daily evaporation of 0.52 inches.
Mr. Gilbert refers to a total annual evaporation of 80 inches (See p. 73,
Arid Lands). Through courtesy of Mr. Gilbert I have been furnished
observations taken by Lawrence Burgess & Co., at their salt works near
Salt Lake City, showing an evaporation of 12^ inches for the first twenty-
six days of August, 1 s 7 7 , or a daily average of 0.47 inches.*
The time was, and the remaining beach terraces of Lake Bonneville
are a silent witness, when more moisture was brought to this water-shed
than escaped from it, and the excess of precipitation over evaporation cre-
ated a level which permitted the ancient drainage to the Columbia; whereas
it appears evident that these same agents now, throughout the whole great
interior basin, have carried off more moisture than they have supplied, leav-
ing the many reservoir lakes, saline and alkaline flats as a result. While
no measurement at hand gives us the exact ratio of precipitation to evapo-
* King reports an observed evaporation of one-half inch per daj in the Great Basin, for the driest
period "I' the year (p. 526, Vol. I, Systematic Geology).
Lieutenant Bergland estimates from a daily mean of 0.784 for four days in August the annual
evaporation at Camp Mohave at 95.77 inches, and gives other yearly evaporations in inches as follows:
Cumana, 1"!': Dead Sea, 96; Marseilles, 73.2; Palermo, 58.4 ; Manchester, 41.0; London,28.8; Rotter-
dam, 23, and Breslau, 14. 8—. Moncrieff gives the evaporation for .Madrid at 65 inches, which lie.
estimates as considerably greater in Northern India.
The annual evaporation of the Red Sea, at a moderate estimate, is half an inch per day in sum-
mer (See Ansted Physical Geog., p. 150).
Tin' annual evaporation from water at the Helder in 1861 \\ as found to lie 602.9 millimeters = 23.62
inches, and at Geneva it is stated at 5364 lines = 63.3 inches.
The evaporation near shore of Kern Lake, August II to September 29, 1879, was found to average
318 inch daily (see Hall. Physical Data and Statistics of Cal., L886, p. ■-■:: I.
The irrigation commissioners assume that the evaporal ion in the interior valleys in California is
high, arid quite equal to that at Madrid.
IRRIGATION. 205
ration, yel observations already made are sufficient to render tenable the
theory that this desiccation is justly due to the secular agency of the winds.
'I he climate of the globe is one complex whole, where action and reac-
tion sensitively, if not sensibly, permeates throughout its entire atmospheric
envelope or covering, and that of any one basin is interdependent on all
the others, and in ever-recurring measure upon the winds that circuit all.
At the rate of 1 cubic foot per second for the irrigation of 200 acres,
the average discharge of 6,000 cubic feet admits of irrigating 1,200,000
acres by the inflowing of Great Salt Lake. Of this amount Too, odd acres
could be irrigated by the Bear River, while the land classification examina-
tion shows that the arable space in sheets 41 A and B, embracing only a
part of the Bear River drainage, is 663,200 acres.
Likewise, assuming that arable lands are so situated with reference to
the Jordan, Weber, and minor streams that they may be reached by grav-
itation, it is not too much to assume that all of the inflowing waters of the
lake may be in time diverted from this reservoir, leaving 1 its bottom a saline
flat, or with at best a number of minor or local reservoirs at the deepest
points.
Whatever man may do, nature will proceed uninterruptedly in its
course: and the secular movement, being one of desiccation, a saline bed will
ultimately be all that is left of the Great Salt Lake from natural causes.
Meanwhile the temporary outlook is favorable to irrigation, cultivation,
and the full utilization of the available water supply to its utmost maximum,
with promise of favorable results where judgment is used.
This may be done by a sj'stem of canal irrigation, with tanks or artifi-
cial reservoirs as a limited adjunctive, planned to utilize, if need be, every
cubic foot of water precipitated. While farming without irrigation may
doubtless be safely carried on where the downfall exceeds 20 inches, yet
for the whole interior basin, and indeed for much of the western mountain
region, especially that part south of the fortieth parallel, and particularly
not including the more humid Northwest, crops may be at least doubled
from its use, and ordinarily the soil be fertilized from the silt deposited.
The control of the natural water supply is also a matter of importance to
the present extensive mining industry.
200 I'. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
ARTESIAN WELLS.
Because of the largo areas throughout the western mountain region
that may be cultivated by the aid of water artificially conducted to it
where the natural supply is below the essential normal, it becomes a matter
of prime necessity to utilize to the utmost every known resource; and hence
artesian wells are to play, in quite a limited way, an important function
among these arid tracts. Artesian water may be said to comprise all that
store or reservoir held in permeable ground, between impermeable beds,
the distant source of which affords sufficient pressure to force it to or above
the surface of a boring or well sunk through the upper impermeable strata.
Wafer supply thus obtained is called artesian, from the town of Artois,
in France, where such sinkings were made in the Middle Ages; but the dis-
coverv that water might be so obtained dates back to the older civilization
of Egypt; prior to historical times in Asia Minor; and they have been sunk
in Persia, China, Algeria, the Sahara, and Lombardy.
The conditions necessary are a continuous pervious stratum of suffi-
cient exposure to collect the supply, inclined so that the water enters higher
than the site of the well, with substantially water-tight beds over and under,
to prevent escape in a vertical direction, with rainfall adequate to the use
for which the supply is intended, and an inappreciable lateral escape from
the sides both of the reservoir and the well. The elevation to which water
■will be forced from an artesian opening will be the height of the supply
less the diminished height due to less pressure from loss of supply through
rents and fissures, the great amount of friction of the irregular rocky under-
lying bed, and the resistance of the atmosphere.
It must be remembered that a large natural overflow will lower the
general water line to its own level, and that also in a certain class of wells
the flow is caused by the expansive force of pent-up gases, disseminated
through the water itself, or held in a contiguous communicating reservoir.
This is believed to be usually the force in petroleum wells. It is doubtful
whether any rock is impenetrable to water under a sufficiently high pressure,
but high pressures and great depths (say below one mile) are not, as a rule,
compatible.
ARTESIAN WELLS. 207
The porous beds which reservoir the water may be of sand and gravel
(drift), alluvium conglomerate, loose chalks, arenaceous strata, and granular
magnesian limestones, certain granites and greenstones, the latter through
fractures and fissures and some sandstones through pores, coal measures of
alternating sandstones and shales, or in general, with notable exceptions,
the newer geological formations. The impervious strata consist generally
of the Archaean rocks (granites, quartzites, and other crystalline rocks),
elays, argillaceous and marly strata, clayey shales, shaley limestones and
sandstones, and compact sandstones.
Water is not generally found in Archren rocks \granites, quartzites,
&c), hence it is not economic to bore in them, and the popular impression
that the deeper the sinking the better, is fallacious.*
Mr. Gilbert thinks that the conditions in general for success are favor-
able in the Tertiaries of the valley of the Sevier of Utah, from Monroe to
Gunnison, and to the southward, as well as the line of valleys to the east-
ward, but not the southeastward, where the Tertiaries are cut by a portion
of the canon system.
Professor Stevenson thinks that artesian water, may be had near
Galisteo, southeast from Santa Fe, and immediately west of Fort Union,
N. Mex., but would probably be unsuccessful on the Canadian plains north
from Cimarron Creek.
A geological commission reporting to the Department of Agriculture in
1882 thinks that of all that part of Colorado lying eastward of the mountains,
that artesian borings are more likely to be successful in the eastern portion of
the area, between the Arkansas and the South Platte, than elsewhere, the
porous beds being the Dakota sandstones of the Cretaceous and Triassic
sandstones respectively.
I am of the opinion that artesian wells may generally be made success-
ful on the western flanks of the Sierra Nevada, along the eastern side of the
Great Interior Valleys, northward from Tehachapai Pass, on the eastern
* Wells have been bored at Saint Louis 3,150 feet, and Columbus, 2,500 feet, without satisfactory
result : also at Fort Mouroe, 900 feet; Staked Plains, 1,050 feet; Sacramento County, California. •J.li'iii
feet. Hall reports 22 failing cases in California (300 to 2,160 feet) : Hon. Horace Beach repoi ts 6 failing
cases, Colorado, New .Mexico, and Wyoming (200 to 1,500 feet). Artesian water was not found in the
chalk at Southampton, England, at 1,317 feet.
208 CT. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OK 100TH MERIDIAN.
flanks of the ( Jascade Range, at selected localities from Fort Klamath north-
ward to the Columbia River; also at special points in Atlas Sheets 70 A
and C, east of the ranges between the plains and the Rio Grande, in the
Cretaceous formations of the flanks of the Zuni Mountains, New Mexico,
eastward from the Sierra Blanca of Arizona, near heads of the Gila River,
and in parts of the Ton to Basin. The .same is true for many of the inclosed
watersheds of the Great Interior Basin, especially in the Bear and Sevier
River drainage, as also east of the Humboldt and Pahranagat Ranges, and
elsewhere, but intelligent examinations should precede actual attempts at
boring. They are not likely to be so, for the Plateau systems of the Colo-
rado River Basin, the permeable beds of which are drained toward the river.
Unfortunately the territory where success is most certain is usually
now favored with the most rainfall, and hence at present the least in need
of this adjunctive water supply. This does not interfere with the great rela-
tive value of artesian waters in the more arid sections, and the distribution
from more humid to less humid ground by proper storage and conduit con-
ditions.
The State engineer of California reports, in 1886, 646 artesian wells in
California, by counties as follows: 12 in San Joaquin (700 to 1,250 feet);
19 in Stanislaus (270 to 1,000 feet); 86 in Merced (130 to 540 feet); 25
in Fresno (150 to 910 feet) ; 101 in Tulare (200 to 784 feet) ; 36 in Kern
(180 to 850 feet) ; 119 in Sacramento (60 to 2,160 feet) ; 408 in San Ber-
nardino (40 to 410 feet)'; and 40 in Los Angeles (40 to 270 feet).
Professor Chamberlin reports on not less than 15 wells in Wisconsin
(300 to 959 feet), and refers to the approximate number of 100 near Denver,
Colo. (See p. 150, Fifth Annual Report, Geological Survey).
Various artesian wells are referred to in the Geological Survey Reports
of Indiana (('ox) and those of other States.
The well at the Insane Asylum, Saint Louis, at a depth of 3,843 feet,
affords a little water, unfit for domestic use. The deepest known well is in
Sperenberg, near Berlin, where, in 1871, boring had been carried to a depth
of 5,500 feet, the last 3,200 feet through a bed of salt not then pierced.
Artesian wells have been common in China from a very remote antiq-
uity, and some are 3,000 feet deep; that at Nensalzwerk, Silesia, is 2,300 feet.
ARTESIAN WELLS. 209
Other wells are the Dupont well, at Louisville, one at Chicago, and
others at Fort Carroll and Charleston.
The French Government has lately bored many wells in Algeria, at
depths of from 100 to '200 feet, but they mostly contain mineral matter.
Many artesian wells exist in France, and some in England.
Theoretically the temperature of the earth increases as its interior is
penetrated, and actual observations seem to confirm this theory. The aver-
age (1 degree for ever)' 50 or 60 feet) usually given is entitled to no great
weight, because of the difficulty of obviating the local thermonietric oscil-
lations, from the normal rock temperature, before coming in contact with
external atmospheric and aqueous heat. This average, assuming the theory
of internal fluidity, whether in aggregate or reservoir mass, will depend
principally upon the thickness of the crust at the point of observation, its
power of conductivity for heat, and in some slight degree by the latitude
and altitude of the place. The following temperatures have been noted :
Grenelle.near Paris, 82° (1,802 feet) ; Saint Louis, 73°.4 (3,843 feet); Louis-
ville, 76°.5 (2,086 feet); Charleston, 87° (1,250 feet) {see Chamberlin, p.
165, 5 A. R. Geol. Survey); Sperenberg, 114°.7 (3,390 feet); Fort Wayne,
51£° (2,635 feet); Wabash, 50J° F. (2,270 feet); Terre Haute, 81° F.
(1,923 feet). Professor Cox cites average increase in artesian wells as fol-
lows: Wurtemberg, 1° F. for each 19 feet; in Durham and Manchester, 1°
for each 65 to 70 feet; in silver and lead mines of Saxony, 1° for each 65
feet; in Cornwall, 1° for each 75 feet; Grenelle, 1° for each 60 feet; Naples,
1° for each 208 feet, and same city 1° for each 83 feet.
The total precipitation of a district being carried awaj* from it by sur-
face and underground drainage, evaporation, and underground storage, it
obtains that by tapping these reservoirs they may be again supplied from
the native source through the outcrop of the porous beds, and thus water
which would otherwise escape by some of the sources mentioned may
be retained and utilized, thus increasing the supply available for irrigation.
Relatively the total amount that may thus be availed of is small, be-
cause of the small surface through which its storage takes place, and the
larger proportionate share carried off by surface drainage and evapora-
tion.
14 wh — VOL I
210 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
The State engineer <>t' California reports 1,800 acres irrigated in 1880
in Los Angelos and San Bernardino Counties, California, which lias since
been doubtless increased, as also areas made available in the great interior
valleys of the State.
The artesian reservoirs, removed from the factor of evaporation, store
up supplies in case of need, which may be tapped and refilled, the amount
drawn off being carried to open-air tanks or reservoirs of suitable capacities.
The porous beds often receive their supply in districts favored with
much moisture and carry the same to districts less favored, thus equalizing
the humid conditions and ameliorating the more arid tracts.
It is not reasonable to look to them to make productive an absolutely
desert area except for very small amounts.
Attention has been invited to this subject more with a view to create
an interest in the prosecution of the inquiries preliminary to tests over large
areas and actual borings where conditions are favorable.
The examinations made in advance should consist of the determination
of the actual topographic and the conjectural geologic profile; the position
of outcrop area, lithological character, thickness and extent of the exposed
porous collecting beds and their surface conditions: the proper distances of
the wells from the same, governed by inclination and comparative eleva-
tions of the overlying beds; the quantity and conditions of rainfall, evapo-
ration, &c ; the incoming drainage, if any, from contiguous districts, and
disturbances affecting the continuity of the water-bearing strata.
Such data, gathered for large areas by competent observers, would
permit of grouping with considerable certainty, territory where the con-
ditions are favorable and the reverse, and with less certainty the doubtful
regions.
CHAPTER IV.
INDIANS.
According to the report of the Indian Commissioner for 1885 there are
within the United States, exclusive of Alaska, 2511,244* Indians (estimated
and enumerated), of whom more than 70,000 belong to tribes in the Indian
Territory and elsewhere, known as civilized.
Of these, 228,506 are found in the States and Territories west of the
Mississippi (including 78.380 in the Indian Territory and 9,901 pueblos),
and the balance, or 20,738, in Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Maine, North
Carolina, and Florida.
The population of the twenty-one separate wild or nomadic tribes and
the twenty pueblos visited, reached in 1886, according to original observa-
tions, the reports of the Indian Commissioners, special census reports, and
those made by the military authorities, an approximate aggregate of 60,000
souls.
Of these, 42,333 nomads either resided upon or were charged off to
reservations, the aggregate area of which is given at 21,272,556 acres, or an
allowance of 502 acres for each man, woman, and child (buck, squaw, and
pappoose).
The total of the pueblos, including the Moquis, aggregate approximately
9,901, and the area of their grants and reservations now aggregates 3,415,645
acres, or at the rate of 353 acres per capita (man, woman, and child). The
average for the Moquis is 1,307 acres, and for all the other pueblos, includ-
ing Zuni, 117 acres. Were the total of 60,004 Indians all on contiguous
reservations, each individual would count against 475 acres.
'Tin- report of the Indian Commissioner for 1886 gives a total of 247,761, a reduction due to
further enumeration and a closer count by the military and Indian authorities
212 U. S. GEOGEAPHICAL SUEVEYS WEST OF 100TII MERIDIAN.
The following table summarizes the tribes encountered, reference to
most of which may be found in the several survey reports:
INDIAN TRIBES WITHIN AREA OF SURVEY.
Z Name of tril>c or
•g | reservation.
1 Warm Springs. ..
Klamath
State or Terri-
torv.
Oregon.
.do .
Ha n nock s and Idaho
Snakes.
Snakes
Mission.
Pab-Utes
Pah-TJtes Pyra-
mid Lake.
Shoshones a n d
Pah-TJtes.
Piutes and others
Gosiutes
Pah-vants
intah and White
River Ules.
TJncompaghre Utes
Southern Utes
Navajoes
.Tacarilla Apaches.
California.
...do.. ..
Nevada .
. . do . . .
. . do . .
...do ...
rjtah....
...do ...
...do ...
...do
I tolorado. . . .
New Mexico
.. do
BlescaleroApach.es
Apaches al Can-
ada Alamosa.
Moquis
I ttber Pueblos
Apaches -
do .
do
Arizona
New Mexico.
Arizona.
1878 972
1877
1878
1875
1869
1877
1869
1869
1869
1869
1872
1874
1874
1,444
100
3, 096
3,2110
1,248
:;,
loo
256
134
1,056
1, 252
978
Pimas and Mari-
copas.
Yumas (Colorado
River Reserva-
tion).
Mohaves and Che
uiehnevis.
...do
t !alifornia . . .
Arizona
1873
17,358
1878
1, 102
1878
300
1874
1,919
,1874,
(18755
7,762
(1871;
(1873 S
4,977
1871
5,050
1876
800
1886
1886
1886
1878
1886
1882
1886
1886
1882
1882
1 882
1885
1885
1 886
lssij
OT ^ tri
- - r
f - -
1886
1886
1886
1886
1886
909
404, 000
1, 056. 000
1,202,330
None.
160, 762
None.
640,815
1,000
None.
None.
2, 039, 040
1,933,440
1, 094, 400
8,205, 140
474, 240
None.
2, 508, 800
906, 815
2, 528, 000
— as
1,086
833
None.
50
None.
513
None.
10
None.
None.
1,932
1,544
1,119
473
303
None.
1,307
117
508
Class.
Nomads, on res-
ervation.
...do
...do
Nomads
Serai-civilized
Remarks.
Noruads
Nomads, on res-
ervation.
Nomads
Nomads, on res-
ervation.
Nomads
...do
Nomads, on res-
ervation.
...do
...do
..do
-do .
Nomads .
Pueblos .
...do...
Nomads
300, 800
71 Nomads, on res-
ervation,
57 Nomads
301
Nomads, on res
ervation.
Warm Springs, Wasco,
Tenino, -John Day, and
Piute.
Klamath, Modoc, Wal-
pape, .tc.
Near Fort Hall.
Located northeast from
Fort Bidwell.
Serrano, Diegueiio, Coa-
huila. and San Luis
Key.
Away from reserva-
tions.
Wandering over Ne-
vada.
Moapa River Reserve.
Estimated.
Tabeqnache Utes.
Mescaiero, Jicarilla,
and Mimbres Apa-
ches, near Fort Stan-
ton,
Estimated.
Mostly on reservations,
Anvapa, San Carlos,
Chiricabua, Coyotero,
Mohave, Pinal Tonto,
and Yuma Apaches.
Estimated.
Do.
202 are Chetnehuevis.
INDIANS.
213
INDIAN TRIBES WITHIN AREA OF SURVEY— Continued.
6
S
s
=
Name of tribe or
reservation.
State or Terri-
tory.
T3
"3
">
u
«
a;
u
.a
a
=
3
Reservation
area in
acres.
«
g'l
Class.
Remarks.
?*i
Mohaves (Camp
Mohave).
Hualapais
Sevichea, or Sup-
pai.
...do
1871
1871
1871
700
728
214
1882
1886
1882
None.
730, 880
38, 400
None.
1,004
170
Nomads
. ,1,,
do
97
do
Nomads, "ii res-
ervation.
Do.
*60, 004
24,1188, '.'Dl
47S
* Of this number, 7,990 are estimated as either away from or never having been on a reservation.
The area of Indian Territory occupied by the several tribes is given at
64,223 square miles, or 41,097,332 acres, for a total of 75,805 Indians, or
at the rate of 542 acres per capita. The largest average within the region
of survey is 1,932 acres, in the case of the Uintah and White River Utes.
While so far as data shows the only tribes, where the average is less than
1 60* acres percapita, are the Mission, the Pimas, and Maricopas and thePiutes
in the Muddy Valley, the Yumas, also the Pueblos, other than the Moquis.
STATEMENT SHOWING TOTAL OF INDIANS AND AREAS OF INDIAN RESERVATIONS
WEST OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER.
State or Territory.
Arizona
California
Colorado
Dakota
Idaho
Indian Territory
Iowa
Kansas
Minnesota
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
Now Mexico
Oregon
Utah
Washington
Wyoming
Total
Number
on reser-
vation.
217.079
Area, in
acres, of res-
ervation.
003, 191
472, 492
094, 400
817, 105
611,481
097, 332
001,258
102, 026
755, 716
168, 960
380, 197
954, 135
586, 526
075, 560
972, 480
107,556
342, 400
A verage
ai res pt-l
capita.
304
92
1,119
873
604
542
4
101
626
2,185
134
552
264
526
1,721
507
1,301
135, 172,817
623
Average
acres,
family of
five.
1,520
460
5, 595
4,365
3, 320
2,710
20
505
3,130
10, 925
670
2,760
1,320
2,630
8, 605
2, 535
6,505
Num
berof
agen-
cies.
3, 115
57
Remarks.
700 Mohave not on reserve.
6,456 off reserve.
None off reserve.
Do.
600 off reserve.
None off reserve.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
6,500 off reserve.
None off reserve.
800 off reserve.
390 off reserve.
2,000 >'ll reserve.
None oft reserve.
Total off, 17,446.
* This would be at the rate of 800 acres for each family of five.
tThe reservation known as "Blackfoot," extending from tin- north bank of the Upper Missouri to the northern
boundary, lias an area of 21,651,200 acres for 6,693 Indians, or 3,235 fur each Indian, and 10,175 acres for each family of live.
Notb.— New Fork, North Carolina, and Michigan each have agency, ami Wisconsin two.
214 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SDRVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
The total number of agencies west of the Mississippi River is fifty-
seven, including seven for the Indian Territory. The aggregate area of
Indian reservations west of the Mississippi River is about 135,172,N17
acres" (211,208 square miles), f while that of the military reservations ad-
jacent, is 1,838,054 acres.
The largest average in acres per capita, shown by the table for a single
political division, is "2,1X.~> for Montana, and the least is for Iowa.
The number of Indians west of the Mississippi River (217,079) is,
when compared with the ever advancing civilized population, scarcely
appreciable, while the territory held for their use is in area about five times
as largre as the State of New York.
It is a mooted question, at present impossible of determination, whether
the Indians of the United States, as a whole, are increasing or decreasing;
probably the former, in a very small ratio, either actual or relative.
Reflection makes it apparent that not only is the large area reserved
greatly in excess of any actual need of the Indian, especially when their
roving and predatory habits are abandoned, but also that these large tracts
impede the harmonious and homogenous settlement of these regions, now
being availed of for farms, homes, mines, mills, and workshops. The ever
restless surging tide of population, almost a law unto itself, already in
many cases crowd over the borders of these reservations, and the time is
not far distant when the question of the surrender of these lands to actual
settlers will naturally be answered in the affirmative, on the plea of the
greatest good for the greatest number.
Assuming that there are 45,000 families of five each within the
above area, and allotting to each one 320 acres, there would then remain
more than ground enough for 750,000 white families, each with not less than
1 HO acres.
Of course great quantities of land are not available for agriculture,
ami statistics are not at hand, but it is safe to assume that the land that
might be spared by the Indian could be made the home of 3,000,000 farmers
and stock<>TOwers, with such number of miners as this industry shall war-
•This area, as determined from a search and compilation at th • Laud Oliice, is lG.'i.siis/jsl acres,
or 259,170.280 square miles.
t Taken from Animal Report of the Indian Office for 1886.
INDIANS. 215
rant, with raechantcs and men of commerce in numbers demanded by these
industries, while at the rate of 50 per square mile, the possible popu-
lation, after subtracting the allowance to 45,000 Indian families, would be
9,500,000.*
Assuming an allotment of 320 acres to each family, there would remain
about 120,000,000 acres of land which, at Si. 25 per acre, aggregates S 1G0,-
000,000, which, funded at 3 per cent, would afford an annual income of
$4,800,000 — an amount not greatly in deficit of the present annual estimate
of the Indian Bureau.
After an allotment some land remaining would be worth more than
$1.25 per acre, while considerable quantities could not be sold for that sum.f
Nothing less than an actual, practical, demarcation of the several classes
of land, from an examination by experts, as a preliminary, would do justice
to this subject, the favorable outcome of which would go very far toward
the permanent settlement of the Indian question and the relieving of the
Government and Treasury of a fiscal burden, and vexatious relations so
long borne.
COST.
It is believed that the cost of the Indian service from direct appro-
priations (independent of indirect expenses through the War Department)
has been for a period of years not far from $7,000,000 annually. The
present Commissioner shows that the estimates for the fiscal j^ears 1886,
1887, and 1888 are decreasing, reaching the sum of So, 608,873.04 for the
latter. The total cost, from direct appropriations alone, of the Indian serv-
ice is unknown, but it probably reaches into the hundreds of millions.
.«
•The average of the United States for the Census of 1880 was 17, with -J5J.9 for Rhode Islam],
221.8 for Massachusetts, 151.7 for New Jersey, 128.5 for Connecticut, and 106.7 for New York, aud less
than 100 for every other State.
tTbe Indian Commissioner, in report for 1885, recommends bonds at 5 per cent., which would, at
above estimate, produce an annual income of §8,000,000; he also advises different sizes of allotments
according to "fertility, productiveness, climate, and other advantages," the purchase of remaining
lands by the Government, aud opening to homestead entry at 50 to 75 cents per acre (see Indian ■ Hn. e
Report, 1-85, p. iv).
General Sheridan, in his report for 1885, suggests that each family be located on il-.'O acres; all
the balance to be bought by the Government at $1.25 per acre, the proceeds to be invested in Govern-
ment bonds for the benefit of the Indians (see Report Secretary of War. 1885, Vol. I, p. 62).
He renews this recommendation in his report for 1880', and estimates an annual income of
$4,480,000 for the Indians, and a saving of 170,000 square miles to the public domain.
216 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
It appears from the statement below, from the Adjutant- General's
Office, United States Army, that the War Department has never made any
attempt to discover the cost of its Indian wars.*
COS! OF INDIAN WARS WEST OF THE MISSISSIPPI.
Although there has been scarcely a year .since the acquisition of the territory west of the Missis-
sippi thai the troops of the United States have liot been engaged in active hostilities against the Indians
in that section, the separate operations to which the term " war" may be applied in a fairly military
sense may he limited to the following:
I. The New Mexico Expedition, under the command of Col. Stephen W. Kearney, 30th June,
184f>, to 13th February, 1-17.
II. The California Indian war of 1851-52.
III. The Rogue River, Yakima, and Klickitat wars, in Oregon, August, 1853, to June, 1856.
IV. The Cheyenne and Arapahoe troubles, August 4, 1845, to March, 1856.
V. The Navajo troubles in New Mexico, September 17, 1849, to December 18, 1858.
VI. The war of the Spokanes, ('our d'Alenes, and Pelouses, in Washington Territory, May IS,
1-:.-, to October, 1858.
VII. The war against the Apaches in Arizona, March, 1861, to April, t8(lti.
VIII. The Cheyenne war of 1864.
I\. The war in Southern Oregon and Idaho, and Northern California and Nevada, 1865-'68.
X. The war against the Cheyennes, Arapahoes, Kiowas, and Comanches, in Kansas, Colorado,
and Indian Territory, in 1868-'69.
XI. The Modoc war in Oregon, in 1872-'73.
XII. The war against, the Apaches, in Arizona, in 1873.
XIII. The war against the Kiowas, Comanches, and Cheyennes, in 1874 and 1875.
XIV. The war against the Northern Cheyennes ami Sioux, in 187C and 1877.
XV. The Nez-Perces war, in 1877.
XVI. The Bannock war, in 1878.
XVII. The war against the Northern Cheyennes, iu 1878-79.
XVIII. The Apache war in Arizona, 1S71 to 1876.
It would be difficult to reach even a fair approximation of the cost of these wars to the Govern-
ment; and although most writers are in the habit of speculating upon what they denominate the
" expenses attending our Indian wars," their figures can not be other than mere '-guess work." "The
money cost of our Government wars with the Indians," says Mr. George E. Ellis, in his " Red Man and
White Man in North America " (Boston, 1882), is doubtless stated within bounds when it is estimated
: ,t $500,000,000 ; " and Mrs. Helen Hunt Jackson, in her " Century of Dishonor" (New York, 1881), re-
peats this statement with added emphasis. The rirstof these writeis estimates the cost of the Seminole
war at $35,000,000, and of the Cheyenne war at $30,000,000, and these are fair instances of the calcula-
tions id' most writers on the so-called " Indian problem," who depend on such figures for the proof of
their arguments. The aggregate expenses of both these wars were less than $20,000,000. (See H. R.
Doc. 3, 26th Congress, 2d session.)
As a matter of fact the War Departmeut has never made any attempt to discover the actual cost
of its Indian wars. The most of them have been waged by our small Regular Army, whose expenses
while in active service have seldom exceeded its peace establishment. "The extraordinary expenses
dm- to an Indian war are generally of the same nature as the regular expenses in time of peace. They
differ only in degree and are both so blended and commingled that, unless the particular circumstances
attending the expenditure are matters of record or are fresh in the memory, it would he difficult for
any disbursing officer to ascertain from his accounts what part of his expenditures were due solely to a
state of war, ami what would have been the expenditure had the troops remained in camp or garri-
son."— (Col. J. D. Bingham, Dec. 23, 1879. )
It was not until within the last few years that the War Department has found itself called upon to
so far separate the Army expenditures as to calculate what part of them were due to Indian outbreaks
INDIANS. 217
The total cost to the Government of its control (military and civil) of
the Indians ; and protection of settlers, is the aggregate of the above class
of expenditures, increased by Land Office and other expenses directly con-
nected with surveys, &c, of the Indian Territory and other reservations.
XOMADS.
While the survey expeditions were in the field, the reservation system
was definitely developed for the whole western region, and as a result, large
areas have by treaty been thus segregated from the public domain.
The fierce Indian wars, of which the Sioux and Apache conflicts are
typical, have become substantially a thing of the past. The country has
been netted with transportation lines, the means of tracing hostiles has
improved, but above all, their war-like spirit has been broken, and little
by -little, stern necessity has forced an assimilation with the gentler ways
of peace.
Hereafter, outbreaks will doubtless occur, when instigated by willful,
turbulent, and wily leaders, but these needs must be both less frequent and
violent.
The Commissioner of Indian Affairs refers to the Indian population as
civilized, party civilized (those living on reservations and adopting civilized
customs in part), and "blanket Indians."
The latter may, or may not, live on reservations, retain substantially
their aboriginal costumes, the blanket being the principal article of dress,
and to whom labor is unknown. He refers to them as ignorant, super-
stitious, idle, thriftless, dependent, and barbarous, but trusts that civilization
or hostilities. In November, 1880, in response to a Senate resolution of June 21, 1*79, the War Depart-
ment returned certain data concerning the expenses incurred by the United States in certain Indian
wars (Senate Ex. Doe. 15, 46th Congress, 3d session); and while the results of a tedious examination
of the records were wholly unsatisfactory, they afford the only accurate figures that have ever been
reached on the subject. The figures elicited show expenses by the Quartermaster and Commissary de-
partments in case of Nos. IX. X, XI, XIII, XIV, XV, XVI, and XVII, as $23,717,268.77.
It is not known that any attempt has ever been made to ascertain what extraordinary expenses were
incurred in the prosecution of the operations against the Apaches iu Arizona. Certaiulj no s, narate
report has ever been published on ,1,, subject, ami no special appropriation for that purpose has ever
been asked lor by the War Department. Whatever expenses have been incurred have been met from
the regular appropriation for tbe support of the Array.
218 V. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TII MERIDIAN.
may follow the Introduction of agriculture* and its improvements, edu-
cation, and such industries, gradually, as are most suitable.
He advocates the abandonment of tribal relations, the surrender of
superstitions, the forsaking- of savagery, and the adoption of white customs
and industry; the education of the children, the cultivation of individual
responsibility, with, finally, equal rights as citizens, when they shall no longer
be "wards " of the nation.
He recommends the allotment to each family of a homestead, with
the Government to assist in building houses, fences, and opening lands, the
title to be held temporarily in trust, and finally in fee; other lands to be
sold and proceeds funded for their benefit. He looks upon the Pueblos as
objects of sympathy and guardianship, and thinks that ultimately the fifty
agencies west of the Mississippi River may gradually be lessened by con-
centration within selected areas.
In 18(J9 all of the twenty-six tribes, other than the Pueblos, were
nomads, and either warlike or restless upon the approach of civilization,
except, perhaps, the Warm Spring, Mission, Pima, and Maricopa, Yuma, and
Mohave Indians. They were essentially interior Indians, wanderers within
given limits, through the mountains, plateaux, valleys, and plains: those
first above mentioned cultivating somewhat the soil, others of the Great
Interior Basin, subsisting in part on pifion nuts and roots, while the balance
subsisted by hunting' and fishing'.
The total number being inconsiderable when spread over so vast a
domain, land to them had no apparent limit, could not be conceived of in-
dividually, but was traditionally held as a tribal possession, from whence
all foreign intruders of whatever race, tribe, or color, were unwelcome and
hostile. At the same time, love for the soil, in the abstract, amounted to a
passion, and life was readily sacrificed to the protection of the territory of
their fathers.
The habits, characters, disposition, and language of these tribes has
been made the subject of many reports, military and civil, scientific and
otherwise. They are now being ethnologically considered and it is hoped
* The utmibt-r of acres under Indian cultivation in IK-.", was •.MS, , 241, an increase of 18,473 over the
previous year, with 372,376 acres for 1886.
INDIANS. 219
that the types of this remnant of a former population will have been secured
before they have become absorbed, or at least have assimilated certain
of the arts of modern civilization. While their ultimate fate is certain,
nevertheless the greatest amelioration of their condition is consistent with
their permanent and contiguous settlement as tribes, as much massed as
possible, on allotted lands, held permanently in severalty, as self-supporting
inhabitants, capable of and exercising, finally, a proper local self-government.
The history, yet to be written, of the contact of American civilization with
the aboriginals, the subjugation of the latter, the appropriation of the lands,
through conquest and "treaty," the gradual apparent decimation of these
races, their amalgamation in part, and the hastening of their final extinction,
furnish food for the ethnologist and philosopher, but scarcely for the prac-
tical man of affairs, intent on wresting from productive nature the largest
bounty, through whose agency treaties have doubtless too often been
made for Indians to misunderstand, and which the Government has been
prevented from enforcing.
The Indian has been denominated and treated as a ward, and at the
same time as ostensibly a sovereign, treaty-making power.
He has been met by the Government, through its War Department,
sword in hand, to suppress outbreak, and as sustaining the Interior Depart-
ment, whose emblem has been the olive branch, while the citizen has too
often stood ready to rob him of his morals and his land.
It is not at all strange that this child of wonder and fear, viewing nature
and man more through the external senses, should resist the approach of
civilization that apparently despoils him of most that life holds dear. This
resistance, always a forlorn hope, has had its day for the Indians of the
western mountains Their warlike spirit is now broken, and these hardy
sons of nature are now gradually adopting the ways of peace and civiliza-
tion. The result of this control, assimilation, and gradual absorption, can
better be seen a century hence than now.
While most of the war problems with the Indians have been solved,
yet this arm of Government must for a long time be ready to be invoked
that the Indian may accept his fate, while the Indian troubles of Alaska are
also a thing of the future, which emigration and settlement may develop.
220 P. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
Since the wild Indians of our continent are found, upon earl}- contact
with civilization, a creature of impulse that can only be controlled through
fear, it is it that the presence of the military force is necessary to pre-
serve and defend both the interests of the white man and Indian.
It is this great power of conservation that the military establishment
possesses that has rendered possible, within so short a time, the settlement
of our errand far western domain.
Wise counsel will always avail of this protecting and defending influ-
ence, of this conservating power in Government, with the Indians as else-
where, always to the exclusion, where possible, of its more active and
offensive operations. In which case experienced Army officers will, where
needed, be called upon to advise, and my extended experience proves that
the Indians of all tribes respect the judgment and discretion of such offi-
-. and too often have but little respect for the authority oi their agents,
except where seconded by the proximity of the soldiers.
Assuming that war hands and measures are needed for the regulation
and control of the wild and savage tribes met by American civilization, to
prevent wars and wage them, and that the greater share of the work of this
protectorate has already been done, certain suggestions occur as the result
of my personal observation. The issue of rations should be stopped grad-
ually, but finally; the Indian to be fed from the product of volunteer,
hired, or enforced labor. The annuin s of g Is and money gradually to
be suspended: the former as the Indian becomes more self-su>taining, the
latter by conversion into a permanent fund in connection with the disposi-
; . of the reservation lands. Where needed they should be supplied with
a nucleus of cattle, horses, sheep, goats, swine, wag - xen. and agri-
cultural implements. Where labor is not voluntary, they should be hired
in instances : in others made to labor, and thus through labor educated up
to a use of the individual judgment.
As fast as they are able to exercise the responsibility they should be
given certain of the rights as citizens, especially before local courts.
The acquisition of territory from, and the formulation of property
rights, by organized authority, appears to be the only basis upon which
land titles, needed for the spread of civilization, may be guaranteed, and
INDIANS. 221
the greater the number of small holdings for a given area the better ; hence,
as soon as individual heads of families are competent, they should receive
land in severalty in trust for a period of years, and in fee finally.*
The proceeds from the sale of unnecessary lands and from temporary
leases, if any, to be held in trust by the Government (the annual income to
be equally distributed), until they can reach the state where they may ex-
ercise the functions of local self-government.
Therefore the reservations, wherever found, and including the Indian
Territory, will finally be abandoned as such, as fast as the Indians become
accustomed to the labor, duties, and privileges of civilization, and are thus
self-supporting. Considered as owners of land, they are wealthy in the
community sense ; to educate and bring them to the condition of utilizing
and preserving this wealth, in the individual sense, is one of the principal
indeterminate factors of the Indian problem.
At all times every religious denomination should not only be allowed,
but encouraged to missionary labors, especially with the young, and to
establish schools, but entirely separate and apart from the Government.
Thus it would appear, except as touching the administration of unallotted
Indian lands, the temporary control of those allotted, and the trust funds
during the necessary period, that the remaining functions of the Indian
Bureau, not disappearing through the amelioration of the condition of the
Indian, can. gradually be transferred to, and absorbed by, the regular
branches of the State and Territorial governments.
PUEBLOS.
The Pueblos (20 in all), including the Moquis (1,919 enumerated),
and 19 others ( 7 , 7
61 U ...
02 A . . .
02 C
05 D
69 (P).
70 A . . .
70 C ...
98 *1.1% 3 v
05 110 95 i Mi ■"-
4(1 : 1.80 _, ,,
20 t20. 50 '-
500.00 10, B8 .
170. 20 3. 70
37. .80
450.011 9.79
1157.26 6.32
75
77 D ..
77 D...
77 A &
77 C.
77
78 A ...
83 (P)..
si A . ..
84 B ...
SIC ...
84 D ..
84
The "and or barren " is
usually above limber
lines, or mountain
slopes and summits.
Issued year ending
June 30,' 1885.
Published as topograph-
ical sheet only.
Published with extra
copies An. Hep. 1878.
Published with extra
copies An. Rep. 1877.
Published with extra
copies A ii. Rep 1878,
Part of sheet CI C, San
J nan mining region.
Fssued .rune 30, 1879.
Published wiih extra
copies An. Rep. 1878.
Do.
Published with extra
copies An. Rep. 1877.
(69 B, publ'd will) extra
j copies Au. Rep. 1877.
Jc9 D, publ'd witb extra
] copies An. Rep. 1878.
69 (P). published topo-
I graphically only.
Published with extra
copies An. Rep. 1877.
Do.
Issued June 30, 1879.
Issued March 31, 1881.
Published as topograph-
ical sheet only.
Published wiih extra
copies An. Rep. 1877.
Published with extra
copies An. Rep. 1878.
Published on lull sheet
No. 77.
Issued year ending June
30, 1885.
Published with extra
copies An. Rep. 1879.
Published as topograph-
ical sbeet only.
Shown on full sbeet 84.
To accompany extra cop-
ies An. Rep. 1879.
Issued year ending June
30, 1882.
Shown on full sheet 84.
Issued year ending June
30, 1885.
* Water and marsh. I Cbapai ral. I Water.
Note.— (P) after the atlas-sheet number sigui es that only a portion of the sheet ba^ been classified.
15 WH VOL I
226 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
Of the area of 175,035.54 square miles above given, 8,358.17 square
miles, or 4.77 per cent., is agricultural ; 8fi,412.86 square miles, or 49.37 per
cent., grazing; 47,159.35 square miles, or 26.94 per cent., timber; 29,659.55
square miles, or 16.95 per cent., arid or barren; 1,7<>4.40 square miles, or
1.01 per cent., water, swamp, or marsh; and 1,681.25 square miles, or 0.96
per cent., chaparral (the latter in Southern California).
The following table gives the division of the above area, according to
States and Territories :
States and Tit-
ritories.
California —
Nevada
Idaho
Wyoming . . .
Utah
Arizona
New Mexico
Colorado
Areas.
23,652.62
6,487.01
11, 160. 16
290. 00
4,745 58
20, 320. 28
66, 842, 86
35, 568 03
17.'.. 035. 54
Land classification.
Arable.
Grazing
Sq mile*
1, 575. 31
322. 18
714.79
00. 00
365. 49
969. 94
2, 106. 81
2, 303. 65
8,358 17
P. Cl.
6.7
5.1
6.4
7.7
3.7
3.2
14.5
Sq. milt*.
8, 244. 67
2, 735 82
6, 734. :<0
270. no
2, 882. 69
10, 433. 82
41,710.18
l.'l, 401. 32
4.77
p. a.
34.9
42. 2
60. 4
86,412.86
CD r,
39. 6
62.5
41.3
49.37
Timber.
Sq. miles.
6, 757. 18
142.84
1. 756. 65
20.00
763. SO
5, 061. 01
17, 942. 98
14, 714. 85
P.cl.
28.6
2. 1
15.7
16.4
19 •-'
26.7
37.7
47,159.31 26.94
Water
Arid or barren. and , Water.
chaparral,
Sq miles.
4, 812. 17
2, 620. 77
1,776.40
00. 00
363. 60
9, 855. 51
5, 082. 89
5,148.21
29, 659. 55
P.ct.
20.4
40.3
15.9
Sq. miles.
2, 232. 29
7.6
37.5
7.6
6.5
16. 95
S'j. miles.
665. 40
177. 96
3, 415. 65
No.
States and Territories.
Atlas sheets.
1
47 A. 65 D, 73 A and C, and parts of 38 D and 47 B and D.
Parts of 38 D and 47 B and D.
32 C, and parts of 32 D, 41 A and B.
Parts of 32 D and 41 B.
2
3
4
5
n
Utah
Parts of 41 A and B.
75, and part of 83.
70 C, 77, 78 A, 84, and parts of 69, 70 A, and 83.
52 D, 61 A, B, C, and D, 62 A and C, and parts of 53 C, 69, and 70 A.
8
From the above it appears that Colorado (over 35,000 square miles
examined") has the greatest arable (14.5 per cent.), the least arid (6.5 per
cent.), and the largest timber (37.7 per cent.) average. New Mexico has
(above 66,000 square miles examined) the least average arable (3.2 per
cent.), and the largest for grazing (62.5 per cent.).
California has the least grazing average (34.9 percent, for more than
23,000 square miles examined). Nevada has the least timber average (2.1
per cent, for over 6,000 square miles), and the greatest arid (40.3 per cent).
LAND CLASSIFICATION.
227
It should be remarked that the several aggregate areas are unequal, and
that they represent relatively the least valuable portion of each political
division as regards native resources.
TABLE OF MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM PERCENTAGES FOE ATLAS SHEETS.
Larjit'nt and least averages.
A tins
sheet.
Arable.
All; S
sheet.
Grazing.
Atlas
sheet
limber.
Atlas
sbi el
Arid.
Maximum for 175,000 square miles
Minimum for IT."- nun square miles
41 B
84 L>
Pel cent.
23.83
0.00
84 C
CI C
1
79.0
8.0
52 1)
32 C
Per cent.
■ 66. 68
5.70
47 B
si c
Per cut.
53. 32
0.8
The above indicates the largest and least averages for the several
classes, and the atlas sheets within which they occur. It should be noted
that where the arable touches zero (84 D) that the arid is only !».7'.l per
cent. (See Table.) Grazing and timber areas, which average for all
49.37 per cent, and 2C1I4 per cent., respectively, reach maxima of 79.0 per
cent, and 66.68 per cent., respectively, and from these areas cultivable fields
may be had by reclamation and irrigation, while tracts now arid may he
made productive from the fertilization due to irrigation, even when the
natural soil is in its ingredients unfit for crops.
The outlook is far more favorable to agricultural development than
would appear from a superficial view, or as when observed along linear
routes, traversing the plain, valley, and desert, and the Western Mountain-
ous territory as a whole, is not by any means the arid region it might
appear when viewed theoretically or in the abstract.
The probable increase of arable territory, through systematic means
of irrigation, is mentioned under the heading's of " Irrigation" and "Artesian
Wells."
It cannot be too strongly urged that practical steps should be taken
for the determination of the more exact character of the barren lands yet
owned by the Government, whether subdivided or not, with a view to their
final disposition to actual settlers, and gradually there should grow up a
svstematic classification of the mineral and vegetable kingdoms for all the
lands.
Appendix A.
SPECIAL LIST OF LATITUDES, LONGITUDES, ALTITUDES, ETC., OF
CERTAIN MILITARY POSTS WEST OF THE lOOTH MERIDIAN.
NOTE.
Wlieu this volume was authorized, it had beeu intended that it should contain,
at the date of issue, all the geographic positions (latitudes and longitudes), the result
of field observations, and subsequent computations,.* and that it should be followed
by a special report, devoted principally to geographic positious alone.
Circumstances attending publication rendered it imperative that the latter vol-
ume should appear first (see Special Report on Positions, Azimuths, &c., royal 8°)
which, on account of paucity of office assistance, it was impossible to render complete
under any of the brauches of results.
Circumstances beyond my control have precluded the possibility of exhausting
the subject further, and hence this appendix has been confined simply to a list of
positions determined at certain military posts.
Had time and means permitted, it would have been practicable to have compiled
a list of all available mathematically determined latitudes and longitudes (coastwise
and interior) in their respective orders of value, with a reference to the detailed
authority for each determination and description of monuments marking these points.
Such a compilation is a prerequisite to the construction of the much-needed
general military topographic atlas of the whole country.
*The classes "I' .stations, the computed positions of which were determined, are eight, as follows :
(laud 2) Main ami secondary astronomical; (3) sextant latitude; (4) liase lines (measured and devel-
oped); 5 and 6) primary and secondary triangulation ; (7) three point, and (8) eross-sight.
223
230 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
Table I.— MILITARY POSTS, GEOGRAPHICAL POSI
Name of post.
Abraham Lincoln, Fort, Dak .
Apache, Fort, Ariz .
Baker, Camp. Mont
Bayard, Fort, X. Mex. (astronomical nionnment) ,
Benton, Fort, Mont
Bidwell, Fort, Cal. (flagstaff)
Bliss, Foit, Tex. (astronomical monument)
Bowie, Fort, Ariz
Cameron, Foil, Utah (first building erected 1*721
Che venue Depot, Wyo
Craig, Fort, N. Max. (flagstaff)
Douglas, Fort, Utah (astronomical monument) .
Ellis, Fort, Mont, (flagstaff)
Fefternian, Fort, Wyo.
Fred. Steele. Fort, Wyo. (flagstaff)
Garland, Fort, Colo, (flagstaff)
Grant, Fort, Ariz
Hall, Fort. Idaho (flagstaff)
llalleck, Foil, Nev. (astronomical monument).
Hancock, Camp, Dak. (flagstaff)
Independence, Camp, Cal
Klamath, Fori Oreg
Laramie. Fort Wyo. (flagstaff)
I ' is ' '.nop, Mont
McKimn-s , Foi 1 Wyo
Marcy, Old Fort, N M.-x, (astronomical monument)
Mohave, Fort, Ariz.
28 North Platte Station, Nebr .
29 Itobiusou, Fort. Nebr. (astronomical monument) .
30 Ruby. Old Camp. Nov. (astronomical mouunieut).
:il Russell, Fort D. A., Wyo (flagstaff)
32 Sanders, Fort. Wyo. (flagstaff)
33 Shaw, Fort, Mont
Atlas
sheet.
18 B
83 \
14 B
84 C
C
38 B
•in B
89 B
oil A
14 C
84 A
41 D
15 C
■ ■ C
43 A
62 C
83 C
32 D
40 ('
is B
I',:, A
29 C
44 A
IT. B
34 B
C9 D
74 B
45 D
35 D
49 A
44 C
43 D
5 D
Latitude. Longitude.
33 47 IS. 70
46 40 44. 00
32 47 40. 35
47 49 38. 00
41 51 30.84 1211 09 15.56
31 45 31.14 106 2!i 05. ::7
32 lo 16, 2ii Notreduced.
:- lo 53 ::l 111 44 00. 31
41 07 57.77 104 49 11.05
40 45 47. 58
45 40 13. 15
111 50 14.07
110 58 30.97
42 50 26.20 105 29 11.92
ii in 50 o';
37 25 27. 22
32 36 56. 70
4.; os 54. so
40 48 34.35
46 58 17.00
::n 50 10.00
42 41 07.70
42 12 01.31
106 56 54. 27
105 25 33. 73
1112 11 40.00
115 19 34 05
100 47 14.42
lis 12 45.00
104 33 27. 12
47 03 47. 00 109 26 30. 00
43 47 05.60 106 15 12.75
35 41 19.29 , 103 56 45.22
Alti-
tude
above
sea-
level.
44 46 10. 00 100 50 57. 00 2. 211
109 57 00.00
11111 OH. 00
108 09 08. 77
110 :i!l 48.00
5,001
4,538
6,097
4,647
3,630
4,872
6,058
?G, 041
33 38 00.99 107 01 07.96 4,448
(4,905
4,747
16, 850
17, 937
4,833
4, 752
5, 790
3,956
4,108
4, 241
3,890
35 02 09,
41 08 18.
42 39 23.
40 03 38.
41 08 38.
41 17 26.
47 30 33.
1 1 4 35 54. 00
100 45 53 II
103 27 59.70
115 31 06.75
104 50 24. 47
105 34 59. 56
111 48 19.05
756
2, 789
6,153
6,041
(7, 168
LATITUDES, LONGITUDES, ETC.
TIONS, ALTITUDES, AND MAGNETIC VARIATIONS.
231
Mag-
netic va-
riation.
Expe-
dition-
ary
year.
1S74
1871
187:.
o / "
14 10 42
Authority.
12 56
17 53
°
12 25
15
13 47 53
16 24
12 59 09
17 01
19 13
16 27
10
14 07 08
13 49
18 13
16 21 24
15 33
13
19 41
15 24 50
13 09 32
14 45
17 09 04
15 30
L878
1875
1877
1878
1S73
1873
1872
Capt. William Ludlow,
Corps of Engineers;
W. H. Wood, assistant
engineer.
Wheeler
W. H. Wood, assistant
engineer Yellowstone
Expedition.
Wheeler
Lieut. F. V. Greene,
Corps of Engineers.
Wheeler
Wheeler
Wheeler
Wheeler
Wheeler
Ermnrks.
Longitude by chronometer and sextaut, latil ode by sextant.
.do .
Longitude by chronometer and sextant, latitude by sextant
Longitude by telegraph and transit, latitude by zenith telescope
Northern Boundary Commission survey
1873 Wheeler.
1872 Wheeler.
1-77 Wheeler.
1873
1873
1873
1.-77
1869
1873
1871
1S78
1877
(1873-5/
S 1877}
Trigonometric connection with tiiangulation
Longitude by telegraph and transit, latitude by zenith telescope
Latitude by sex tan 1
Trigonometric connection with tiiangulation
Trigonometric connection with Cheyenne astronomical monument, alti
tude of astronomical monument.
Trigonometric connection with tiiangulation
By traverse line to Coast Survey station at Salt Lake City
Trigonometric connection with astronomical monument at Bozeman,
Mont.; magnetic declination for Bozeman; altitude from Northern
Boundary survey.
Longitude by telegraph and sextaut from Detroit by Capt. H. M. Adams,
Engineer Corps; latitude by sextant.
Trigonometric connection with astronomical monument ■
Trigonometric connect ion with tiiangulation
Latitude by sextant ■
Latitude by sextant, longitude measured on plat
Longitude by telegraph and sextant, latitude by sextant
Trigonometric connection with Bismarck observing pier
Longitude by lunar culmination
Latitude by sextant
Trigonometric connection with astronomical station at camp on Laramie
River.
Longitude by chronometer and sextant, latitude by sextant
1875
1874
1877
1872
1873
1875
Capt. W. S. Stanton,
Engineer Corps.
Wheeler
Wheeler
Wheeler
Wheeler
Wheeler
T. H. Safford
Wheeler
Wheeler
Capt. W. S. Stanton.
Engineer Corps.
W. H. Wood, assistant
engineer.
Capt W. S. Stanton.
Corps of Engineers.
Wheeler Longitude by telegraph and transit, latitude by zenith telescope 2U
By connection with iron monument of California boundary 27
28
29
.do .
Wheeler
Wheeler
Capt. W. S. Stanton,
Engineer Corps.
Wheeler
Wheeler
Wheeler
Lieut. F. V. Greene,
Engineer Corps.
Longitude by telegraph and transit, latitude by zenith telescope
Longitude by telegraph and sextant from Detroit by Lieut. P. M. Price,
Engineer Corps; latitude by sextant.
Longitude by telegraph and transit, latitude by sextant
Trigonometric connection with Cheyenne astronomical monument
Connection by traverse line with astronomical monument at Laramie City
Northern Boundary Commission survey
to
31
32
232 l'. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OK 100TH MERIDIAN.
Table I. -MILITARY POSTS, GEOGRAPHICAL POSITIONS,
Name of post.
^4 Sheridan, Camp, Nebr
Sidney, Fort, Nebr. (astronomical monunienl i
Stanton, Fort, N. Mex. (flagstaff)
Union, Fort, N. Mex. (astronomical monument)
Verde, Fort, Ariz
Whipple, Fort, Ariz, (astronomical monument).
Wingate, Fort, X. Mex. (flagstaff)
Atlas
she* i
36 C
ti I>
84 IS
70 C
75 I ■
75 C
76 B
Latitude.
41 C8 36 75
33 29 35.72
35 54 24. 86
34 34 20 19
34 ::;: 06. 12
35 28 49. 4T
Longitude.
Alti-
tude
above
sea-
level.
1112 38 46.70
102 58 13.32
4, 106
105 31 59. 72
6, 152
105 1)0 51. 15
6, 714
111 53 0(1.00
3, 160
112 27 10 20
5,318
JOS 32 20.00
7,038
*Approsimate.
Note.— Elan k& in "altitude" and " variation" columns do not necessarily imply lack of field observations, the compilation
LATITUDES, LONGITUDES, ETC.
ALTITUDES, AND MAGNETIC VARIATIONS— Continued.
233
Mag-
IM'tir va-
riation.
Expe-
dition-
ary
year.
Authority.
12 24
14 40
14 51 27
Remark?.
1876 | Capt. W. S. Stanton, Longitude by chronometer and sextant, latitude by sextant
Engineer Corps.
Wheeler Longitude by telegraph and transit, latitude by zenith telescope .
Wheeler.. Trigonometric connection with triangulation
1874
1878
1873
Wheeler .
1671 Wheeler.
1871
1873-5
Wheeler .
Wheeler .
...do
Latitude by sextant
Longitude by lunar culminations, latitude by zenith telescope
Latitude by sextant
t Taken from plat,
being incomplete. The altitudes marked "I" are from connected levels, the others from cistern barometer determinations.
Appendix B.
DESCRIPTION OF ATLAS SHEETS.
INTRODUCTION.
The following 1 brief description of the principal published atlas sheets
of the uniform series is herewith presented, in order that certain details
shall become more intelligible, and that a further and more complete
reference to published reports bearing thereon may be suggested.*
The projection chosen as the basis of construction of the several poly-
conic rectangles so called is original, and may be termed a modified secant
conic projection. It will lie found elsewhere described in this volume.
The 111th meridian west from Greenwich was chosen as the central
line from which the several principal rectangles (ninety-five in number)
were laid out on either side. The parallel 39° north latitude has been
assumed as the central latitude line. Each rectangle comprises "2° 45' of
longitude and 1° 40' of latitude. Each sheet is separately projected by the
modified secant conic method, and so constructed that the number requisite
to embrace an entire State or Territory may be conjoined where desirable.
The scale of each atlas sheet is 1 inch to 8 miles, or 1 : 506880; for each
quarter sheet 1 inch to 4 miles, or 1 : 253440. Lesser subdivisions of a
single atlas sheet have been published on the scale of 1 inch to 2 miles, 1
inch to 1 mile, and an inch to two thirds of a mile. The principal positions
on each sheet are checked, by the results from the main astronomic deter-
minations, of measured and developed bases, and trigonometric positions;
* This appendix (partly compiled), for which Lieutenant Macomb has rendered assistance, it has
not been possible to make either uniform or complete.
235
236 I'- S. GEUGRAPHICAL SUliVEYS WEST OF 100TII MERIDIAN.
the result of computations, by means of least squares. Intermediate points
are checked by means of positions determined from a secondary triangula-
tion. Minor positions are the result of trigonometric observations by the
several topographic parties. Reductions from the note-books were first made
by the field topographers on a large scale, usually 1 inch to 2 miles, and
These are reduced in an artistic manner to the final atlas sheets. The land
classification series were obtained by placing in color upon the topographic
map as a base the various observed tacts and relations concerning the distri-
bution of the arable, arid, timber, and grazing lands, together with special
features of lakes, marshes, etc. The geologic sheets, so far as published,
are obtained by superposing upon the topographic sheet as a base the
several colors defining the formations as observed and determined. The
grand basins of drainage, within which the operations of the survey were
conducted and from which the topographic maps have resulted, are: the
Coast, Interior, Sacramento, Columbia, and Colorado, lying west of the
Continental Divide; the Missouri, Mississippi, Arkansas, Brazos, and Rio
Grande east of the Continental Divide (see map of "Areas of Drainage to
the Atlantic and Pacific").
The aggregate of the mountainous area of these basins, all lying west
of the Great Plains, is approximate!}' 993,360 square miles.*
In 1869, when the explorations and surveys began, there had been
built within the now surveyed area of 359,065 square miles of this terri-
tory, 1,637 miles of railway, including the Union Pacific Railroad, North
Platte to Ogden, and the Central Pacific Railroad, thence to San Francisco ;
while in 1884 railroads in the same area asrarresrated not less than 16,000
miles.
Sheets 32, C and D.
These two quarter sheets form the southern half of full sheet 32 of the
1-inch to 8-mile series. The northern half was not surveyed. The terri-
tory embraced is the southeastern corner of Idaho and a narrow strip of
western Wyoming.
• See " List of reports and maps, second edition, 18-1," for titles of most of the maps herein de-
scribed, and also Appendix G, herewith.
DESCRIPTION OF ATLAS SHEETS. 237
Scale. — One inch — 4 miles, or 1 : 253440. Area, 8,046 square miles
(4,023 square miles each).* Boundaries, 42° 20' and 43° 10' north lati-
tude, and 111° to 113° 45' longitude west from Greenwich. Adjacent
sheets published : S. 41, A and B; field work during 1877 expedition.
There are six principal settlements, three Mormon and three Gentile.
Fort Hall is at the northwest corner of Sheet 32 D, nor far from the Snake
and Bannock Indian Agency, which lies to the southwest, at Ross Fork.
GENERAL PHYSICAL FEATURES.
With the exception of a small portion in the southeastern corner, drained
by Malade Creek (a small arm of the Great Basin), the whole area belongs
to the Snake River Basin and its tributaries, of the Columbia. The grand
physical characteristics are the distinctions between the Basin Range systems
that constitute all of 32 D, and the southeastern part of 32 C, and the Snake
River Desert or Plains and their lava exposures.
The ranges proper are meridional, mostly anticlinals, with correspond-
ing svnclinals under adjoining valleys, or monoclinals, joined by ridges
flanking irregularly the whole uplifted masses, which surround a number of
elevated detrital valleys, usually the beds of streams, having both exterior
and interior drainage. Several mountain groups border the plains of Snake
River.
DIVIDES AND DRAINAGE SYSTEMS.
The most important divide is that between the Bear River portion of the
Great Basin and the Columbia-, of which the Port Neuf and other unnamed
mountains form a part. The sub-basins are those of the Snake, Bear, and
Blackfoot Rivers, each threading its way through mountain masses in canons
of various magnitudes. The ridges are crowned by many prominent peaks
towering above the adjacent valleys. The Snake follows a tortuous bed
eroded from a plain-like eruptive basalt field. The Utah Northern now
traverses Red Rock Pass, the outlet of Old Lake Bonneville (32 D). Vari-
ous other passes, as the Port Neuf, connect the several detrital valleys,
* For 32 C there is (1) 1,541 square miles mountainous, (2)223 valley, (3) 440 as plains, ami (4) 1,819
desert. ; while for 32 D the areas for mountains, plateaus, ami valleys are 1— 87f>— -0? and 1,340 respect-
ively. There are seven ranges, one plateau, sixty-four measured or named mountain peaks (two
above 1(1,000 feet), five valleys, two lakes, two main passes, and four canons, (lie principal one 6eing
along Snake River.
238 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
ranging in altitude between 5,000 and 7,000 feet, and by means of which
present and future communication becomes assured. The climate differs
but slightly from that of Sheets 41 A and B, except for the more desert
northwesterly section and the higher altitudes at the northeast, where a
more rigorous winter and cooler summer prevails, with lower temperature
for duly and August. The resources, except for the exceedingly sterile
desert portion, are similar to those for Sheets 41 A and B, not having
yet been scarcely utilized except for a little mineral development in high
altitude.-- at the northwest. There is substantially no game.
LAND CLASSIFICATION.
There is found for 32 C: 5 per cent, arable, 55.9 grazing, 5 per cent,
timber, 37.9 per cent, arid; while for 32 D there was noted 73 per cent.
tillable, 70.08 per cent grazing, 24.87 per cent, timber, and 2 per cent,
arid; also 2.34 per cent, lakes, ponds, and marshes.
It should be remarked that the percentages of arid as compared with
arable would be changed somewhat in favor of the latter after all known
processes of irrigation (but little practiced at present) have been applied.
In sheet 5, accompanying Annual Report of 1878 (Hayden Survey), there
is shown for area, in common with 32 L), geologic exposures of Silurian and
Carboniferous from the Paleozoic; Triassic, Jura-Trias, and Cretaceous
(Laramie group) from the Mesozoic; Tertiary (Salt Lake beds) and
Quaternary of the Cenozoic; together with considerable basalt and small
hot spring deposits. The Archaean is absent, or rather covered by overly-
ing formations, while the Tertian" volcanic rocks do not appear. The pre-
vailing rocks of the mountain forms are compact blue limestones, calcareous
shales, sandstones, and quartzites, quartzite-schists, etc. The Iowa mining
district embraces the country drained by Iowa Creek, Anderson Gulch,
Eagle ( 'nek, Jack-Knife and Tin-Cup Runs, and an area of 15 miles north
and south and 10 miles east and west (32 D), with Pisgah Peak (9,695
feet) as a center. Gold quartz occurs at about 6,800 feet in connection
with iron, and magnetic iron is found in all the Iowa placers situated at
the base of Mount Pisgah. The ores of the vicinity are iron, copper, lead,
manganese, silver, and gold (see Annual Report, 1878, p. 89).
DESCRIPTION OF ATLAS SHEETS. 239
Routes. — The Utah Northern Railroad enters the area just south of Red
Rock Pass (32 D), reaching 32 C near mouth of lower Port-Neuf Canon,
passing out (northeast corner 32 C) near Blackfoot, finally joining the
Northern Pacific at Garrison, 454 miles from Ogden. A branch of the
Union Pacific Railroad from Granger enters via Bear River, passes Ben-
nington and Soda Springs, thence through the Port-Neuf Canons to Poco-
tillo, crossing Snake River near American Falls, passing out (32 C) near
42° 45' north latitude. This is known as the " Idaho Division" or "Oregon
Short Line." The counties are the southern half of Oneida and a small
portion of Bear Lake, Cassia, and Alturas. The population of Bear Lake
and Oneida counties was 10,199 in 1880, with 1,937 for the settlements
within the atlas sheets.*
Sheets 38, B and D.
These together form the eastern half of the full sheet of the same
number.
Locality. — Parts of northeast California, northwest Nevada, and south-
ern Oregon.
Scale.— 1 inch = 4 miles, or 1 : 253440 — Area : 8,202 scpiare miles.
(38 B = 4.075; 38 D = 4.127).f Boundaries: 40° 40' and 42° 20' north
latitude, and 119° 15' to 120° 37J' longitude west from Greenwich. Ad-
jacent sheets published, S. 47 B. Field work during expeditionary years
of 187 7-' 78.
GENERAL PHYSICAL FEATURES.
At least two-thirds of the eastern portion belongs to the Great Basin,
the western rim of which (marked by the Warner Range from Sugar Loaf
Peak at the north to about latitude 41 ° north, thence by isolated groups)
traverses the area nearly north and south, and the remainder to that of
the Sacramento.
'Taken from Rand, McNally & Co.'s Atlas. See also Annual Report 1878. The rain-fall at Fort
Hall (See Signal Service Report, Senate Ex. Doc. No. 91, 50th Cong., 1st sess.) taken from observa-
tions from May, 1871, to December, 1880, gives a mean of 17.51 inches, a maximum of 21.77 inches,
1880, and a minimum, of 9. 07 inches 1873.
t Of the 2,978 square miles in California 925 are mountainous, 893 platean, 668 valley, 262 plains,
and 230 desert; 3,624 square miles fall in Nevada, of which 1,193 are mountainous, 486 plateau. 835 val-
ley, 328 plains, and son desert; tin- balance (1,582 square miles) in Oregon, embraces 315 square miles
mountainous, 567 plateau, and 700 desert.
240 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF I00TH MERIDIAN.
The combined area is made up of a number of ridges of the Basin
Range scries, together with mountain groups flanking in echelon the line
connecting the northern extremity of the Sierra Nevada and the southern
of the ( lascade Ranges.
The mountain forms are strewn in rich confusion, and with the pla-
teaus constitute more than half 'the area, the balance consisting of valley-
like plains, sparsely vegetated, and wanting in drainage lines.
The principal divide, following the Warner range and its continuation
for the greater part of its line of demarkation, is that between the Great
Basin and the Sacramento. The sub-basins are the Upper Pitt River, Sur-
prise Valley, and a number of alkaline flats or plains, also minor basins and
reservoirs, such as are common in the more sterile regions of the interior.
The only ranges are the Warner and Granite, the other elevated forms
being masses of outlying hills and broken plateaus or mesas (mostly vol-
canic) traversed by canons. From a total of sixty-six principal peaks none
exceed 10,000 feet, while at least seventeen are between 5,000 and 10,000
feet There are ten principal valleys, sixteen lakes (also a large number of
alkali or mud Hats, dry except during the rainy season), nine passes,* and
nine canons. The only rivers are the north and south forks of the Pitt.
The climate has the marked wet and dry seasons of the Great Basin, all the
rain falling during the winter. The area of .'is D is composed of 2.8 per
cent, agricultural, Tf)..^ per cent, grazing, 10.4 per cent, timber, 9.8 per cent,
arid or barren, and 1.7 per cent, water surface.
Irrigation is necessary for crops, and is limited mainly by the water
available from streams, the sources of which lie in the mountains and hiffh
lands.
Grazing predominates. Timber is mostly used locally. Artemisia
fringes the valleys and foot-hills persistently. The native resources are
scarcely touched upon. Agriculture, with a little mining, is so far the only
industry. Salt is produced in moderate quantity. The lake beaches are
alluvial and lacustrine. The remnants of ancient glacial action are prev-
alent. Volcanic croppings abound in the Great Basin area. No fossils
were collected At least one half belongs to the Great Basin. There are
See list of passes hitherto.
DESCRIPTION OF ATLAS SHEETS. 241
only three settlements of any importance. Fort Bidwell is located in the
north central part of 38 B. Its post hospital meteorologic summary from
January, 1871, to July, 1883, gives a mean annual temperature for that pe-
riod of 51.1° Fahr.; a mean annual precipitation of 16.87 inches, the greatest
occurring in December and March; the highest temperature 97 °Fahr., oc-
curring in August, 1881, and the lowest — 18° Fahr., in January, 1883.
There is no railroad within the area. King shows the Granite Range
(38 D) as eruptive granite (Archaean), with a little basalt at the southeast,
all flanked by Upper and Lower Quaternary, with basalt for the Mad-
eline mesa to the west.*
Sheets 41, A and B.
These sheets form the northern half of the same numbered full sheet.
Locality.— Parts of southeastern Idaho and northern Utah.
Scale.— 1 inch to 4 miles, 1:253440. Area, 8,1.50 square miles.
Boundaries, 41° 30' and 42° 20' north latitude, and 111° and 113° 45'
longitude west from Greenwich. Adjacent published sheets, N. 32, A and
B. Field work in season of 1877.
There are thirty-six Mormon and twenty railroad (Union Pacific, Cen-
tral Pacific and Utah Northern railroads) settlements within the area.
GENERAL PAYSICAL FEATURES.
The larger area lies within the Great Basin ; the Great Salt Lake being
the reservoir of the streams, while the balance is drained by minor streams
leading to Snake River.f It is characterized by orographic disturbances,
resulting in Basin Range upheavals, here mostly serrated meridional ridges,
with the marked exception of the Clear Creek Range, having an east and
west axis. The mountain and plateau forms embrace more than half the
area ; the balance consisting of detrital valleys and plains, through which
the precipitated waters reach, either an interior reservoir or gravitate to the
* For further description, see Annual Reports 1877, 1878 and 1879, and Vol. V. For Lakeview,
Oreg. (elevation 5,OG0 feet), the Signal Service gives rain-fall for three years ten months, from Novem-
ber, 1883, to November, 1887, an average of 18.03 inches.
IThe territory pertaining to Idaho contains 1,674 square miles mountainous, 164 square miles
plateau, and 1,422 square miles valley lands; while that for Utah consists of 2,403 square miles mount
ainous, 243 plateau, and 2,244 of valley. There are not less than nine principal mountain ranges, with
sixty-six prominent peaks (two above 10,000 feet), nine valleys, seven main passes, two canons, and
seven lakes.
1(5 WH — VOL I
242 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OE 100TII MERIDIAN.
far-distant Columbia and tin* sea. One of the northern arms of the Great
Salt Lake occupies the central southern part of 41 A.
The principal divide is that between the Great Salt Lake integer of
the Great Basin and the Snake River drainage of the Columbia. The
minor basins are all tributary to the above lake, the most humid of all the
sub-basins of the " interior."
Much of this area was covered in earlier Quaternary times by what is
now known as "Old Lake Bonneville," which ' had one of its outlets in
northern part of 41 B.
The climate, although north of the fortieth parallel, is typical of the
interior central plateau, having its marked wet and dry seasons, with a small
but irregular rain-fall, severe mountain winters ; the valleys in the main be-
ing habitable for stock on outdoor winter ranges, while except for a few
days in August, the summer climate is delightful, and the winter, at not ex-
ceeding 7,001 » feet, comparatively mild and uniform. Agriculture is the
principal industry developed by the Mormons. Crops require irrigation,
and it is believed that the available water supply is in deficit of available
alluvium. Hence the agricultural capacity is limited, the mineral resources
comparatively undeveloped, while it is already traversed by railroads, and
manufactures are comparatively unknown. Game, except near mountain
summits, is rare ; salmon are most plentiful in the northern streams in
spawning season, and trout abound.
LAXD CLASSIFICATION.
Sheet 41 A is found to contain approximately 1.45 per cent, arable ter-
ritory, 72.13 per cent, pasturage or grazing, 10.82 per cent, timber, while
8.9 per cent, are arid, with G.7 per cent, of lakes, ponds, and marshes. Sheet
41 B contains 23.8.'! per cent, arable ground, 46.41 per cent, of grazing, 21.3
per cent, timber, and 3.25 per cent, arid or barren; also 5.41 per cent, lakes,
ponds, and marshes.
The Mormons have practiced unsystematic ditch irrigation to great
advantage, the soil being found rich and productive. It has been assumed
that the rain-fall in this and adjoining areas in Utah and southern Idaho
has been increased since the practice of irrigation. There is no proof of
DESCRIPTION OF ATLAS SHEETS. 243
change clue to this cause alone (theoretically there is a small re-precipi-
tation), and can be none until the true relations between the secular cycle
of rain-fall, and the intervening wet and dry stages, have been determined
by instrumental observations.
Geologic.— King defines the Raft River Range and the ridges south of
Kelton, with small masses between, as of the (Carboniferous) Lower Coal
Measures (mostly heavy bedded blue and gray limestones), as also the
Promontory Range; the balance south of latitude 41° 45' N. as Upper
and Lower Quaternary with Lower Carboniferous, Sub-carboniferous, Dev-
onian, Silurian, and Carboniferous for this part of the Walisatch, and Eocene
Tertiary for the plateau west of Randolph; i e., types of the principal for-
mations above the Archaean except the Cretaceous. Areha-an exposures,
presumably elsewhere buried, are noted at the base of the Wahsatch north-
ward from Ogden; also south nearly to Salt Lake City. At the head of
Miner's Canon, southward from Black Pine Peak (41 A), mining operations
had been conducted with considerable activity. Deposits of coking coal
of excellent quality occur on Twin Creek (41 B) about 2i miles from Bear
River, where croppings are numerous, some being exploited. Farther east-
ward, in the tertiary foot-hills, are croppings of a light, highly lustrous,
bituminous, non-coking coal, while 20 miles southeasterly, from sandstone
blnffs facing Green River Basin, are croppings of mammoth bituminous
veins.
i^^es — The Central Pacific Railroad enters near Corinne, thence via
the northern swampy and marsh}' shores of the lake to Kelton, emerging at
Terrace. The Oregon Short Line (see 32 C and D) enters via Snake River,
thence proceeding to Soda Springs (32 D).*
* The counties in Idaho are parts of Cassia, Oneida, and Bear Lake, and portions of Box Elder,
Cache, and Rich in Utah. The population (1880) was 23,456 (approximate) or a mean of 2.88 per
square mile.
The following was then the population of the principal Mormon towns: Logan, 2,378; Hyruui,
1,234; Wellsville, 1,194; Richmond, 888; Smithfield, 1,100; Malade, 1,650; Frauklin, 600, and Bloom-
uijj;toii, 500. There were fifty-four post-offices. In Cache County the number of important farms was
998, with 50,839 acres under cultivation, and in Rich and Box Elder Counties, respectively, one hun-
dred and fifty-three and five hundred and thirty-three farms and 18,397 and 28,037 acres cultivated.
For further description see Annual Report, 1878, and Vol. V. The rain-fall at Corinne for nine years
three months, between January, 1871, and November, 1887, was: Average, 10.2(5 inches; maximum,
18.95 inches, 1884 ; minimum, 7.07 inches, 1886. At Kelton, for six years three months, between July,
244 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
Sheets 47 A, B, and D.
Locality. — Parts of north central, eastern and northwestern Cali-
fornia.
Scale. — One inch — 4 miles or 1 : 25310. Area, 1°,585 square miles.
Boundaries, 39° 0", 39° 50' and 40° 40' north latitude, and 119° 15', 120°
37.V and 122°0' longitude west from Greenwich. Adjacent published sheets:
N. 38 D. Topograph}' executed during 1876, 1877. and 1878.
These quarter sheets constitute the eastern half and northwest quarter
of Sheet 47. There are nineteen principal settlements, thirteen in Cali-
fornia, and six in Nevada.
GENERAL PHYSICAL FEATURES.
All that portion east of the Sierra Nevada summits and their continu-
ation northward belongs to the Great Basin, the balance, including 47 A,
forming part of the coast drainage, the streams being tributary to the Sac-
ramento.* The most noticeable features are the northern end of the Sierra
Nevada, members of the Basin ranges, and outliers of various trends, shapes,
and forms between the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Ranges.
The mountain exposures cover more than half the area, the balance
consisting of valleys and plains, which toward the coast are traversed by
man)' minor drainage lines.
The maps give a correct expression of the physical features. The
principal divide, running northerly and southerly, is that between the Great
Basin and the Sacramento, which follows the water-shed of the upper
Sierra Nevada, and the uplifts reaching in echelon northwesterly toward
the Cascade.
Through this area the Central Pacific Railroad winds its way, making
the long traverse of a pass in the northern sierras, while the maps point out
1881, ami November, 1887, was: Average, 6.07 inches; maximum, 11.74 inches, 18S4 ; minimum. '2.12
inches, 1882. At Terrace, for six years two months, between July, 1881, and November, 1887, was:
Average, 4.^5 inches: maximum, !>.47 inches, 1884; minimum, 1.08 inches, 1887. See Signal Service
Report.
* For sheets 47 B and D the number of square miles in California is 3,811, divided as follows:
1.580 mountainous, 1,416 valley, and 815 desert, while the balance of 4,596 square miles in Nevada con-
sists of 1,940 mountainous, 1,380 valley, and 1,276 desert. There are four principal ranges, three
groups, one hundred and sixty-eight prominent peaks (two above 10,000 feet), and thirty-live lakes, as
well as seven passes and a number of canons.
DESCRIPTION OF ATLAS SHEETS. 245
the possibility of better grades farther northward. The climate is divisible
into three varieties, one, attaching to the mountains, a second to the valleys
of the Great Basin, and a third to the lower levels of the Sacramento. The
rainfall is greatest in the mountains and least in the Great Basin. Red
Bluff (southwest corner sheet 47) is the nearest station at which a summary
is available. Signal-Service observations from July, 1877, to July, 1883,
give a mean annual temperature of (32.8° Fahr., with 110.5° Fahr. for the
highest in August, 1878, and 25° Fahr. as the lowest in January and
December, 1878, also December, 1879 and 1882, with a mean annual rain-
fall of 30.84 inches, the greatest occurring in January, with southerly pre-
vailing winds, for spring and summer, and northerly for autumn ami
winter.*
Scarcely any of all this area is susceptible of economic cultivation, the
main resources being mineral and timber. Here are found large hydraulic
mines, now being persistently exploited, together with numerous gold lodes
worked on a continuous and extensive scale, together with the famous Corn-
stock lode, the history of which is well known. Naturally the Great Basin
area requires irrigation, although small mountain valleys maybe cultivated
without. Irrigation is practiced on a small scale and without regular sys-
tem. Of large game the region is destitute, while the few remaining fish
are confined to near the sources of the streams. Wild geese, ducks, white
and blue herons, and sea gulls are found in great numbers about the lakes.
LAND CLASSIFICATION.
Sheet 47 A is found to contain 5.5 per cent, tillable land, 26.2 per cent,
grazing, 63 per cent, of timber, 3.5 per cent, arid; also 1.8 per cent, lakes,
* Signal-Service rain-falls are given as follows : Red Bluff, sixteen years three months, from Sep-
tember, 1871, to Xov.'inl.er, 1887 : Average, 23.99 inches; maximum, 61.65, 1877-78 (*), and minimum,
13.52 1872-'73 (*). Truckee, seventeen years one month, from September, 1870, to November, 1887:
Average, 28.09 inches; maximum, 47.21 inches, 1871-'72 (*), and minimum, 13.86 inches, 1882-'83 (.*)-
Cisco, seventeen years one month : Average, 55.10 inches ; maximum, 80.46 inches, 1880-81, C) and mini-
mum, 34, 1876-'77 <*). [(*) Seasonal from September to August, inclusive.] Carson, nine years nine
months, from January, 1675, to December, lHsG: Average, 11.75 inches; maximum, 18.03 inches, 1875,
and minimum, 7.05 inches, 1883. Reno, six years three months: Average, 4.58 inches; maximum, 0.17
inches, 1884, and minimum, 2.95 inches, 1885. Wadsworth, six years four months, from July, 1881, to
November, 1887: Average, 4.48 inches; maximum, 5.72 inches, 1887, and minimum, 2.75 inches, 1883.
Also, Old Fort Churchill, for three years nine mouths, from January, 1862, to May, L867 : Average, ' . 13
inches.
246 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WKSTOF 100TH MERIDIAN.
ponds, and marshes. Sheet 47 B consists of 2.87 per cent, arable, 12.59
per cent, grazing, 14.96 per cent, timber, 53.32 per cent, arid, together with
1G.24 per cent, lakes, ponds, and marshes; while 47 D comprises 9.8 per
cent, arable, 26.5 per cent, grazing, 38.4 per cent, timber, 21.3 per cent,
barren, together with 4 per cent, lakes, ponds, and marshes.
It is believed that steps are being taken to irrigate the Sacramento
Valley through State intervention.
The Fortieth Parallel Survey gives for the Truckee, Lake, and Virginia
Ranges and other parts of eastern 47 B and D, Archaean, Triassic, Tertiary,
and Quaternary formations, with exposures of eruptive granite, basalt, and
older lavas. The Silurian, Carboniferous, Jurassic, and Cretaceous (the
latter not found west of the Wahsatch) are wanting. The Archaean crops
(very slightly) in the Truckee Range only. The older volcanic rocks are
Trachyte, Rhyolite, Diabase, Quartz Propylite, Melaphyr, Dacite, and An-
desite. Both Upper and Lower Quaternary are present. The result of
glacial action is notable along the flanks of the Sierra. Mention is made of
the Eagle and Meadow Lake districts in the annual report (1878). The
numerous hot springs in vicinity of Lassen's Butte are described by Lieu-
tenant Tillman (p. 212, Annual Report, 1879) and Steamboat Springs by
Lieutenant Macomb (p. 12N3, Annual Report, 1877). The population as
determined from the Tenth Census for the portions of Shasta, Tehama,
Butte, Plumas, Sierra, Nevada, and Placer Counties, Cal., embraced was
11,065, while that for Washoe, Storey, and Ormsby Counties of Nevada
was 27,966 for the territory described.
Hoides. — The Central Pacific Railroad enters east of Wadsworth and
emerges near Cisco. At Reno the Virginia and Truckee Railroad connects
with Virginia City. From Mound House the Carson and Colorado Rail-
road follows the Carson River to Dayton, near which it passes out. (See
sheet 57; see also Annual Reports 1877-1879, and Vols. V and VI.)
Sheets 48 C and D.
Locality. — Part of west central Nevada.
Scale. — One inch =z 4 miles, or 1 : 253440. Area, 8,458 square miles.
Boundaries, 39° and 39° 50' north latitude and 116° 30' and 119° 15' longi-
DESCRIPTION OF ATLAS SHEETS. 247
tude west from Greenwich. Adjacent published sheets, W. 47 D/ S. 57,
E. 49. Field work during 187G.
These quarter sheets, constituting the southern half of sheet 48, fall
entirely in the Great Basin, belonging to the Humboldt, Carson, and Walker
River drainage. There are four principal settlements.
GENERAL PHYSICAL FEATURES.
These are typical of the Great Basin. The streams are all without
ocean outlets, many sinking before the valleys are reached. This area,
falling entirely within the Basin Range system, consists of a number of
ranges, mostly meridional, joined by irregularly disposed divides, the whole
holding within their perimeters detrital valleys and desert plains of their
own building and upon which the visible mountains appear to rest, consti-
tuting a section among the most uninviting parts of the central interior of
the Great Basin, scarcely susceptible of cultivation, but stored with min-
erals.*
The divides are those between the several valleys and plain-like spaces,
with drainage lines, of which the most notable are the Carson, Walker, and
Reese Rivers. The subordinate streams of this desiccated region are few
and confined to the mountain-heights and their foot-hills.
The climate, except for its extreme dryness, is very equable. The
winter, unless for altitudes above 8,000 to 9,000 feet, is not usually severe,
while the summer climate along the flanks of the valleys and within the
canons is decidedly even, without high temperatures and with cool nights.
Winnemueca, Nev , is the nearest point at which a meteorological sum-
mary is available, which from July, 1877 to June, 1883, shows a mean
annual temperature of 48.0° Fahr., with a maximum of 104° Fahr. in July,
1887, and minimum of 20° Fahr. in December, 1879, an annual average
precipitation of 8.31 inches, the greatest in January, the prevailing winds
being southwest, f Crops could be matured, were water available, at eleva-
• There are four principal ranges, five mountain masses, several groups of bills, among which
are sixty-nine prominent peaks, ten above 10,000 feet, with and without names. There are twelve
main valleys, three lakes, and nine passes.
tFor eight years eleven months, from July, 1877, to December, 1887, the Sigual Service gives for
rain-fall at Winneniucca: Average 7.93 inches; maximum 11.80 inches, 1885, and minimum 0.77 inches,
248 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
tions not exceeding- 7,. r ><>0 feet, however, the paucity of water determines
only a mining future, the exception being grazing and timber. Systematic
search for the precious metals has not yet been begun within the area of a
very great number of mountain ridges, therefore no one can point out with
certainty the future of this somewhat erratic industry, but it is safe to as-
sume that more intelligent examination of surface indications and their
connection with geologic formations known to contain ore concentrations,
will eventually lead to the development of hidden wealth not at present
suspected, and verify the statement that the ground of the western mount-
ains from a mineral standpoint has not yet been "scratched."
King shows for the area north of 30° 30' a small exposure only of
Archaean in the Reese River Range ; no Cambrian, Silurian, or Devonian ;
Carboniferous, Triassic, and Jurassic (the latter small), and Quaternary.
The lavas other than Basalt, are Trachyte, Porphyry, Rhyolite, Andesite,
Diabase, and Diorite. The Toyabe Range is based on eruptive granite, then
Weber Quartzites and Carboniferous, large exposures of Rhyolite, slight
of Miocene, surrounded by Quaternary. The Desatoya Mountains are
principally Rhyolite with Triassic beds. The Augusta Mountains are like-
wise of Rhyolite, with masses of Trachyte, Andesite, and Diabase. The
Pah-Ute Range is granite at bottom, with beds of Trias, and the Kaw-
soh Mountains are Basalt. Remains of old lake beaches are noted in many
of the valleys, and "Lake La Hontan" in Quaternary times covered the
greater part of sheet 48 C. (See Monograph XI, U. S. Geological Sur-
vey — Russell.)
The lone, Union, Mammoth, and Lodi mining districts are mentioned
in Annual Report, 1877 ; silver-bearing ores are found north of New Pass,
and in Vol. Ill, Fortieth Parallel Reports, pp. 33G and 349, is found refer-
ence, respectively, to the Kingston and Reese River districts (48 D). The
Genoa Hot Springs receive mention by Lieutenant Macomb (Annual Re-
port, 1877, p. 1283).
Routes. — The Central Pacific Railroad traverses the northwest corner
(48 C) en route from Winnemucca to Reno. The Nevada Central (south-
L87H. Austin, for two years nine months from December, 1877, to September, 18-0: Average 10.21 inches;
and Hot Spring's, five, years ten mouths, from July, 1881, to November, 1887: Average X'ili inches;
maximum 4.40 inches, 1882, and minimum 1.42 inches, 18815.
DESCRIPTION OF ATLAS SHEETS. 249
ern terminus at Austin) follows the Reese River Valley northward to Bat-
tle Mountain Station on the Central Pacific Railroad (90 miles). In the
southwest corner (48 G) the Carson and Colorado Railroad enters near
Larres Wells and continues southward toward Walker Lake.*
Sheet 49.
Locality. — Parts of eastern Nevada and western Utah.
Scale. — One inch = 8 miles, or 1 : 506880. Area, 16,814 square miles.
Boundaries, 39° 1' to 40° 40' north latitude and 113° 45' and 116° 30'
longitude west from Greenwich. Adjacent published sheets : E. 50, SE.
59, S 58, SW. 57, W. 48. Expeditions of 18G9 and 1872. There are
seven principal settlements. The military post (Old Fort Ruby) had not
been abandoned in 1869.
GENERAL PHYSICAL FEATURES.
Integers of the basin mountain system, consisting of meridional ranges
and groups, together with detrital valleys and plain-like desert tracts, con-
stitute the area which lies entirely within the Great Basin.
Among the subordinate basins may be mentioned that of the Hum-
boldt, while the balance represents a number of sub-basins, the streams in
which either sink before reaching the valley beds or enter reservoirs such
as Ruby and Franklin Lakes of Ruby Valley. The whole area is traversed
in nearly a northerly and southerly direction by orographic systems of
meridional uplifts, prominent among which are the Pinon, Diamond, Hum-
boldt, Long Valley, Egan, Schell Creek, Toano, and Snake Ranges. Many
prominent groups of mountains are found interspersed within its borders.
The broad and deep detrital valleys have resulted from the building and
subsequent erosion of the great mountain masses, the principal part of the
latter occurred since these valleys were the beds of ancient Quaternary
lakes, as " Bonneville " and " La Hontan."
The only divide of importance is that between the Humboldt and the
series of small detached basins to the southward. The drainage is all
* There was ( 1830) a total population of about 3,067, or 0.36 per square mile. The area embraces
uearly all of Churchill, oue-half of Lauder, and small portions of Eureka, Nye, and Lyon Counties.
There were thirteen post-offices. The principal towns are Austin (2,150) and Hillwater (214), the
county seats of Lauder and Churchill Counties, respectively. See also Annual Report 1877 aud Vol. V.
250 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TII MERIDIAN.
interior, and consists of all deposited moisture remaining after evaporation
and translation hence by prevailing winds, which reaches finally surface or
subterranean reservoirs. Communications along north and south lines are
simple, while those east and west are through passes, often difficult and
considerably far apart.*
The climate is typical of the Great Basin, with its valleys rising in
altitude from 5,000 to 8,000 feet, the summits exceeding 13,000 feet (cen-
tral latitude = 40° north). The winters, except at elevations above (ap-
proximate) 8,000 feet, are not severe, while the summers are cool, yet with
sufficient thermal power to produce crops even at the northern limit of
the sheet, wherever the rain-fall is sufficient or water may be artificially
supplied. Similar to other portions of the Great Basin, the rain and snow
fall is but small ; the reservoirs of snow, although accumulated on a large
scale in winter, are soon dissipated, and but few, if any, of the high mount-
ain summits hold snow spots during the entire year.
The permanent resources of this territory must be largely mineral.
The several valleys have been occupied, where practicable, as stock
ranches; isolated points and areas have been occupied for farming purposes,
while timber answers for local markets. Ruby Valley is one of the largest
arable sections in all Nevada. No systematic land classification was
made. The White Pine district, flourishing in 1869, has shown but little
subsequent development, while the Eureka mines have proven extremely
rich and valuable. The normal water supply is swallowed by the eager
earth.
* There is a profusion of prominent peaks, mostly unnamed. There are four principal lakes,
numbers of alkaline flats, five passes, and four important canons ; the only river being the Humboldt,
with creeks in abundance.
DESCRIPTION OF ATLAS SHEETS.
251
The following districts have been worked with varying- but indifferent
success :
No.
Name of district.
Cave
White Pine
Robinson
Snake
Sacranieuto
Hercules
Railroad
Mineral Hill
Diamond
Racine
Eureka . .
Sierra
Pinto
Spring Valley
Antelope
Schell Creek
Ruby Hill
Silver Mountain.
Piermont
Eagle (Old Kern)
Clifton
By whom visited.
Approximate geographical
position.
llrNl.'ll k ■
C. M. Wheel. -r..
...do
...do
.. do
.. do
. do
.. do
.. do
Sci eral -
.. do
G. M. Wheeler.
s. vi pal
..do
G. M. Wheeler.
.. do
G. K. Gilbert .
...do
...do
... do
E. E. Howell ..
G. K. Gilbert..
115 25
115 30
114 55
114 10
114 16
114 55
110 00
116 05
115 45
115 30
115 56
116 17
115 50
116 05
116 05
114 41
114 35
114 35
114 32
114 07
113 50
40 10
39 15
39 15
39 00
39 10
39 20
40 30
40 12
39 50
40 00
39 58
39 16
39 25
39 25
40 05
39 47
39 40
39 45
39 30
39 42
40 00
On Ruby mil
White Pine Range.
Egan Range
Snake Range
...do
Egan Range
Pinon Range
...do
Diamond Range . . .
Humboldt Range -.
Diamond Range —
Diamond Range
Schell Creek Range
.. do
.. do
...do
Kern Mountain. . . .
Deep Cierk Range
Printed reports.
Progress Rep., 1869.
Progress Rep., 1869, p. 8.
Progress Rep., 1869, p. 9.
Progress Rep., 1869, p. 10.
Progress Rep., 1869, p. 11.
Progress Rep., 1871, p. 35.
Do.
Progress Rep., 1871, p. 30.
Do.
Progress Rep., 1871, p. 37.
Do.
Do.
Progress Rep., 1871, p. 39.
Do.
Progress Rep., 1872, p. 26.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Progress Rep., 1872, p. 27.
Progress Rep., 1872, p. 21.
The little probing in the above-mentioned districts had been insuffi-
cient to determine as to their permanent character.
The Fortieth Parallel reports. give for the area ninth of 39° 45' north
latitude the succession of geological formations from the Archaean to the
Quaternary, except Triassic, Jurassic, Cretaceous, and Miocene Tertiary ;
with exposures of Eruptive Granite, Trachytes, Rhyolites, Quartz Por-
phyry, Diorite, Dacite, Andesite, and Basalt* The Cortez Range consists
principally of Granites and Carboniferous, flanked by Pliocene, and sur-
rounded by Quaternary. The Pinon Range shows successively the Cam-
brian, Silurian, Carboniferous, Eocene, Pliocene, and Quaternary, with
Trachyte, Rhyolite, and Basalt beds. The Diamond and Egan ranges are
principally lower Carboniferous. The Humboldt Range consists of Ar-
chaean, Devonian, Sub-Carboniferous, eruptive Granites, and Pliocene, sur-
rounded by Quaternary, with small Trachyte exposures. In the northeast
* For kinds of rocks observed for the various strata, see Vol. I, Fortieth Parallel Reports, p. 544.
252 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TB MERIDIAN.
corner appear upper and lower Carboniferous, Granites, large Rhyolite,
and Quaternary areas. Thermal and mineral springs frequently occur,
the result of deep-heat or sub-surface chemical action.
Honks. — In the extreme northwest corner is the Central Pacific Railroad;
at Palisades the Eureka and Palisade Railroad runs to Eureka (90 miles).
The old overland stage route enters north of fortieth parallel, following the
Western Union telegraph line, emerging at Grubbs Wells. It is the main
eastern and western stem, from which laterals feed where required
The population was (1880) about 1 0,240, or an average of.Gl per
square mile, with twenty-eight post-offices.*
Sheet 50.
Locality. — Central and western Utah.
Scale. — One inch = 8 miles or 1 : 506880. Area, 16,814 square miles.
Boundaries, 39° and 40° 40 ' north latitude, and 111° and 113° 45' longi-
tude west from Greenwich. Adjacent published sheets: E. 51, S. 39, SW.
58, W. 49. Surveyed during 1872 and 1873. The principal settlements
are Mormon, and lie westward of the southerly trend of the Wahsatch in
the valleys of Great Salt and Utah Lakes and those bordering the Sevier
Lake desert.
GENERAL PHYSICAL FEATURES.
Basin Range mountains west of the Wahsatch constitute the principal
orographical features with meridianal axes, being usually sharply defined
ridgres with abundance of foot-hills.
The balance of the area consists of high basin-shaped detrital valleys
and desert like plains. All except a small territory at the eastern edge of the
sheet belongs to the Great Basin, its limiting line at the east being the ser-
iated summits of the Wasatch and Snowy Ranges. The westerly third of the
sheet is of an exceedingly desert character, the arable portion being a north
and south strip centrally disposed and limited to the bottoms of the valleys
and streams leading thereto after emergence from foot-hills and mount-
ains. There are fifteen prominent ranges, which together, with certain
mountain and plateau forms, constitute the orographic features of this ex-
ceedingly interesting mountainous region. The most noticeable range is
* For further descriptions see Progress Reports, and vols. :! and ">.
DESCEIPIION OF ATLAS SHEETS. 253
the Wahsatch, substantially monoclinal in structure, dipping eastwardly
from 25° to 30°, with the exception of Nebo Peak, which appears to be
mainly a residual anticlinal. King is authority for 56,000 feet of conform-
able stratified rock, from the Azoic to and including the Triassic, as the basis
of the structure. He also reports a practically inexhaustible supply of Coal
in the Cretaceous and Tertiary found to the eastward. Through immense
canons of great abruptness traversing this range and emerging through bold
openings to the interior valleys, several streams, like the Weber, Provo, and
Spanish Fork Rivers, take their rise in subordinate elevations to the east-
ward. The principal rivers are the Jordan, Provo, San Rafael, and Sevier,
while of creeks and minor streams there is an abundance. The principal
divides are the sub-water sheds of the Great Basin, lying between the
Great Salt and Sevier Lake drainages.
These lakes are the reservoirs of the water remaining and not carried
off by evaporation and wind-carrying agencies. The valleys are mainly well
settled and tilled by thrifty Mormons. Strawberry Valley, although too high
for cultivation at this latitude, is rich in grazing. The Great Basin valleys
are detrital, while those belonging to the Colorado basin are of erosion_
There are twelve principal peaks, nearly all above 10,000 feet, a number
of lakes, passes, and canons.
The climate is typical of the Great Basin at or near the fortieth par-
allel. The following summary from March, 1874, to July, 1883, taken
from the records of the Signal Office (station Salt Lake City) gives for mean
annual temperature 51.3° Fahr., mean relative humidity, 43.7 ; average
precipitation, 17.26 inches; prevailing winds, northwest. The highest
temperature (101° Fahr.) occurred in August, 1875, and the lowest (—10°
Fahr.) in December, 1879.*
The agricultural resources have been well developed by the Mormons,
ditch irrigation being used, as also the grazing, but little, however, of the
♦ The SigD.il Service gives further, for Salt Lake City for twenty-two years three mouths, from
February. 1857, to December, 18i7: Average rain-fall 21.2; maximum 38.20 iuches, 1886, and mini-
mum 10.94 iuches, 1880. Deep Creek, for two years eight months, from September, 1-77. to Septem-
ber, 1880, average 4.77 inches; Nephi, for two years and six months, from March, 1883, to August,
18H5: Average 20.55 inches; maximum 25.96 inches, 1884, and minimum 13.72 inches, 1883. Old Camp
Floyd, for two years six months, from July, 1858, to December, 1860 : Average 7.33 inches ; maximum
11.28 inches, 185':), and minimum 4.83 inches, 1860; and Goscheu for one year eleven months, from July,
1831, to June, 1883: Average, 4.96 inches.
254 u. s. gkographigal sueveys west of loom meridian.
timber. The Mormons have discouraged mining, which, yet in its infancy,
has been confined to so-called Gentile enterprise. Vast coal-fields abound in
the southeastern portion, especially bordering Sam Pitch Valley, and along
the southern edges of Castle Valley. The lowest elevation is Great Salt
hake, 4,195.2 feel. The valleys rise upward to 7, 7(H) feet; the culminat-
ing peak is Nebo, 11,992 feet. Most of the ranges are mineral bearing.
The old river-bed below the sink of the Sevier northward is believed to be
the drainaere line of the waters of the Sevier Basin to the Great Salt Lake
during the last stages of subsidence of Old Lake Bonneville (see "Bonne-
ville" chart).
The mountainous portions consist mainly of Silurian, Carboniferous,
Jurassic, and Tertiary, with small patches of Archaean, Tra'chyte, Rhyolite,
and Basalt, the valleys of Quaternary. The Wahsatch here shows Cam-
brian, Silurian, Devonian, Carboniferous, and Triassic, while the Uintah at
the northeast is Upper Carboniferous. King gives for the main body of
the Wahsatch about 25,000 feet of intercalated quartzose, mica, and horn-
blende schists, with quartzites at top (Azoic), with about 3,000 to 4,000
feet (Palaeozoic) principally calcareous and dolomitic material, with inter-
calated beds of quartzite and grits; also limestone and quartzose beds, the
balance (Triassic) being lime beds* sandstone capped, Dolomite (1,800 feet),
siliceous limestone, and Quartzite. Most of the ranges are mineral-bearing,
ore beds occurring persistently in the limestone.
The following list contains districts that have been worked:
No
Name of disti ict
By whom visited.
Approximate geographical
position.
Remarks.
Printed reports.
Long. west.
Lat. north.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
e
9
American Fink . .
Little Cottonwood
ill,
Wahsatch Range ...
do
East Tintic
Wesl Mountain. .
I.iiut. Marshall. . .
G, K.Gilhert....
do
112 in
112 in
112 111
112 15
111 48
39 35
40 33
40 20
10 22
38 48
East Tintic Range
Oqnirrh Range
....do
10
do ..
....do
11
F. Klett
Wahsatch Range ■
12 Halt Moral,
13
Pinto
Unit. Dinwiddio -
113 28
37 36
Same as Iron City ..
DESCRIPTION OF ATLAS SHEETS. 255
Routes. — The Utah Southern Railroad traverses northerly and southerly,
emerging near Holden, and proceeding thence to Frisco, 280 miles. The
Utah Western connects Stockton with Salt Lake. Branch roads are ; from
West Jordan for Bingham Canon; Sandy for Alta; Lehi for Tintic ; and at
American Fork for the canon of same name, celebrated for its alpine scenery;
another branch at Nephi connects with Fountain Green and Wales. At
Provo the Denver, Rio Grande and Western Railroad runs to Scofield, in
East Valley, en route to Denver. The old overland stage road (along
which runs the Western Union Telegraph) traverses the sheet latitudinally,
and the Salt Lake and Saint George road longitudinally. The lines of the
the Deseret Telegraph connect almost every settlement with Salt Lake.*
Sheet 52 D (Southeast Quarter of Sheet 52).
Locality— Part of central Colorado.
Scale.— One inch z= 4 miles or 1 : 253440 Area, 4,229 square miles.
Boundaries, 39° and 39° 50' north latitude and 105° 30' and 105° 52' 30"
longitude west from Greenwich. Adjacent published sheets : E. 53 C, SE.
62 A. and C, S. 61, SE. 61 A. Surveyed during 1873, 1876, and 1879.
GENERAL physical features.
The area is pre-eminently mountainous, the principal uplifts being parts
of the Saguache and Snowy Ranges, constituting our true " Sierra Madre."
The remaining portions are the " South Park," a mountain-inclosed
basin, and the narrow valleys of the Arkansas and minor streams. The
Continental Divide traverses the sheet in a northerly and southerly direc-
tion, entering at 105° 53' at the north, and emerging at 106° 36' west longi-
tude. It is pierced by a number of passes, but otherwise its outline is bold,
tortuous, and rugged, impracticable of approach by ordinary communication.
The subordinate divides are mountain ridges falling away with the
drainage east and west. East of the main divide the waters drain to the
Gulf, while to the west they drain to the Pacific.
*Tbe total population (1680) was 59,670, or approximating 3.6 to the square mile. All except, say,
3,000, arc found east of a line passing from the southern end of Salt Lake to the emergence of the Saint
George Road. The largest town was Provo (2,384). There were (1880) seventy-four post-offices. The
area under cultivation (1880) was 142,379 acres. The principal productions are wheat, barley, oats,
Indian corn, Irish potatoes ; also fruit and grapes.
25(3 U. S. GEUGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OE 100TH MERIDIAN.
The lowest level is about 8,000 feet, while the highest, as Lincoln and
Gray peaks, exceeds 14,000 feet. The whole western portion is one grand
mountain mass, from which has been carved, by glaciation and other means,
canons, gulches, and narrow isolated valleys, beds of the present streams.
The picturesque little valleys and glades of the segment of South Park
embraced, warrant the name " Park," which is a misnomer as applied to the
whole expanse, which is an undulating detrital plateau.* The climate of
this area is exceptionally severe in winter, while for summer it is such that
cultivation of the ordinary cereals and vegetables is impracticable, except
for warm exposures at lowest levels. The resources are almost entirely of
a mineral and grazing character, the most important development of the
former having been in and around Leadville. Here the principal ore de-
posits occur in Blue Limestone (Lower Carboniferous) and, in connection
with the overlying porphyry, often at the contact. The ores are mainly
chloride of silver, carbonate of lead, and Argentiferous Galena, surrounded
bv silica and clay, and accompanied by oxides. The exploitation of these
limestone and porphyry beds, which cover a wide area, has been princi-
pally near the California Gulch, where first discovered. It is unsafe to
predict the future of an intelligent and scientific prospecting and develop-
ment of the ore bodies, the index to which is the outcropping porphyry.
The following are among the Silver Mining Districts of the area :
No.
Name of district.
By whom visited.
Approximate geographical
position.
Kenrarks.
Long. west
L:it. north.
1
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
o /
105 31
105 41
105 40
105 50
105 30
in.". 4H
li 15 32
in'. 40
106 08
106 10
O '
39 48
39 42
39 45
39 38
39 45
39 43
39 43
39 42
39 42
39 20
Feet.
7, OHO
8,500
.-, i 00
8,000
8,000
8,000
7,600
7,800
10, 000
10, 000
Griffith
O. Loew and J. J. Stevenson. .
Dr. Kampf
.. do
do
do
Morris
do
. do
do
* There are a number of mountain ranges, which include thirty -seven principal peaks (seventeen
at least above 10,000 feet). There are seven prominent passes.
DESCRIPTION OF ATLAS SHEETS. 257
Timber abounds in many localities, partially sufficient for home
consumption, but grazing, especially in South Park and the valley of
the Arkansas, predominates. Larger game, as elk and deer, are found,
especially in the western parts, and an abundance of fish, more particularly
in streams flowing toward the Colorado.
LAND CLASSIFICATION.
There has been determined 2.1 per cent, tillable land (approx.) 13.24
per cent, grazing, 66.68 per cent, timber, and 17.98 per cent, arid or barren,
the latter principally above the timber line on mountain slopes and sum-
mits. The area, within which a search for precious minerals is likely to be
rewarded is a large percentage of the whole, representing, it is believed,
one of the largest and most permanent mining centers in Colorado.
The Hayden Survey gives for the Saguache a body of Metamorphic
Granite, with exposures of Upper and Lower Carboniferous, Eruptive Gran-
ite, and Rhyolite, Moraines and Placer Bars, with Metamorphic Granite pre-
dominatingforthe Park Range, and beds of Silurian, Upper and Lower Car-
boniferous, Triassic, Cretaceous, and Rhyolite, also Placers, with Meta-
morphic Granite in preponderance, elsewhere, with beds similar to the
above, and placers, especially in the Blue River drainage.
Emmons * distinguishes the Mosquito Range, in which the Leadville
mines occur, as having been uplifted after the Cretaceous, and hence, geo-
logically, not a part of the Park Range. The sedimentary beds in which
the Porphyry was intruded were deposited in Paleozoic and Mesozoic
times.t
The Archaean consists of Granites and Crystalline Schists, upon which
rests a lower Quartzite (Cambrian), about 200 feet thick, then a white lime
(Silurian) about 200 feet, then usually a white Porphyry, the blue lime-
stone, then white and other Porphyrys, with Weber Grits superimposed,
niakine about 4,000 feet for the Carboniferous; on the flanks are lake and
O ^
* See Monograph XII, U. S. Geological Survey. Geology and Miuiug Industry of Leadville.— Em-
uions.
tProf J. J. Stevenson defines the present Rocky Mountain System as having resulted, especially,
from four marked upheavals, occurring as follows: First, at close of Carboniferous; second, at close of
the Trias; third, at close of the Cretaceous; fourth, during the 'IV, t iavy. The first and third upheavals
were the most general. (See Vol. Ill, U. S. Geo S . Surv. Reps., p. 501.)
17 WH — VOL I
258 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
recent beds. The structure is the most complex near Leadville, becom-
ing a simple monoclinal near Buffalo Peaks Slight exposures of Diorite,
Porphyrite, and Rhyolite occur in contiguous areas. It is not at all impos-
sible that valuable ore concentrations will be discovered at horizons below
the blue limestone in connection with the white limestone and quartzite,
and until the Archaean Granites and Schists are reached.*
Routes. — The Pueblo and Arkansas Valley Railroad enters near 106°
If)' longitude west, joining the South Park division of the Union Pacific
Railroad at Como. From Dillon it passes via Ten Mile Creek hence to
Leadville, and Granite further south (Sheet 61 ). The Eagle River Branch
joins at Leadville, running north via Tennessee Pass toward Eagle River
The Denver and South Park Railroad, starting from Denver (5,197 feet),
following the South Platte to South Park, enters the area near 39° 23'
north latitude, connects at < !omo with the Blue River Branch, thence run-
ning southward to Garo, where a branch connects via Fairplav with Alma,
and thence southwest, emerging near 105° 56' longitude west southerly to
Buena Vista (Sheet 61). Its total length in 1884 was 379 miles.f
Sheet 53 C.
Localit//. — Part of central Colorado.
Scale. — One inch ■=. 4 miles, or 1 : "253440. Area, 4,228 square miles.
Boundaries. 39° and 39° 50' north latitude and 104° T 30" and 105° 30'
longitude west. Adjacent published sheets: S. 62 A, SW. 61, W. 52 D.
Surveyed during IS 73 and 1876. Embraces southeast quarter of No. 53. J
GENERAL PHYSICAL FEATURES.
The territory embraced lies entirely east of the Great Continental
Divide, and within the Mississippi drainage. The western rim of the Great
* The rain-fall for Georgetown is given by the Signal Service for one year and nine mouths, from
October, 1878, to August, 1887, at an average of 13.82 inches.
tThe total population (1880) was about 45,662, or approximating 11 per square mile. The sheet
embraces Lake County, the greater portions of Gilpin, Chaffee, and Gunnison Counties. The principal
towns are Leadville (14,820), Georgetown (3,556), Breckenridge (3,005), Central (2,626), Silver Plume
(1,260), Fairplav CV>0). and Red Cliff (5001. all in 1880. There were (1880) seventy-one post-offices.
t The principal cities and towns are Denver, Golden, Black H;iwk. Box Elder, Franklin, Castle
ftnek, and Huntsville.
DESCRIPTION OP ATLAS SHEETS. 259
Plains and the foot-hills of the Main, Snowy or Front Range, with the
Kenosha, through which the Platte debouches into its own local valley,
constitute the main features, which are varied by narrow valleys towards
the mountains and along certain drainage lines. The divides are all sub-
ordinate, being mountain ridges between streams in the western, and rolling
hills between drainage lines, in the eastern part of the sheet *
The following summary of observations between November, 1871,
and July, 1883, taken from "the means of the signal office at Denver, serve
to give some idea of the measured elements of climate for this latitude:
Mean annual temperature, 49.1° Fahr.; mean relative humidity, 48;
average precipitation, 14.55 inches; prevailing winds, south; highest tem-
perature (105° Fahr.) occurred in August, 1878, and the lowest (-29°
Fahr.) in January, 1875; the greatest precipitation occurs during May f
The resources are good, especially the agricultural, along the Platte
Valley. The eastern half is principally utilized for grazing, but mining
for the precious metals is considerably prosecuted along the western foot-
hills.
Commerce centers at Denver, where manufactures will ultimately fol-
low; while the food production is, in the main, sufficient for home con-
sumption, leaving a surplus, from mining and stock raising, that may be
exchanged for articles of convenience, comfort, and luxury.
The area of 1,590.86 square miles of the western portion of this atlas
sheet has been examined with the following result: 8.5 per cent, arable, 57
per cent, pasturage, 30 per cent, timber, and 4.5 per cent. arid. The aver-
age of grazing would be largely increased by including the balance.
The Central and Queen mining districts belong to the area, both near
together (7,000 feet) in Clear Creek Basin. The Hayden Survey has de-
termined for the mountain part of this area a body of Metamorphic Rocks,
overlaid at exposures with upper Carboniferous and Triassic, with Creta-
ceous, Tertiary, and P ost Tertiary for the " P lains," with beds of Basalt
" 'The mountainous portion aggregates 1,280, the valley m and the plains 2,810 square miles
Seventeen prominent peaks may be noted, sis above 10,000 feet.
t The Signal Service gives the rain-fall at Denver for eighteen years one month, between December,
1869, and December, 1887, at an average of 14.46 inches; maximum 20.27 inches 187o and minunnm
' I1.14inches, 1873, and for Golden, for Bve years, between Ma v. 1860, and August, 1887, at an average of
18.43 inches. (See also Annual Reports 1S74 and 1877, and Vols. Ill and V).
260 0. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
and Trachyte. In and about Manitou Park the Archaean is superposed
by Silurian, Lower Carboniferous, and Triassic. Alluvium is confined to
narrow valley strips. The distribution of the Metamorphic, Paleozoic (Si-
lurian and Carboniferous), Mesozoic (Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous),
Tertiary and Eruptive 1 Jocks, for the greater part of Sheets 52 D, 53 C,
(II and 62, as determined by Prof. J. J. Stevenson, will be found in Vol.
Ill, U. S. Geographical Survey Reports, pp. 343-425.
Routes.— The Kansas Pacific Railroad, entering near Byers, proceeds
westward to Denver, whence radiated (1884) the Denver and South Park,
Colorado and Cheyenne Division of the Union Pacific, Denver and Rio
Grande, Denver and New Orleans, the Colorado Central, and Denver and
Boulder Railroads.*
Sheets 56 B and D.
Locality. — Parts of central and eastern California and western Nevada.
Scale. — One inch — 4 miles or 1 : 253440. Area, 8,G04 square miles.
Boundaries, 37° 20' and 39° north latiude and 119" l.V to 120° 37' 30"
longitude west of Greenwich. Adjacent published sheets: N. 47 D, NE.
48 C, E. 57, and SE. 65. Surveyed during 1876, 1877, 1878, and 1879.
GENERAL PHYSICAL FEATURES.
The area belongs principally to the drainage of the Sacramento, with
the exception of a narrow strip along the eastern and north central border
of 56 B, which appertains to the Great Basin. The main orographic features
consist of parts of the main Sierra Nevada and its foot-hills, from Merced
River on the south to the southern end of Lake Tahoe at the north. The
balance consists of that part of the Great Valley of California bordering
on these foot-hills as above. The arable land is mostly confined to the
valleys.
The divide between the Great Basin and the Sacramento (the Sierra
Summit) enters 56 B near 119° 51' longitude west and emerges at 119° 36'
"The total population (1880) was 48,263, or approximating 11 per square mile. The whole of
Douglas and Jeft'ersou Counties is included except a little of the latter, also parts of Gilpin, Clear
Creek, Park. El Paso, Elbert, ami Arapahoe counties. The principal towns! 1880) are Denver (35,630),
Golden, (2,916), Black Hawk (2,005). With the exception of Monument (355), on the Denver and Rio
Grande Railroad, all others were less than 200 each.
DESCRIPTION OF ATLAS SHEETS.
261
longitude west, traversing 56 D near the northeast corner. The main passes
of the- Sierra are four and all difficult. (See list of passes, p. 123 et seq.)
The subordinate divides are the ridges of the mountain flanks and foot-
hills separating the drainage areas. The principal drainage lines are parts
of the Merced, Tuolumne, Stanislaus, Mokelumne, Cosumnes, American,
Carson, and Walker Rivers.
The principal ranges are parts of the Sierra Nevada, the Pine Nut,
and Sweetwater.
There are sixty-five named and measured peaks, from a total of one
hundred and fortv-eight mountain summits, each over 10,000 feet in alti-
tude. Each of the streams traverses canon walls for a part of its course,
that of the Yosemite, through which the Merced runs, being the most
prominent. (See Yosemite Sheet.)
The following 1 mining' districts are noted:
So.
Name.
By hom visited.
Approximate geograph-
ical position.
Remarks.
Printed reports.
l.< f> ]'•. fur ten years and four months,
hetween January, 1874, and May. 1686, an average rain-fall of 39.04, with a seasonal maximum of
G1.81 inches, 1875-'7G, and minimum i>t' 22.67 inches, lH7fi-'77.
t For further descriptions sec Annual Ivenorts 1877. 1878, and 187'J, and Vol. VI.
DESCRIPTION OP ATLAS SHEETS. 263
north latitude and 116° 30' and 119° 15' longitude west from Greenwich.
Adjacent published sheets, N. 48, NE. 49, E. 58, SE. 66, S. 65, W. 56 (B
and D) NW. 47 (A, B, and D). Surveyed in 1871.*
GENEKAL PHYSICAL FEATURES.
Except for a very small area at the southwest corner, the whole be-
longs to the Great Basin, prominent subordinate parts of which are Walker
and Mono Lake basins, with parts of Owen's River and other separated inte-
rior basins. The Sierra Nevada summits are found at the southwest corner
of the sheet, while exemplars of the Basin Range Systems constitute the
mountain portion of the balance. These have mostly meridional axes,
rising from and surrounding high detrital valleys and level desert wastes.
The water-shed between the Great Basin and the Sacramento is found at
the southwest, while all other divides merely separate the Walker from
the Owen's River Basins and from other small sub-basins of the interior,
which hold the scant supply of water remaining to these regions.
The southeast portion is substantially a desert waste, while the water
supply available for the northwest and western parts is insufficient for
agriculture.
The mountain ranges and groups, partly outliers of the Eastern Sierra
(joined with a master grasp to this immense chain), of which there are not
less than eleven (with hfteen principal peaks, four above 10,000 feet), are
mineral bearing, with scarcely an exception, and have been prospected and
exploited at many points, many of which have been abandoned on account
of the supposed paucity of ore as well as difficulty of access, but which in
many instances lie dormant only again to be wrought upon as communica-
tions advance and mining becomes fixed. The intricate contours of the
profusion of mountain forms show everywhere sub-aerial denudation.
There are four prominent lakes, four principal passes, and three canons.
Nothing but the mining industry can ever be of any great importance in
this area of not less than 17,000 square miles. Where irrigation would
admit of large production in many valley-bottoms, water can n ot be had and
_ • No part of the area represented by this sheet is published except at scale : 1 inch = 8 miles.
AH existing editions are out of print.
The principal towns are Aurora, Benton, Belmont, Columbus. Bishop Creek, and Ellsworth.
264 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
the summer rain-fall is nearly nothing. With scarcely an exception, the
valleys are the beds of old lakes, the beaches of many of which are still
outlined against the mountain flanks. While reference has been made to
the great desert of southwest Nevada, it should be stated that the applica-
tion of the word "desert" to any portion of the earth's surface is arbitrary
and not warranted by a systematic nomenclature. It is often applied t<>
large expanses, which, as compared with other more fertile regions of like
extent, might be characterized as desert. The idea that the " Great Ameri-
can Desert," so called, embraced the greater part of the Western Mountain
Region, between the Rocky Mountain and Pacific Coast Ranges has been
gradually exploded, since more accurate and detailed surveys have pointed
the many practical resources that nature affords. Many of the valleys are
without grass, but with artemisia persistent, with soil sandy and gravelly,
occasionally rocky, with often plenty of good water at springs, and with
mountain ridges marking the horizon in every direction. The mountain
ranges are clad with a few scattering scrubby trees, mostly nut pine.
No,
Twin River
Jefferson
Manhattan
Mt. Chief
Silv. 1 Bend
San Antoiiio ....
Mnute/uiua
Alida
Gold Mountain -
Palmetto
(Jreen Mountain .
Columbus
By whom vis-
ited.
G. K. Gilbert..
.. do
...do
Several
<;. K. Gilbert
Dr. Hoffman.
.. do
-. do
. .1..
...do
...do
...do
SilverPk and Red Mt . Lient. Ljle ...
Approximate ceograph'
i'.l] |»Msihll|]
Long, west Lai. north
Blind Spring
Oneata
Montgomery
Deep Spring Valley
Union
Mammoth
Lodi
Bodie
Castle l'eak.
Iir Hoffman . .
...do
.. do
F. Klett
Lieut. Birnie .
.. do
.. do
A. R. i !onkling
...do
117 17
llti 55
117 00
116 ."ill
lit; 55
117 20
117 15
117 It
117 25
117 ::7
117 4(1
lis (II)
f 117 42
(117 46
118 111)
Us 36
118 20
118 OS
117 35
117 44
117 52
118 59
119 14
Remarks.
38 .'.ii
38 37
:;8 30
38 57
38 30
38 20
37 47
::7
37
37
38
37
37
37 31
37 48
37 52
55
45
37 50
:i7 27
38 55
38 57
38 59
38 12
38 05
Toyabe Range
T(ii|iiiuia Range
.I..
.... do
do
S;iti Antonio Mountains
Near Carroll Peak
Extension of SilverPk. Rge.
Silver Peak Range
do
do
do
.... do '..
Also Dr. Lnew, 1S75
White Mountains.
do
6,700, X.-ai Bald Peak ..
i; Mm near Paradise Peak
5.3(111. near Lodi Peak
Near Braloy Peak
Near Castle Peak
Printed reports.
Prog. Rep., 1-71
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Prog. Pep, 1871,
Prog Pep., 1871,
Prog. Rep., 1871,
Do.
Do.
Do.
Pro:;. Rep., 1871,
Do.
Prog. Re])., 1871,
Prog. Rep., 1871,
Prog. Reji., 1871,
Do.
Prog. Rep., 1871,
An Rep , 1S77, ]).
Do.
An. Pep . 1877, p.
An. Rep., !s7s, p.
All. Pep., 187S, p.
p. 41.
p. 45.
p. 40.
p. 47.
p. 48.
p. 53.
p. 111.
p. 4S.
p. 49
1269.
1270.
80.
84.
DESCRIPTION OF ATLAS S BEETS. 265
These several districts have been worked with varying degrees of suc-
cess for some and failure for others.
Beds of borax, sulphur, alum, etc., are noted.
The backbone of the Sierra is Granite. South of Mono Lake is a
chain of extinct volcanoes of trachytic and other volcanic rocks, with
obsidian and pumice abundant, and another volcanic range about 25 miles
eastward, while volcanic formations predominate between the heads of the
Walker and Owen's Rivers. The table of lava nearly crosses the valley
at Bishop Creek. (Whitney, Geol. Surv. of Gala )
The balance of the sheet is composed of the usual Basin Range
mountains.*
Routes. — The Carson and Colorado Railroad, built since this area was
surveyed, traverses the whole sheet from north to south, reaching Carson
Lake, continuing thence to Hawthorn Station, Soda Springs, and Owen's
River Valleys to terminus at Ilawley. Its 'northern terminus is Mound
House on Virginia and Trueke.e Railroad (atlas sheet 47). Stage routes
connect Hawthorn with Aurora, Bodie, and Bridgeport; also Candelaria
with Silver Peak and Montezuma. Big Smoky Valley is traversed by a
good wagon road.f
Sheet 58.
Locality. — Part of eastern and southern Nevada and southern Utah.
Scale. — One inch zr 8 miles or 1 : 506880. Area, 17,208 square miles.
Boundaries, 37° 20' and 39° north latitude and 113° 45' and 116° 30'
longitude west from Greenwich. Adjacent published sheets: N. 4°, NE.
50, E. 59, SE. 67, E. 66, SW. 65, W. 57, NW. 48. Field work during
1869, 1871, and 1872.}
* The "Basin Ranges" or " Range System" of mountains are described by Mr. G. K. Gilbert as
composed of: First, sedimentaries ; second, granite and allied rocks (nuclei of ranges or dikes), and.
third, volcanic. They are mostly simple and compound monoclinals, parallel, of moderate dimensions,
and with some regularity of upheaval, the forces, being usually simple vertical uplifts from loci be-
low the earth's crust, were uniform over large areas. The valleys are intervals between lines of
greatest uplift. Clarence King gives a stratigraphical summary, designating the rocks of the several
formations for a section along the fortieth parallel, on p. ">44, Vol. I, of his reports. A description of
Black Lake, near Benton, and analysis of its waters, is found on page 191, Annual Report of 1S76. For
further description see Progress Report. 1871. Annual Report 1876-77, and Vol. V.
tTowns and population: Bodie, Cal.. 0,000 (mining); Candelaria. 9 miles west of Columbus,
1,200 (mining); Grantsville. 13 miles southeast of Ellsworth. 47:",. and Belmont, 869.
{No quarter sheets have been published. All existing editions are out of print.
266 V- S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 10UTH MERIDIAN.
PRINCIPAL PHYSICAL FEATURES.
Tlie area belongs to the Great Basin. The mountainous portion con-
sists entirely of nearly meridional ranges (nineteen in number) of the
Basin systems, surrounding elevated detrital valleys, mostly without per-"
manent drainage lines, each in turn a minor reservoir for the scanty pre-
cipitation. At the southeast certain small valleys are susceptible of culti-
vation. The valleys are detrital without exception, often presenting broad
expanses of sandy waste in the southwest portion, Pahranagat and Meadow
Valleys affording most in cultivation. The divides are ridges of the
mountains that form the perimeters of all the areas of subordinate eleva-
tion, constituting a number of small inclosed basins of the Great Interior.
The drainage lines are few and insignificant.*
The low divides between the detrital valleys admit of easy transit
northerly and southerly, whereas east and west routes must often deviate
to effect mountain passages.
The following mining districts had been opened :
No
Name.
1 Shoshone
2 Patterson.
3 Ely
4 Tim-pah-ute
5 Pahranagat Lake.
6 Reveille
Hot Crock
Morey
Grant
Rattlesnake
Tyboe
I-'i eibnrg
Highland
Blind Mountain
Groom
Bristol
By whom
visited.
Approximate geograph-
ical position.
Lat. north. Long, west
G. M. "Wheeler
. . do
.. do
...do
.. do
...do .
...do
...do
. . do
...do
...do
. . do
...do
...do
G. K. Gilbert .
E. E. Howell
Remarks.
114 10
114 4:.
114 30
115 40
115 15
116 05
116 20
116 12
38 48
38 35
37 55
37 30
37 36
38 00
38 30
38 38
115
25
38
20
110
20
38
20
116
22
38
20
115
30
37
54
111
31
37
58
lit
40
38
05
115
40
37
25
114
40
38
05
Snake Range
6,500, Schell Creek Range
5,900, Ely Range
Printed reports.
Tim-pah-TTte Range
Pahranagat Range...
Reveille Range
II..t Creek Range. .......
7,380, Hot Creek Range. . .
0,000, Grant Range
Hot Creek Range
do
Near Worthington Peak..
6,000, Highland Range...
Eiy Range
7,000, Tim-pah-Ute Range
Ely Range
Progress Report, 1869, p. 8.
Progress Report, 1869, p. 12.
Progress Report, 1869, p. 14 :
1872, p. 42.
Progress Report, 1869, p. 23.
Progress Report, 1871, p. 43.
Progress Report, 1869, p. 67:
1871, p. 42.
Progress Report, 1869, p. 68.
Do.
Progress Report, 1871, p. 39.
Progress Report, 1871, p. 40.
Progress Report, 1871. p. 12.
Progress Report, 1871, p. 43.
Do.
Progress Report, 1871, p. 44.
Pi ogress Report, 1*72, p. 27.
The resources are largely mineral, mostly undeveloped and difficult
of access. The Pioche mines have been the greatest producers How-
' There are nineteen main peaks (each above 10,000 feet), four lakes, and five cations.
DESCRIPTION OF ATLAS SHEETS. 267
ever, new mining centers are being discovered, and better transportation,
together with improved mining resources, will lead to a thorough examina-
tion of this and all the western mountain region for permanent areas
within which the search for the precious metals can be continued indefinitely.
The Snake, Schell Creek, and Highland Ranges are Carboniferous
and Silurian, as also the Ely, with an area of lihyolite on its eastern slope.
There are large rhyolite exposures at the southeast, while all the valleys
geologically noted are Quaternary.*
The climate is typical of the Great Basin south of the fortieth par-
allel, of which that for Salt Lake and Carson are representative points.
At no point has the actual determination of the annual rain-fall been made,
except at Pioche, where the annual average from July, 1877, to June,
1883, inclusive, was 6.75 inches (greatest in December), with a mean an-
nual temperature for the same period of 4 ( J.8° Fahr. and 38.5 for relative
humidity, with maximum temperature of 98° Fahr. in July, 1878, and
minimum of —13° Fahr. in December, 1879, with south as prevailing wind.f
Routes. — Pioche and Bullionville Railroad. Mines to reduction works,
length 13 miles. The main route is that from Eureka and Hamilton
(Sheet 49), via Pioche, Panacea, and Clover Valley to Saint George,
Utah (Sheet 67), marked by a telegraph line.
Latitudinally through the northeast quarter runs a wagon road built
westward from Utah in 1857 by the Mormons. The meridional boundary
line between Utah and Nevada runs near the eastern border of the sheet.
The (approximate) population (1880) was 2,000, or .11 to the square
mile. Post-offices, eleven.J
Sheet 59.
Locality. — Southeastern Utah.
Scale — One inch = 8 miles or 1 : 506880. Area, 17,208 square miles.
Boundaries, 37° 20' to 39° north latitude and 111° to 113° 45' longitude
* No special laud classification observations were made. For further description see Progress
Reports, 1869, 1871, and 1872, and Vol. V.
t The Signal Service gives the raiu-fall for Pioche for five years ten mouths, between August,
1877, and May, 1883, at an average of 6.47 inches, with maximum of 8.36 inches, 1878, and 4.67 inches,
1880.
t The principal settlements are Hyko, Patterson, Pioche, and (Mormon) Panacea, Clover, Round.
Rose and Eagle Valleys, and Homer.
268 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
west from Greenwich. Adjacent published sheets: N. 50, S. 67, SW. 66,
W. 58, N. W. 49. Field work during 1872 and 1873.*
PRINCIPAL PHYSICAL FEATURES.
The whole area, except a small southeasterly corner, belongs to the
Great Basin, and especially to the minor drainage of the Sevier. It consists
of two distinct types, i. e., the Basin Range and Colorado Plateau systems,
of orographic features. The line of division, forming part of the Great Ba-
sin perimeter, marked by sharp plateaus edges, begins in the northeast cor-
ner and emerges at the southwest at latitude 37° 30' north. The former
has the usual display of seriated ridges, inclosing detrital valleys, while the
latter is constituted of the contorted and eroded plateau forms of the newer
formations, presenting contours that defy description. The major part of
the area is mountain and plateau with valleys, wide in the interior and nar-
row in the plateau region The western portion is desiccated; the central
consists of rich and productive soils, valuable through irrigation, but the
easterly third (land of the canon and plateau) is of but little value except
for its coal. The Great Basin part was covered in the early Quaternary
by Old Lake Bonneville, beaches of which are traceable, the whole being
desiccated and practically worthless for agriculture. The main divide is a
portion of the southeast perimeter of the Great Interior Basin, separating
the former from the exterior drainage of the Colorado. f
The main river (Sevier) rises fan-shaped in many sources in the pla-
teau, traversing finally valleys of varying width and character, hence
through portions of the range systems, passing into reservoir in the north-
west corner of Sheet 50. The change from the range to the plateau system
is plainly indicated by the topographic reliefs and often abruptly, so that
profiles are an index of the practically passable ridges of the central, and
those impracticable in the southeastern portions, about the Dirty Devil and
Escalante Rivers. Most marked are the differences between the broad and
long valleys, such as the Escalante and Preuss, and the narrow strips
fringing running streams of the plateau, which latter may be termed canon
* Published only at the scale 1 inch = 8 miles. Existing editions out of print. Principal towns
are the Mormon settlements of Fillmore, Beaver, Parowan, Cedar City, etc., along the narrow strip
west of the Wahsatch.
t There are eight principal ranges and live mountain groups, five plateaus and two mesas, two
passes, and several canons, seven lakes, and eleven principal peaks (eight above 10,000 feet).
DESCRIPTIVE OF ATLAS SHEETS.
269
valleys. In the days of Bonneville and Fremont the Wahsatch was con-
sidered to extend indefinitely southward toward the Colorado. The dis-
tinct ranges into which this great system is divided are for the first time de-
lineated upon this sheet and its neighbor, No. 50. The elevations of the
Great Basin portion are from 4,600 to 11,894 feet.
The climate is typical of the Great Basin south of the fortieth parallel.
(See astronomical observations at Beaver.)*
The developed resources are principally agriculture and stock raising
by the Mormons; but mining has been conducted in a desultory fashion,
havibff hitherto been almost prohibited by the Mormon policy, and always
open to improvement and development, while great areas of timber cen-
trally located yet wait local markets.!
The mountain ridges consist (geologically) of Archaean, Silurian,
Carboniferous, Triassic, Jurassic, Cretaceous, and Tertiary, interspersed
with Trachyte and Rhyolite beds, as well as large masses. The plateaux
are Tertiary, Cretaceous, and Triassic, as well as Trachyte and Rhyolite.
The valleys of the interior are Quaternary, while those of the Colorado
Canon region are eroded from the Jurassic!
The following silver-mining districts were visited:
No
Kami .
By whom visited.
Approximate geographi-
cal position.
Remarks.
Long. west. Lat. north
Silver Belt Lieut. Marshall . 113 28
North Star G.K.Gilbert .. 113 07
Star do 113 08
Rocky do 113 02
Lincoln do 112 55
Granite ...do ..
Grand Gnlch . i ...do
40
28
25
8 Ohio
D Iron Spring
10 ! Beaver League
Iron City
San Francisco -
East of Monroe
F.Klett
...do
G.K.Gill" it
F.Klett
...do
112
113
113
113
112
112
17
22
0!)
28
15
05
38
16
38
20
38
22
37
4:.
38
32
37
36
38
20
38
40
Iron Mountains
East of Picacho Mountains
do
East of San Francisco Sp. .
Mineral Range
Pi inted report a
1872, p. 18.
1S72. p. 20,
1872, p. 21.
Do.
Do.
do 1672,.p.22,andvol.3,p.20.
.. Xot reported.
Beaver Range
Iron Mountains
East of Beaver ruck Range
6,000, Iron Mountains
AVestof Paria Canon. ..
Sevier Range
1872. p. 22.
1872, p. 23.
1-72 p. 24.
Do.
1871, p. 27.
Not visiteil.
"The Signal Service gives the following rain-falls: Fillmore, for three years two months, between
August, 1877, "and September, 1880: average, 30.20 inches: maximum, 66.70 inches, 1878, and 6.62
inches, 1879. Frisco, for two years six months, from July, 18-5, to December, 1887: average, 7.72
inches'; maximum, 8.08 inches, 1886, and 7.10 inches, 1887.
tNo systematic land classification has been published.
{For distribution of volcanic rocks seo Part I. Chap. V, Vol. III. p. lis.
270 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
The index to the precious-metal ores, here as elsewhere, in the Great
Basin at least, is the presence of volcanic beds other than Trachytes and
Basalts, and fruitful lines of search are often at their junction with the
sedimentary rocks. Hence to some extent the field will ultimately he lim-
ited by observation to the true mineral centers and none other. The iron
mines are found in Jurassic and Triassic rocks overlaid with Rhyolite.
Routes. — The Utah Southern (see Sheet 50) enters at sink of Beaver
Creek, thence via Milford, thence westerly to Frisco. A wagon road fol-
lows the Sevier. The Pioche and Salt Lake road traverses at the north-
west, The Deseret telegraph line traverses the entire sheet. The southeast
Basin rim is nearly everywhere impracticable for routes southward.*
Sheet 61.
Locality. — Central and southwestern Colorado.
Scale.— One inch = equals 8 miles or 1 : 506880. Area, 17,208 square
miles. Boundaries, 37° 20' and 39° north latitude and 105° 30' and 108°
15' longitude west from Greenwich. Adjacent published sheets : NE. 53
C, E. 62 A and C, SE. 70 A and C, S. 69. Field work during 1873,
1874, 1875, 1876, and 1877.f
PRINCIPAL PHYSICAL FEATURES.
The area embraced pertains to three independent drainage basins, i. <:,
the Colorado, Arkansas, and Rio Grande, the source of the latter being in
Sheet 61 C.
The Continental Divide (here principally defined by the summit of the
Saguache) traverses the entire area in a tortuous northerly and southerly
* The most populous town is Beaver (1,732 in 1880). Two miles east of Beaver is situated Fort
Cameron, the only military post in southern Utah. The total population in 1880, confined to a narrow
longitudinal strip, was 17,060, or approximating 1 per square mile. There were (1880) fifty-one post-
offices, and 36,537 acres under cultivation. The principal field products are wheat, barley, oats, hay,
Indian corn, fruit, and grapes.
tThe quarter sheets (61 A, B, C, and D) constitute full Atlas Sheet 61, not otherwise published.
Portion of the quarter sheet representing the San Juan mining region has been published on the
scale 1 inch = 2 miles. A model of this area in plaster, artistically executed, with vertical scale three
times enlarged, was exhibited at the Centennial : afterward deposited in the National .Museum, where
it is now on permanent exhibition, and also a duplicate furnished the U. S. Military Academy at West
Point, The principal settlements are Gunnison, Montrose, Uncompaghre, Centreville, Lake City,
Animas Fork, Ouray, Animas City, Silverton, Del Norte, and Saguache.
DESCRIPTION OF ATLAS SHEETS. 271
line, appearing on sheets 6 1 B, C, and D. The ridges forming this divide
are here mother mountain masses (Archaean), resting on crystalline and
schistose beds, often exposed, and form with their northward continuation a
part of the main backbone of the continent. Falling away toward the
Pacific and the Gulf drainage are mountain ranges of varying proportions,
all elaborate in detail and making one of the most intricate as well as inter-
esting areas.
Other than the Continental or principal divide are those between the
Arkansas and Rio Grande and the confluents of the Grand River Fork of
the Colorado of the West. The whole region except the San Luis Valley is
mountainous, with varied geoLogic exposures, including a number of suites
of the older volcanic rocks, rising to elevations exceeding 14,000 feet. Un-
compaghre Peak is next in elevation to Fisherman's Peak, or Mount Whit-
ney, the highest measured peak within the United States/
The Rio Grande is the main river. This area has a mountain and
valley climate, differing materially. The usual wet and dry seasons
are here varied, for the high altitudes are not so distinctly marked and
correspond to winter and summer respectively f The winters of the
valleys, as compared with those of the mountains habitable for mining
are much less severe, more uniform, and safe for wintering of stock
Stock must be driven from the higher to the lower levels in winter, miners
and those who supply them only remaining at the high altitudes above
10,000 feet.
The railroads have made it practicable to supply a large mining popu-
lation, which has steadily increased since 1873, when parties of the Survey
first positively announced the discovery of placer gold on the San Miguel
* Of the total area of 4,278 square miles for 61 A, 1,804 are mountainous, 1,604 plateau, and 870
valley ; of 61 B., 2,860 square miies are mountainous, 428 plateau, 440 valley, and 550 plains ; for 61 C,
there are 3,345 square miles mountainous, 861 plateau, and 120 valley; while 61 D has 1,442 square
miles mountainous, 721 plateau, 1,353 valley, and 810 desert. There are two hundred and fifty-nine
principal peaks (observed and named — two hundred and three above 10,000 feet), six lakes, ten passes,
and four canons. There are three main ranges, twelve mountain groups, together with subordinate
orographic forms, also plateaus and mesas.
tThe Signal Service gives the following rain-falls: Summit, for three years seven months, be-
tween August, 1876, and October, 1880: average, 30.67 inches. Montrose, for two years eleven months,
between February, 1885, and December, 1887: average, 10.10 inches; maximum, 10.24 inches, 1885, and
minimum, 0.64 inches, 1*87. Hermosa, for six years eleven months, betweon April, 1875, and August,
1862: average, 14.66 inches; maximum, 15.54 inches, 1880, and 13.28 inches, 1887.
272 F. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
Creek, since which time, for this territory of several thousand square miles
without an inhabitant save the Indian, there lias grown up a health]
mining population of not less than 20,000 souls.
The resources are confined (except for the San Luis Valley, suscepti-
ble of cultivation) to mining and cattle raising. The waters of the Rio
Grande, if diverted for irrigation, are susceptible of reclaiming tens of
thousands of acres. Here reservoirs may be made to perform an important
function. The area within which mineral concentrations may probably be
found is a large percentage, while grazing is everywhere abundant along
the rolling foot-hills, the canons, and minor valleys and numerous glades
found at intervals throughout the entire mountainous portions. The native
resources for the whole area aggregate (approximately) the following per-
centages: Arable, 6.62 per cent.; grazing, 28.21 per cent,; timber, 44.27
per cent,; and arid, 20.9 per cent.
The maps of the Hayden Survey give geological exposures from the
Archaean to the Quaternary, the former consisting of metamorphic, erupt-
ive, and other granites, and the latter principally of lake and scattered
drift, with Alluvium. For 61 A, the West Klk Mountains are Cretaceous
at the base, overlaid with beds of Trachyte, Trachyte-Breccia, and Por-
phyry-Trachyte. The Uncompaghre Plateau is Cretaceous, and the Qua-
ternary is confined to the narrow valley of the Gunnison. There are ex-
posures also of metamorphic granite, Jura-Trias, Tertiary, and Basalt-
For 61 B, the Sangre de Cristo are of metamorphic and other granite,
superposed by Silurian, Lower, Middle, and Upper Carboniferous, with
beds of Trachyte, of which also the Cochetopa Hills are composed, while
the Elk Mountains consist of Metamorphic and Eruptive Granite, Silurian,
Lower, Middle, and Upper Carboniferous, Jura Trias, and Porphyry-
Trachyte. There are noted also Cretaceous, Rhyolite, and Andesite rocks,
with Quaternary (Alluvium, Drift, and Moraines). For 61 C, the San Juan
Ranges are metamorphosed Granite and Paleozoic, Devonian, Middle and
Upper Carboniferous, Jura-Trias, Cretaceous, Trachyte, Porphyry-
Trachyte, Basalt, and Quaternary (Lake Drift). The Uncompaghre Peak
is Trachyte. For 61 D, there is Trachyte for the mountains on both sides
of the Rio Grande, and Quaternary for the San Luis Valley. There are
DESCRIPTION OF ATLAS SHEETS. 273
exposures also of metamorphic and other granite, Lower and Upper Car-
boniferous, Tertiary, Trachyte-Breccia, and Quaternary.*
Until the removal of the Uncompaghre Utes, after the loss of their
famous chief, Ouray, the agency for this branch of the great Ute tribe was
at Los Pinos, north of the town of Ouray. The reservation has since
been surrendered, the Indians moved to Utah, and the land thrown open
to settlement by special act.
Routes.— The main line of the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad enters
with the Arkansas, which it follows to the junction of the South Arkansas,
whence it continues to Leadville, while the Utah division passes south-
ward, crossing the Continental Divide via Marshall's Pass and hence to
Gunnison. From Gunnison westward (61 A) it reaches the Uncompaghre
at Montrose, hence again to the Gunnison, and turning westward emerges
from the area.
The Denver and South Park Railroad connects at Buena Vista with
Garo and Fairplay (Sheet 52 D).
The Denver, South Park and Pacific connects Northrop with Quartz
Creek. The San Luis branch of the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad
extends from Salida, at mouth of South Arkansas, southward via Poncho
Pass to the San Luis Valley to its southern terminus at Hot Springs.
There are two other branches. Twenty-four miles west of Fort Garland,
at Alamosa, the railroad extends to Conejos and Durango (Sheet 69),
whence a branch follows the Animas to Silverton. The Crested Butte
branch connects Gunnison with the coal district on the Upper Ohio Creek.
The total length of the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad in 1884 was
1,685 miles.f
Sheets 62 A, C, and D.
Locality— Parts of central and southern Colorado.
Scale .— One inch — 4 miles orl: 253440. Boundaries, 37° 20' and
"TheCreston and El Dorado mining districts are found mentioned on page 1252, Annual Report
1677, and the mines of Sao Juan in various reports.
tThe population was (1860) 23,003, or 1.37 per square mile. The counties are all of Hinsdale,
San Juan, Ourav, Rio Grande, and Saguache, nearly all of Gunnison and Chaffee, parts of Park, Fre-
mont, Custer, Costilla, Conejos, La P.ata, Dolores, Miguel, Montrose, and Delta. The largest towu is
Lake City (1,950). There were (18c0) one huudred aud thirty-two post-offices.
18 WH— VOL I
274 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TII MERIDIAN.
39° north latitude and 104" 7 30" and 103 c 30 longitude west from
.--
Greenwich. Adjacent published sheets: N. .").". C, S. 71 A, SW. G\) B,
VV. 61, NW. 52 1). Field work during 1873, 1874, 1875, 1876, and
1877.*
PRINCIPAL PHYSICAL FEATURES.
The combined area includes various mountain ridges forming" the
western limit of the Great Plains, including- the mass of which Pike's Peak
is the summit, and ranges dividing the Arkansas from the Rio Grande.
The western rim of the Great Plains constitutes the eastern portion, while
the Great San Luis Valley is reached at the southwest.
The principal divide is that between the Arkansas and Rio Grande
drainages, marked by the summits of the Sangre de Cristo and Culebra
Ranges and the Cerro Blanco and La Veta Mountains. The main drainage
line is the Arkansas.
There five main mountain groups, together with bluffs, buttes, and
hills. The whole of Fahr., in Jan-
uary, 1883.
(2) Pike's Peak, from November, 1873, to July, 1883: Mean annual
temperature 1H.3° Fahr.; average precipitation, 32.81 inches; prevailing
* These sheets together uprise all except the northeastern quarter of full Atlas Sheet 62. The
principal towns are Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Cation City, Huerfano, and Las Animas. The military
posts of Forts Garland ami Lyon are found in Atlas Sheets G2 C ami D, respectively.
t Of the 4,278 square miles of 62 A, 1,283 are mountainous, 214 plateau, 214 valley, and 2,567 be-
longing to tie- western border of the Plains; while fori;,' C, 1,273 square miles are mountainous, 508
valley, ami 2,545 belonging to the Plains out of a total of 4,228 square miles. There are fifty-nine prin-
. cipal peaks (thirty-two above 10,000 feet), two lakes, nine pa-sses. and live cations.
DESCRIPTION OF ATLAS SHEETS.
275
wind southwest; highest temperature 64° Falir., in July, 1879, and lowest
—37° iu January, 187"), and December, 1878.
(3) Fort Garland, Colo., from January, 1871, to June, 1883: Mean
annual temperature, 41.2° Fahr., average annual precipitation, 14.74 inches;
greatest precipitation in July ; highest temperature 91° Fahr.. in 1881, low-
est, — 30° Fain., in November, 18«0*
The first is typical of the western border of the Plains, the second of
the high mountains, and the third of the Rio Grande at these latitudes.
The natural resources admit of a moderate amount of farming- alone the
narrow beds of the streams, expanding somewhat eastwardly on the Arkan-
sas, together with mining at numerous points throughout the mountain
ridges, and grazing almost everywhere along the Hanks of the mountains,
even to near the beds of the streams.
Timber is found along the foot-hills, reaching even to and beyond
11,000 feet.
The native resource classification of 62 A and C is as follows: Ara-
ble, 5.67 per cent.; grazing, 66.74 per cent.: timber, 22.36 percent., and
arid or barren, 5 23 per cent.
Irrigation has been but little used. 'Reservoirs could be availed of to
some extent as land becomes more valuable. Attempts have been made
at obtaining artesian water near Fort Lyon, but so far without success.
Reference to the mining districts at Hardscrabble and Rosita will be found
in Annual Report, 1876. The maps of the Harden Survey give Archaean
" llii' following rain-falls are takeu from the Signal Service publication (Sen. Ex. Doc. 91, 50th
Cong., 1st Sess. ).
No
Locality.
Interval.
Ira
< 'olnrado Springs
Pike's Peak
Fountain
lam Animas or Fort Lyon
Smith Pueblo
Old Fort Massachusetts ..
Fort Garland
Mos.
From—
Dee, 1871
Nov., 1873
Nov., 1871
Jan., 186J
Sept., 1872
Oct., 18 2
Oct., 18:8
To-
Dee, 1887
Nov., 1887
Feb , 1875
Dec, 1887
Alii; ,1887
July, 1878
Oct , 18<3
Annual
mean.
Inche*
15.79
29.33
10 1)7
12. 26
12.67
17. z;
12. 87.
Maximum.
Ins. Yrs.
'-•li 10 1872
45. 57 1881
Minimum.
Ins.
14.55
Yrs.
1*86
9.28 1881
16.97 1872 7.67 1871
15.81 18S5 11.72 187S
18.81 1858 I 13.87 18.16
4 '.34 172 5.44 1861
276 CT. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST UF 100TH MERIDIAN.
masses for the main mountain ridges, and members of the other geologic
eras terminating in the later Quaternary.
For 62 A, the Arkansas Valley is Cretaceous (Colorado). Pike's
Peak is a mass of Metarnorphic Granite, with beds of Trachyte, flanked
and fringed at the south by Silurian, Trias, Jura, and Cretaceous rocks.
The exposures around Manitou and the Garden of the Gods are
Silurian, Upper Carboniferous, Trias, Jura, and Cretaceous. Wet Mount-
ain Valley is of Metarnorphic Granite at its perimeter, and drift cen-
trally.
For 62 C, the Spanish peaks are a body of Upper Carboniferous,
flanked by Cretaceous, with fan-shaped, flaring masses of Porphyry-
Trachyte at the summits. The Sangre de Cristo Range consists of Meta-
rnorphic and other granites and Upper Carboniferous, with outlying expos-
ures of Cretaceous and Trachyte, the Quaternary being drift lake beds
and Alluvium. The Wet Mountains, with a base of Metarnorphic Granite,
show also Trias, Jura, and Cretaceous, with Trachyte beds.
For 62 D, there is shown Cretaceous, Post-Cretaceous, and Alluvium
(narrow). Professor Stevenson refers the lignite-bearing series of southern
Colorado to the Upper Cretaceous, which, as measured at Canon City,
consists of:
(1) Sandstones, varying in color and structure, and including thin
beds of lignite, 250 feet,
(2) Shales, sandstones, and lignites, 175 feet.
(.">) Sandstone and shale, the former containing thin beds of lignite,
3b() feet.
Routes. — The Denver and Rio Grande and the Denver and New Or-
leans Railroads (see 53 C) traverse the area southerly, the former via
Pueblo to Trinidad (70 A), emerging near Apishpah. At Colorado
Springs a branch runs to Manitou, famous for its climate and springs. At
Pueblo the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad arrives from the
East, while the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad traverses the Arkansas
en route to Canon City. Another branch leaves the main stem at
Cucharas en route westward to Fort Garland, where it joins other branches
leading to Del Norte (6 1 D) and farther south (69). The grade of the
DESCRIPTION OF ATLAS SHEEIS. 277
line across La Veta Pass and the Sangre de Cristo averages 128 feet to
the mile.
The Denver and New Orleans Railroad, after leaving Easton (53 C),
follows substantially the old stage road to Pueblo.*
Sheet 65
Locality — Eastern California and southern Nevada.
Scale.— One inch — 8 miles or 1 : 506880. Area, 17,588 square miles.
Boundaries, 35° 40' and 37° 20' north latitude and 116° 30' and 119° 15'
longitude west from Greenwich. Adjacent published sheets: N. 57, NE 58,
E. G6, S. 73 A. and C, NW. 56 B and D. Eield work during 1871 and
1875-f
GENERAL PHYSICAL FEATURES.
The crest of the Sierra Nevada, with Fisherman's Peak, or Mount Whit-
nev, nearly central, traverses almost north and south the western half of the
sheet, marking the water-shed between the Great Basin and that of the Sac-
ramento.
The basin ranges occupy the whole eastern half. More than half is
mountainous, the balance consisting of alluvial and detrital valleys and des-
ert-like plains.} The contrast between the considerable downfall of the
whole region west of the Sierra summits and the sterile region eastward is
most marked, this crest dine being the frame-work, so to speak, of the des-
ert land of the interior.
The principal divide is that between the Great Basin and the Sacra-
mento, crossing which there are no natural passes, the only known line of
transit being a rough trail from Lone Pine to Visalia, passing south of Fish-
" I In- sheets embrace all of Huerfano County, and Pueblo Couuty except a small strip at the east :
El Paso County almost entire; a small portion of Park Couuty; about one-half of Fremont County.
two-thirds of Custer, and a small part of Costilla. The whole population (1880) was 31,963, or ap-
proximately 3.70 per square mile. The largest town is Pueblo (7,821 in 1880). There were (1880)
sixty-one post-offices. See also Prog. Rep., 1871. and Annual Report, 1H76.
tThe full sheet is out of print. The quarter sheet embraces tin- southeastern portion. The prin-
cipal settlements are Lone Pine, Independence, Cerro Gordo, and Swansea. The military post (Camp
Independence) has been abandoned.
t Sheet 65 D has 1,768 square miles of mountainous, 412 of plateau, 8^4 of valley, and 1,326 of
desert territory. Total, 4,420 square miles.
278 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
erman's Peak, or Mount Whitney. The main drainage lines are the Tulare
and ( hven's Rivers. In the southwest quarter of the sheet, bordering- Tulare
Lake and River, is land susceptible of easy cultivation through irrigation,
while directly eastward (latitude 36° north) is found a series of desert val-
leys culminating in Death Valley, so called, the beds of which are either of
shifting sand or saline and alkaline efflorescences, mostly destitute of vesreta-
tion and entirely unfit for cultivation. The anatomy of the Sierra is now
quite well known, while the several interior ranges belong to the Basin
system, the groups of ridges forming the frame-work of independent,
undrained areas, where streams, containing water sufficient to sustain a
feeble existence, lose themselves in the valley depression or disappear
before emerging from the lateral canons of the foot-hills.
The most sterile of all the local desert tracts are Death Valley,
Amargosa, and the waste northward therefrom. In 1871 the trails and
sources of water supply within these particular and contiguous tracts were
but little known. The Great Death Valley itself was considered an almost
impassable obstacle, dangerous alike for man and beast. Our operations
have developed the existence of hitherto unknown creeks and springs,
making it possible in future to transit this country along selected lines with
comparative ease, when proper precautions are taken. No where else is
the transition from the coastwise territory to the Great Basin more marked
than in this particular sheet The high Sierra is the condensing limit
for the greater share of the moisture of the lower-air strata, the bulk of
which is precipitated before arriving at these crests and thus returns to
the Pacific, while the eastward currents traverse the Great Interior robbed
of their moisture, hence the resultant rain-fall here is a minimum. This
result is enhanced by the fact that the minor ridges of the Sierra extending
westward reach high altitudes and cover a wide expanse This portion oi
the Great Basin is entirely cut off from the humid-laden currents extending
inland, axially following the Columbia and portions of the Snake Rivers,
the course of which mark substantially the northern limit of the Interior
Desert tract, the southern limit of which is only reached where the Colo-
rado joins the Gulf.
At Camp Independence from October 6 to 25, 1875, the precipitation
DESCRIPTION OF ATLAS SHEETS. 279
was 0, the maximum temperature 89° Fahr., and the minimum tempera-
tiny 39° Fahr., with prevailing winds northwest.*
The summary at Visalia, Cal , a point near the western border, and
typical for the southern part of the Great California Valley, from July,
1877, to July, 1883, gives a mean annual temperature of 61.2° Fahr.;
average annual precipitation, 9.12 inches, with prevailing winds northwest;
greatest precipitation in February; highest temperature, 109° Fahr. in
June, 1879, and lowest, 18° Fahr. in January, 1882J
Quarter-sheet 65 D contains, approximately, 15 per cent, tillable land,
48.2 per cent, pasturage, 9.7 per cent, timber, with 40.6 per cent, barren
ground (see L. C. Table). The amount of arable territory is small, that for
grazing large. Much of the rain-fall of the Western Sierras passes under-
ground, to be held in artesian reservoirs. Conduits from these are being
successfully utilized through artesian wells, now considerably used in irriga-
tion. The agricultural conquest of the Great Valley of California can be
made more or less complete by skillfully applying all known means of irri-
gation by gravitation. A detailed topographic and geologic study should
always precede any work of magnitude. Owen's River receives small
streams from the Sierra, Near the debouches, in many instances, will be
found sites favorable for future irrigation reservoirs.
The profile of the Sierra due west from Owen's Valley is the steepest
within our territory, exceeding an average of 1,000 feet per mile. The
main body of the Sierra Nevada is Archaean Granite, occasionally lava
capped, with bands of sandstones and metamorphic slates. The Granite
comes to the edge of the Lava near Fish Springs. About the crests are
noted lateral, medial, and terminal moraines of extensive extinct glaciers,
especially at the heads of Kings and Kern Rivers. East of Owen's River,
slates and limestones overlie granite. The Coso Mountains are of Granite
•The Signal Service gives the rain-fall at Camp Independence for teu years eleven mouths, from
November, 1865, to August, 1877: average 5.97 inches; maximum 7.0G inches, 187:1-74, and minimum
1.G3 inches, 187^-'73 (*), and for Visalia for eight years one mouth, from January, 1870, to May, 1886:
average 9/J5 inches ; maximum 13.10 inches, and minimum 3.95 iuches, 1878-79. (*) ['Seasonal rain-
fall from September to August inclusive.]
t There are twelve ranges, three mountain groups, with the Table and Black Lava Hills; and
among seventy-one. priucipal peaks seventeen are above 10,000 feet. There are two lakes, seven passes,
and thirteen canons.
280 U. S. GEOGKAPHICAL SURVEY'S WEST OF 100TI1 MERIDIAN.
and Gneiss. A great mass of Basalt flanks the entire southern rim of Ter-
mination Valley.
The Amargosa Range consists of Schists and Sandstones, overlaid
bv limestone. The Owen's Mountains are composed of Granite-gneiss,
and other crystalline rocks. The basin ranges have exposures of the Silu-
rian and Carboniferous, frequently interspersed with both old and new vol-
canic rock
The mining districts below mentioned had been discovered, properties
located, and more or less development made:
No.
Name.
l?y whom visited.
Approximate geograph-
ical position.
Remarks.
Printed reports.
Long, west.
Lat. north.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
11
15
16
17
Waucova
Fish Spring
Kearsarge
G. M. Wheeler ..
Lieutenant Lyle ..
(1. M. Wheeler ..
do
O '
117 55
118 16
118 10
118 00
118 03
117 42
117 05
117 12
117 07
116 30
117 13
117 26
o i
37 00
37 03
36 50
36 45
36 35
36 12
36 18
36 35
36 33
35 45
36 16
36 14
Inyo Range
Near Soldier's Canon
West of Independence
Pub. Rep., 1871, p. 45.
Pub. Rep.,lS71, p. 50.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Pub. Eep., 1871, p. 51.
Pub. Rep., 1871, p. 52.
Do.
Do.
Do.
An. Rep., 1876, p. 65.
An. Rep ,1876. p. C7.
An. Rep , 1876, p. 36.
An. Rep , 1870,]i.65.
An. Rep., 1876, p. 56.
An. R. p., 1876. p. 49.
An. Rep ,1876, p. 62.
do
East of Fisherman's Peak .
Coso Mountains
Gianite Mountain
Telescope
Lieutenant Lyle .
G. M. Wheeler...
.. do
A. R. Marvine . .
Lieutenant Biruie
do
Panamint Range
Death Valley
Amargosa
Rose Spring
Lookout
( 'lM6.
Locality. — Parts of eastern California, southeastern Nevada, north-
western Arizona, and southwestern Utah.
Scale. — One inch = 8 miles, or 1 : 506880. Area, 17,588 square miles.
Boundaries, 35° 40' and 37° 20' north latitude, and 113° 45' and 116° 30'
longitude west from Greenwich. Adjacent published sheets, N. 58, NE.
59, E. 67, SE. 75, SW. 74 B, W. 65, NW. 57.}
Field work during 1869, 1872, and 1873.
GENERAL PHYSICAL FEATURES.
This area embraces exemplars of the Basin Range systems and of the
border land between them and the Great Colorado Plateau, and combines
many varieties of mountain and plateau forms of which the territory is
largely composed; detrital valleys and desert wastes constituting the bal-
ance. The divide between the Great Basin and the Colorado crosses the
sheet centrally almost northerly and southerly, forming a part of the
southeastern perimeter of the land-locked area. The Colorado is the main
drainage line, into which empties the Virgin River.
The sinks, for the little remaining basin drainage, are either reservoir
lakes or subterranean.
With the exception of the arable land of the Muddy, Santa Clara
Creek, Pahranagat and Pah-rimp Valleys, and Las Vegas Springs, this sec-
tion is typical of the desest in all its worst phases.
Certain ranges — as Spring Mountain, Kingston, Vegas, Colorado,
Meadow Valley, Pahranagat, Belted, and Virgin — are still covered with
timber at the summits, and a spring is infrequently noted. Otherwise even
the springs found at wide intervals throughout this large area are unreliable,
* In June, 1883, the prospective terminus was a point near tbe thirty-fifth parallel on the Colorado
River.
tThe total population (1880) was 8,068, approximately, or .45 per square mile. Kernville (36- 1 )
was the largest settlement. The, military post of Camp" Independence has been abandoned. In Inyo
County (1880) there were two hundred and forty-two farms, with 28,323 acres cultivated. Xuiuber of
post-offices, twenty seven.
! This sheet was not otherwise published than at I inch = 8 miles. Existing editions out of print.
282 I'. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
often dry, and many that were found active when visited are not necessa-
rily permanent. The same applies, substantially, to Atlas Sheets 57 and 65.
The mouth of the Grand Canon is found at the southeast, where commences
the Colorado Plateau, marking- a new character of uplift and displacement, as
compared with the basin ranges. This area forms a part of the great Death
Vallev of southern Nevada, which haslost many of its terrors since the expe-
ditions of 1869, 1871, 1*72, and 1S75.* Although typical of the Desert, this
region is now entered as well as circumvallated by advancing emigration,
crossed by the iron river of commerce, and although uninviting to a degree,
vet nevertheless has, particularly in the forest and the mine, large store-houses
yet to be needed by increasing population, while each decade it grows
nearer to centers of settlement. • The climate is that of the more southerly
parts of the Great Basin; /'. e., uniform and mild in winter; parching hot in
summer. It may be assumed that within the lower levels of certain desert
sections of this sheet, as was observed in the Death Valley depression, the
thermometer at midnight in August reaches as high as 11!)° Fahr.
Idie permanent agricultural resources are slight, the grazing consider-
able, the timber limited, while there is a large field within which to dis-
cover and exploit the, precious metals.
Geologic notes along the eastern part of the sheet and the canons of
the Colorado show exposures of Archaean, Silurian, Carboniferous, Tri-
assic, Trachyte, Rhyolite, and Basalt for the mountain and plateau struct-
ure, and (Quaternary for the valleys and desert wastes.
The following mining districts had been located and somewhat devel-
oped in 1869, 1871, and 187?:+
No.
Name.
By whom visited.
A pproxinmte geograph-
ical position.
Remarks.
Printed leports.
Long. west.
Lat. north.
li. M. Wheeler
and Dr. Loew.
or o *
Pub. Eep., 1860, p 20. and
Au. Rep., 1876, p. 61.
Pub. E< p , 1871, p. 52.
J Pub; Rep , 18C9, p. 21.
(Pub. Rip , 1871, p. 52.
Pub. Eep., 1871, p 13
Pub. Eep.. 1871. p 45.
Pub. Eep, 1871, p. 53.
3
4
5
t;
Timber Mountain .
('. dar
South Eastern
Clarke
d,>
.... do
F 1; Simonton .
G. M. Wheelei
115 45
114 30
115 ::o
li:. 25
::ii 25
37 15
37 07
33 00
S|.i ing Mountain Range
Mormon Range
! tesert Range.
Spring Mountain Range
•There are eleven principal ranges, with thirteen prominent peaks; also Arrow Canon and
Meadow Valley Mountains and the Colorado Pleatean, together with three passes and eight canons.
t Districts in Long Valley and east of the Grand Wash were also visited. See Prog. Rep., 1872.
DESCRIPTION OF ATLAS SHEETS. 283
Dr. Loew remarks that bitter and brackish waters are characteristic of
these desert tracts ; such as the Virgin River, which is highly charged with
bitter-tasting, purgative salts (principally sulphate of soda and magnesia).
Analysis does not show, however, any poisonous constituents, but proves
that the desert alkaline and salty efnoresences charge these waters.
Routes. — Various wagon routes, including the old California and Salt-
Lake emigrant road, will be found delineated.
The arable lands of the Muddy Valley aggregate approximately
25,000 acres, of which three-fifths are under cultivation. The old site of
Callville marks the furthest point to which steam navigation on the Colo-
rado has been carried*
Sheet 67.
Locality. — Parts of northern and northwestern Arizona and southern
Utah.
Scale.— One inch = equals 8 miles or 1: 506880. Area, 17,588 square
miles. Boundaries, 35° 40' and 37° 20' north latitude, and 111 and 113°
45' longitude west from Greenwich. Adjacent published sheets : N. 59,
SE. 76, S. 75, SW. 75, W. 66, NW. 58 Field work during 1871, 1872, 1873.f
GENERAL PHYSICAL FEATURES.
The whole area is a part of the Great Colorado Plateau, most pro-
nounced in its type, and through which the Colorado River flows, always
in a canon of greater or less proportions. The subferial and subaqueous
cutting of this region have produced orographic types without counterparts,
so far as known, in any other quarter of the globe. The divides are all be-
tween tributaries of the Colorado and the mother stream. The Colorado
Chiquito is the only important line of drainage other than the main river,
which traverses the entire extent covered by the sheet, which embraces the
heart of the Grand Canon. This extensive plateau region is the resultant
of a great uplift over an area of fully 120,000 square miles more or less uni-
form in areal pressures, as compared with the usual dynamic disturbances
along axial lines, common to the western mountain region.
"The entire population (18S0) did not exceed 1,000 persons, principally Mormons. There were
seven post-office-.
t Not otheru isc published than on the inch to eight-mile scale. Edition out, of print.
284 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
The magnificence of the subrenal carving and the thickness of the ge-
ologic formations displayed make it a wonderland for all time and a most
fruitful school and field for the geologist of the present and the physicist of
the future. The minor plateaus have been given local and special names.*
No mountain ridges exist. The little valleys, where found, though
narrow, are fertile, and offer inducements to settlement. The climate varies
from that found at the levels of the streams and the more elevated plateau
terraces, between which is a vertical distance, in instances, of 7,0 >0 feet,
the former being mild and uniform in winter with agreeable and compar-
atively cool summers. Grazing is the prime resource, agriculture being
of but little avail, while the search for the precious metals is restricted.
Coal croppings, however, are abundant in the north and northwest portions.
General mention of land classification will be found in the published re-
ports. The entire area affords exposures of sedimentary rocks such as
limestones, quartzites, etc., except where immense beds of basalt have ob-
truded through these beds and lie dispersed over considerable areas. In
the Grand Canon Granite (Archaean) appears at the base of these sedi-
mentary beds. (See Vol. Ill, p. 1<>'2, Fig. 66.)
The plateaus are composed of Silurian, Carboniferous, Triassic, Ju-
rassic, Cretaceous, and Tertiary formations, with obtruded beds of Trachyte,
Rhyolite, and Basalt.
The rocks are various sandstones and limestones, with calcareous and
arenaceous shales for the mouth of the Grand ('anon. The Tertiary is ab-
sent except at the northwest corner of the sheet. All of the great divisions
of geologic time are represented in the canon district of the Colorado. f
The Cretaceous is composed of calcareous sandstones and argillaceous
and Carboniferous shales, about 2,600 feet thick ;| the Jurassic consists
of sandstones and gypsiferous shales, also calcareous sandstones and shales
(800 to 1,200 feet) ; the Trias, (2,500 to 3,500 feet)'cross -bedded sandstones
and saliferous and gypsiferous clays or shales; the Carboniferous (4,000
to 5,000) being mostly thick masses of limestone (Aubrey limestone, 800
•There arc five sub-plateaus, also the Red Hurricane Ledge, Aubrey, Skumpah, and Vermilion
Cliffs, aud White Mesas, and the Scheavwitz Mountains. There are rive principal peaks, three passes,
and sis canons.
t See Gilbert, table on p. 171, vol. Ill, and remarks pp. 17-2 et »eq.
[See Howell, p. 275, vol. III.
DESCRIPTION OF ATLAS SHEETS. 285
to 900 feet ; Aubrey sandstone, 1000 feet; Redwall limestone, 1000 feet) ;
the Silurian, or probably primordial, being the Tonto group (marbled lime-
stones, X00 to 1,200 feet; Tonto shale, 600 feet, and Tonto sandstone, 80 feet)
with Archaean, made up of Granites and schists at the base of the series.*
It is impracticable to delineate the wonderful convolutions of nature
found traced in these canons, except upon maps of a very large scale.
Lateral gorges almost innumerable exist, mostly with dry beds. The cli-
matic conditions of a maximum dryness, irregular and often violent precip-
itation, and persistent wind storms account for the corrugated superficial
face of nature.
The river is constantly deepening, not alone from water erosion, but
by the chiseling and grinding force of the minute pebbles and particles of
siliceous and other matters driven bv the current, which is given a rotatorv
motion by the winds.
The edges of the sub-plateaus most distant from the river bed are nearly
perpendicular, and usually of deep-red sandstone or limestone, with summits
covered by a scanty growth of sage and greasewood, interspersed with grass.
Juniper or pinon prevail in the vicinity of volcanic cones, with occa-
sional areas of yellow pine (pinus ponderosa). Grazing, somewhat
utilized, is abundant.
Communication is confined to roads and trails (see map). The total
population (1880) is 6,151, not including the Scheavwitz Indians, a small
nomadic tribe, who live along the narrow canon valleys, planting small
patches of corn, wheat, and watermelons, subsisting- in part by the chase
and upon roots, mice, etc. There were (1880) twenty-one post-offices.
The eastern portions are scarcely settled and poorly known, almost desti-
tute of water and but little marked even by trails.
* Gilbert gives for section of the Grand Canon at Diamond Creek, Granites and schists, super-
posed by the Tonto group, the Redwall limestone, Aubrey sandstone, and the Aubrey limestone (see
tig. 39, p. 09, vol. III). In Chap. XII of Monograph II, U. S. Geological Survey, Captain Dutton writes
of the History of the Grand Canon district. He states that prior to the Carboniferous period large
bodies of Silurian and Devonian strata were deposited, and that afterwards the region was elevated,
greatly eroded, and then submerged. The Carboniferous was deposited uncoinforinably upon thedenuded
surfaces from 1'2,000 to 16,000 feet thick, continuing until the close of the Mesozoic. About 10,000 feet
were eroded during the Tertiary. The Colorado River is thought to have been the outlet of a great
Eocene lake in the early Tertiary, and to have persisted in its ocean course and connection ever since.
The present Grand Canon is considered as the result of corrosion extending only through the Carbonif-
erous, and somewhat into the Archasan,
286 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
The principal precipitation in the Grand Canon region is in the winter
months. There is some rain in November, and slight showers occur over
small localities of the high plateaus even in summer, where snow occurs in
winter, while at the middle level the downfall (alternating snow and rain)
is small and irregular.*
Sheet 69.
Locality. — Parts of southern Colorado and northern New Mexico.
Scale. — One inch— 8 miles, or 1 : 506880. Area, 17,588 square miles.
Boundaries, 35° 40' and 37° 20' north latitude, and 105° 30' and 108° 15'
longitude west from Greenwich. Adjacent published sheets: N. 61, NE.
62 A and ( !, E. 70 A and C, SE. 78 C, S. 77, SW. 76. Field work during
1873, 1874, 1875, and 1877-t
GENERAL PHYSICAL FEATURES.
Quarter-sheets B and 1) constitute the eastern half of the main sheet
69, which half lies entirely in the Basin of the Rio Grande, except a small
area at southeast corner belonging to the Pecos. The northwest quarter
belongs to the San Juan drainage. The mingling of ridge, plateau, mesa,
and narrow valley forms makes this sheet an individual unlike any other
of the series. The Continental Divide follows in much of its course the
rolling crests of plateaus, instead of ridges, which plateau areas, when at
lower levels, were probably the bed of a cretaceous sea, joining the
present Gulf of Mexico with that of California, if not the Pacific proper.
The principal divide is the shed of surface water flowing either to the
Gulf of Mexico or California, traversing the sheet nearly northerly and
southerly in its central parts for two-thirds of its width, then turning to the
westward, emerging at the southeast corner. The main drainage lines are
the Rio Grande and San Juan. At the north, the Rio Grande traverses
impracticable canons, its valley narrowing so that cultivatable land upon
* The Signal Service gives tlie following rain-falls : Saint George, six years two mouths, between
January, lStil, and October, 1860 : Average, 11.57 inches. Harrisburg, two years two months, between
February, 1830, and February, 1872: Average. 13. 14 inches. Mount Carwel, three years four months,
1 ict ween January, l->74, ami July. ls7 J : Average, 36.71inches; maximum, 58.05 inches, 1874, and mini-
mum, 22.50 inches, 1876. Kanab, five years four months, between May, 1872, anil October, 1879: Aver-
age, 11.09 inches; maximum, 14.60 inches, 1876, and minimum, 7.IV7 inches, 1877.
tThe principal settlements are Santa Fe (the second oldest settlement in the United States,
where military headquarters have for a long time been established), San Ihlefonso, Santa Cruz, Abi-
quiu, Pla/a Alcalde, Taos, Costilla, Culebra, and Jemez.
DESCRIPTION OF ATLAS SHEETS. 287
its banks disappears, except in the proximity of a lateral confluence. This
changes at Embuda, whence to the southern border the valleys widen, set-
tlements increase, and the area under cultivation is considerable.* Limited
areas are cultivated in the valleys also of the Chama, Jemez, and other
creeks, that could be expanded considerably pursuant to a skillful system
of irrigation. This area is one of the most interesting of the Southwestern
Interior, needing further detailed examination as to its geologic and min-
eral structure and native resources. The Santa Fe Range, a prominent
serrated ridge or cordillera, and its companion, the Las Vegas Range, lie
in the southeast corner, while the Jemez and other mountain groups rear
their summits above the plateau. The southwest portion is made up of
plateaus and mesas. At the north and northwest, and especially north of
the San Juan, serrated ridges die away into the plateau region at the south.
These ridges are Granite-based, overlaid by limestone and other sedi-
nientaries, interspersed with older volcanic masses (eruptive and intrusive),
in the vicinity of which precious-metal croppings and ores are found.
The climate of the southerly portions consists of wet and dry seasons
in the valleys, with medium precipitation, cultivation by irrigation only.
Some of the constituents appear in the following means taken from the
Signal ( )fHce records: Santa Fe, November, 1871, to June, 1888: mean
annual temperature, 4N° Fahr. ; mean relative humidity, 44; average
annual precipitation, 14.51 inches; prevailing winds, east; the highest tem-
perature. 97° Fahr. in August, 1878, and the lowest, —13° Fahr. in December,
1879; the greatest precipitation in July. Fort Lewis, June, 1880, to July,
1883: Mean annual temperature, 44.7° Fahr.; average annual rain-fall, 13.411
inches; the highest temperature, 103° Fahr., occurred in August, 1880, and
the lowest in January, 1883; the greatest precipitation occurs in August.!
* Of the 1,700 square miles of 69 B found iu Colorado, 437 are mountainous, 219 plateau, 656
valley, and 438 plains: while for the balance, 2,624 square miles in New Mexico, 656 are mountainous,
328 plateau, 984 valley, aud 656 plains. For sheet 69 D, 1,560 square miles are mountainous, 1,820
plateau, .and 1,040 vallej . Then' an- four principal ranges and seven prominent mountain groups, with
fifty-two main peaks (twenty-five above 10,000 hit), ten plateaus, seven mesas, six lakes, three passes,
and eleven canons.
tThe Signal Service summaries give rain-falls as follows: Santa Fe, Unity years ten months,
between February, 1850, and December, 1887: Average, 14.81 inches; maximum. 24.84 inches, lHf>4,
aud minimum, 7.75 iuches, 186:}. Old Fort Lowell, four years six months, between October, 1868,
and June, 1874: Average, 11. 41) inches; maximum, 13.58 inches, 187:>, and minimum, 7.4-2 inches, 1873.
Old Camp Burgwin, five years niue mouths, between September, H.",4, ami May. I860: Average, 8.65
inches; maximum, 12,70 inches, 1859, and minimum, 3,86 inches, 1856
288 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
The resources are: Agricultural for narrow strips, grazing- for the
greater share, considerable timber at the southeast and northwest, with
many mines already opened, and much prospective mineral wealth. In
the southeast, quarter of Sheet 69 D the sites of early Spanish mines are
still recognizable, while this industry at present is confined largely to the
San Juan area.
The observed land classification for 16,059 square miles indicate,
approximately, 5.8 per cent, tillable, 51.9 per cent, grazing, 36.35 per
cent, timber, and 5.95 per cent, absolutely arid or barren, defining substan-
tially a timber and grazing region. The Mexicans have practiced irriga-
tion for long periods. The constituents of the silt borne in suspension by
the Rio Grande waters, being rich and fertilizing, produce a mud covering
as a result of the irrigation, which completely renovates the soil. This
mud is found by analysis to be richer in phosphates than that of the
Nile.*
Prof. J. J. Stevenson and others have determined Igneous, Tertiary,
Cretaceous, Carboniferous, and Archaean formations for the ridges and
higher portions of the eastern part of the sheet, with Quaternary for the
valleys proper. Professor Stevenson determined the profile from the Rio
Grande to the Canadian Plains (across the Santa Fe Range) as follows,
from west to east: Tertiary (Loup Fork); Carboniferous (sandstones, lime-
stones, and shales) over Arcluean (reddish and coarse granites, fine-grained
gneiss, mica schists, and quartzites), faulted toward Mora Valley ; Jura-
Trias (thin layers of sandstones and shales); Cretaceous (Dakota zz sand-
stones, limestones, and shales; Colorado — argillaceous limestones, lami-
nated sandstones, and arenaceous shales); Basalt for the Canadian Hills
and west of Turkey Mountains.! The Santa Fe Range is substantially
Archaean, flanked on either side by heavy Carboniferous beds. The Tur-
key Mountains are Dakota over Carboniferous, and the Canadian Hills are
Basalt, superposed upon Colorado and Dakota beds of the Cretaceous.
"It has been determined that the most necessary mineral combinations for the best soil are : Sul-
phuric acid, phosphoric acid, potassa, Mine, magnesia, and oxide of iron. Phosphoric acid and potassa
are the most valuable, but arc least in quantity. These substances impoverish after prolonged cultiva-
tion, and must be replaced artificially to insure adequate productive power.
(See Plat.- 1. opposite \>. 406, vol. Ill, Geology Supplement.
DESCRIPTION OF ATLAS SHEETS. 289
Routes. — The Denver and Rio Grande Railroad enters from the north
near the one hundred and sixth meridian, thence to Antonito, where a
branch diverges for Silverton, Colo. (Sheet 61.)
From Antonito this railroad follows a southern course, striking the bed
of the Rio Grande at Embuda Station, following' thence to Espanola, the
nearest station to Santa Fe, thence it continues along the Rio Grande,
forming a junction with the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad. (See
Slieet 77.) Many wagon roads are shown, while Indian trails predominate,
especially in the central and western section.*
Sheet 70 A and C.
Locality. — Part of southeastern Colorado and northeastern New Mexico.
Scale — One inch — 4 miles', or 1 : 253440. Area, 8,794 square miles.
Boundaries, 35° 40' and 37° 20' north latitude, and 104° 7' 30" and 105°
30' longitude west from Greenwich. Adjacent published sheets : N. 62 C,
S. 78 A, SW. 77, W. 69, NW. 61. Field work during 1874, 1875, and
1876.t
GENERAL PHYSICAL FEATURES.
The main orographic forms are the serrated ridges on the western
side of each sheet and beyond the plains proper, together with the western
rim of the Great Plains, bordering on the staked plains at the south, and the
plateau forms rising above their general level, the whole interspersed with
minor canons and narrow valleys of erosion. The principal divide is that
between the tributaries of the Arkansas on the east and those of the Rio
Grande at the west.
The main drainage lines are the Purgatory, the Canadian, and Mora
Rivers, all tributaries of the Mississippi Basin. The Pecos heads in 70 C.
* The most populous town is Santa Fe, the capital of New Mexico, with f>,635 inhabitants (1880).
The total population (1880) was 30,052, or approx. 1.7 per square mile (one of the most thickly settled
portions of New .Mexico). The military posts are Fort Lewis, on the head waters of the Rio de la Plata,
and at Santa Fe. Post-offices, thirty-eight (1880). There are eight Indian Pueblo villages, each one
of which had granted to it by the Spanish Government a tract of land one league square. Most of
these grants have been confirmed by the United States. The nineteen pueblo villages (7,8711 inhabi-
tants), with 505,657 acres. of reservation, had (1880) under cultivation 13,940 acres, raising 10,215
bushels of wheat, having 1,850 houses, 2,236 horses, 0,525 cattle, and 24,400 sheep. The agency for the
Southern Utes is at Tierra Amarilla, on the Chama.
tThese quarter-sheets constitute the western half of principal slieet No. 70.
19 WH— VOL I
290 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
Heavy mountain ranges, each worthy of special description as to
physical features, form the western limit of the Plains.*
Climate. — The following is the meteorological summary at Fort Union,
N. Mex., from June, 1X80, to Jul}*, 1883: Mean annual temperature,
49.2 C Fahr.; average annual rain-fall, 17. 68 inches; the highest tempera-
ture, 96° Fahr., occurred in July, 1881, and the lowest, —30° Fahr., in
January, 1883; the greatest precipitation occurs in July (compiled from
Post Hospital Reports by Signal Service). The resources of this area are
but slightly agricultural, irrigation being necessary, largely grazing, with
timber throughout the foot-hills and lower levels of the mountain ranges,
and mines of the precious metals within the mountains proper. The deter-
mined land classification for the whole area is as follows: Arable, 3.67 per
cent; grazing, 47..S6 per cent.; timber, 43.96 per cent.; arid or barren,
4.52 per cent.f Substantially a grazing and timber section.
The mountain ridges have been determined as Archa>an, Carbonifer-
ous, Cretaceous, and Igneous, the plains as Cretaceous and Quaternary,
often capped where rising into the plateau forms with Basalt.' Professor
Stevenson gives the geologic profile on the thirty-seventh parallel, from the
Rio Grande to the plains across the Culebra Range, from west to east, as
follows: Basalt in Rio Grande; Trachyte passing under Basalt and partly
covered with conglomerate ; Archaean (coarse, gneissoid, and mica granites,
compact gneiss, mica schists, and quartzites) at the base, superposed on
eastern slope of Culebra by Carboniferous (3,276 feet of sandstones, lime-
stones, and shales), J then Dakota (sandstones), Colorado shales, etc., Lara-
mie (1,800 feet of sandstones and shales) groups of the Cretaceous, the
latter capped by Basalt for the Raton Plateau. The generalized section of
the Laramie group within the Trinidad coal-fields shows thirty-three sepa-
* Of the 1,750 square miles of 70 A lying in Colorado 047 are mountainous, 437 plateau, 438 val-
ley, and :>','S plains; the balance of 2,624 square miles in New Mexico has820 mountainous. 656 plateaus,
656 valley, and 492 plains. The mountain, plateau, valley, and plains area of TO C arc 1,040, 520, 260,
and 2,600 square miles, respectively. There are five main ranges, the Turkey Mountains and Canadian
Hills, with forty-five peaks, twenty-two above 10,000 feet ; also the Canadian and Raton Plateau, three
mesas, seven passes, and six canons.
tThc Signal Service summarizes rain-fall as follows: Trinidad. Colo., three years six months,
between August, ls?7, and February, 1881: Average, 21.7:: inches; maximum, 33.84 inches, 1878, and
minimum. 15.78 inches, l-'T'.i. Fort Union, twenty-nine years one month, between September, 1851, and
October, 1837: Average, 1S..",1 inches; maximum, 3'.). 47 inches. 1-01. and minimum, 10.38 inches, 1870.
tSee pp. 77 and 7s, Vol, III, Geology Supplement.
DESCRIPTION OF ATLAS SHEETS.
291
rate and distinct beds of lignite, mostly coking coal, of an aggregate
thickness exceeding 180 feet.* The Culebra Range is an axis of Archaean,
with Trachyte on the west and a wall of Carboniferous on the east. The
Raton Plateau is Basalt over Laramie and Colorado groups of the Cre-
taceous.f
The following mining districts had been opened in 1875 and 1876:
No.
Name.
By whom
visited.
Approximate geograph-
ical position.
Remarks.
Printed reports.
Long. west.
Lat. north.
1
2
3
Moreno. Willow, and
Ute Creeka.
Lieut. Biinie..
A. R. Conkling
....do
o '
105 12
105 12
105 23
O '
36 37
36 38
36 40
11,000 feet, Cimarron Range,
near Baldy Peak.
11,000 feet, Cimarron Range.
9,000 feet, Taos Range
An. Rep., 1876, p. 60.
Do.
An. Rep., 1876, p. 201.
Mining developments are still subjected to the whim and caprice of
this as yet unsettled industry, and change materially from year to year.
Boutes.—The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad, entering from
Sheet 62 A, reaches Trinidad, and continuing southward it finally reaches
Romero en route to Las Vegas (78 A) and onward. At El Moro Station
the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad branches to the Trinidad coal-fields.:}:
Sheet 73.
Locality. — Southwestern California.
S ca l t ..— Que inch = 4 miles, or 1 : 253,440. Area, 17,952 square miles.
Boundaries, 34 c and 35° 40' north latitude, and 116° 30' and 119° 15'
longitude west from Greenwich. Adjacent published sheets: N. 65, NE.
66. Field work during 1871, 1875, 1876, and 1878.§
GENERAL PHYSICAL FEATURES.
The area comprises part of the Great Basin, the southern Sierra
Nevada, a number of separate coast ranges, which separate the strip of
* See pp. 104 and 105, vol. Ill, Geology Supplement.
t See Plate II, opposite p. 406, vol. Ill, Geology Supplement.
iThe couuties are part of Las Animas, Colorado, and parts of Colfax, Mora, and Costilla, N. Mex.
Total population (1880), approximately, 20,604, or 2.33 per square mile. Post-offices, twenty-three
( 1880).
§ Quarter-sheets A and C constitute the western half of full sheet No. 73.
292 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100T1I MERIDIAN.
territory in vicinity of Los Angeles and to the south from the Great Basin,
with a part of the Great Valley of California, near Kern Lake, minor
coast valleys west of the coast ranges, while more than half the area
belongs to the Desert, in which is found, alone, the Mohave River, fringed
with vegetation. The main divide is that between the Great Basin (a por-
tion of its southwest perimeter) and the coast drainages, of the Sacramento
at the north and other minor streams southward. The mountains and
desert claim the greater share of the area, while the arable lands, next the
coast at the south, semi-tropical in character, are of most pronounced
fertility. The mountains are the several coast ranges trending nearly
meridionally, breaking away en echelon from the flanks of the mass cul-
minating in Fisherman's Peak, or the southern end of the Sierras proper,
joined by the Tehachipi as a principal link, together with several mountain
groups distributed over the Great Basin portion.*
Climate.— The following is the Signal Service summary for Los Ange-
les from July, 1877, to July, 1883 : Mean annual temperature, 60.4° Fahr.;
mean relative humidity, G6.4 ; average annual precipitation, 14.58 inches;
prevailing wind west ; the highest temperature, 103.5° Fahr, occurred in
June, 1S7S, and the lowest, 30° Fahr., in December, 18/8, December,
1879, and January, 1880. The greatest precipitation occurs in December.f
The resources are agricultural for the Los Angeles region, as well as
also the lower end of Tulare Valley, especially through irrigation, timber
within the foot-hills of the ('oast Ranges and the Sierra Nevada, grazing un-
specified portions of the higher levels, while mining for the precious metals
is prosecuted at an ever-increasing number of localities in all the mountain
ridges, including those of the desert proper.
* Sheet 7:: A has 2,354 square miles mountainous, 557 plateau, 280 s alley, and 1,275 desert, while
for 7;! C there are 3,035 of mountain, 375 of ocean, 610 valley, and l ( .«i desert. On aconnt of the barrier
presented by the coast ranges flanking westward from the southern Sierra Nevada to the ocean, south-
ern California is more isolated from the balance of the State' than is Oregon, There are lour main
ranges, eight mountain groups, the San Jose - Hills, with sixty-eight principal peaks (thirty-eight above
10,000 feet), seven lake,s, nine passes, and twenty-four canons
tDr. Loew reports on the physiological effects of a very hot climate (see Annual Report 1876, p. :!'- >s )
and deduces 2.6° Fahr., as the hourly cooling effect on the body from drinking '2 liters of water at To
Fahr., daily, which is the amount that the temperature of the body would be raised if no more water
were available for evaporation, which latter takes place principally from the surface of the body and
but little through the lungs. Hence it is that the time within which one must succumb from thirst in
DESCRIPTION OF ATLAS SHEETS.
293
From the observed land classification for 73 A and C the following per-
centages have been determined : Arable, 10.61 per cent.; grazing, 33.35
percent,; timber, 12.91 per cent, ; arid or barren, 21.92 per cent, ; chapar-
ral, 18.73 per cent. ; water and marsh, .57 per cent,; water, 1.91 per cent.
Prof. Jules Marcon* refers to the mountains south of the Canada de las
Uvas, the " Sierra Madre," assuming them to be " bayonet-shaped faults "
displaced from the meridional trend of the Sierra Nevada, which is resumed
farther southward. He states that the granite, pegmatite, gneiss, dioritic and
metamorphic rocks, forming the principal mass, are of a geologic date an-
terior to the Paleozoic, while the '•counterforts" of sand, sand-stone, and
conglomerate found at Cajon I 'ass and other portions of these masses date
from the Post Pliocene or Quaternary He found serpentinous dioritic
rocks to contain silver and copper near their junction with the Granite in
San Gabriel Cation.
Tertiary sandstones with conglomerate are found on the desert side of
the Sierra Liebre.
Buch a dry, hot climate is quite brief. The following rain-falls summaries by tbe Sigual Service are
taken from Sen. Ex. Doc. 91, 50th Cong., 1st Sess. :
No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Locality.
Internal.
From —
To—
Annua]
mean.
Maximum.
Minimum.
Yi>.
M03.
11
10
in
6
2
16
11
5
16
8
11
9
4
13
3
13
2
in
in
2
5
4
1
3
G
2
8
3
Sept., 1870
Nov., 1876
Sept., 1876
Mar , 1855
May, 1868
•Inly, 1*70
Sept., 1876
Dec, 1881
Sept., 1*71
Sept., 1879
Sept. ,1*76
Sept.,1877
Jan., 18*3
Sept.,1874
Sept., 1879
Sept.,1874
Nov.. 1887
Oct., 1887
Nov., 1887
Aug., 1864
June, 18713
June, 1886
Oct., 1887
May, 1*87
Dec, 1887
Nov., 1887
Nov., 1887
Aug., 1887
Mar., 1887
Nov., 1887
Nov., 1887
Nov., 1887
Zncheti
10.93
11.64
4.05
16.89
3.22
10. 17
9.31
27. 84
16.03
11.71
14.72
15.29
10.45
12. 10
12.49
5.38
Tns. Yrs.
!8. 15 1883-84 1
18. 77 1883-*4f
9. 96 1883-841
32. 97 1855-56t
37.51
23. 35 1*83-841
32.16 1883-84t
27. 27 1883-84t
42.11 1883-84f
18.91 1877-78t
30. 43
24. 50 1883-84t
17. 30 1885-86t
9. 10 1883-841
Ins. Yrs.
3.16 1878-79t
4. 75 1878-79t
0. 00 188J-83t
11.97 1856-571
8.98
5.43 188J-83t
3.97 1871-721
3. 83 1882-83]
3.04 1876-771
7. 87 1878-79t
9.(10
5. 80 1882-831
10.22 1879-801
1.41 1878-79t
Tehachipi
Mojave
Old FortTejou...
Old CampCady..
Sin Bernardino. .
Nunlhoff
Los Angeles
-Wu hall ..
San Fernando ...
Cahuenga Valley
Spadra
Santa Monica
*See Annual Keport, 1876, p. 158 et seq.
t Seasonal rain-fall from September to August, inclusive.
294 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
He gives the following 1 resume for the relative ages of the mountain
systems of a part of southern California:
I. — Sierra Madre, of the Primordial epoch, or Laconic, anterior to the Silurian.
II. — Coast Range, of the close of the Eocene epoch.
III. — Sierras of San Fernando and Santa Monica, of the close of the Miocene epoch.
IV. — Hills of Los Angeles, of the close of the Pliocene epoch.
V. — Mountains of Cajon Pass (east side of the Sierra Madre) of the close of the Post Pliocene
or Quaternary epoch, or, perhaps, even of modern times.
The following districts had been somewhat developed in 1875:
No.
Name.
By whom
visited.
Approximate geograph-
ical position.
Remarks.
Printed reports.
Long. west.
Lat. north.
1
2
3
4
5
El Paso
A. R. Marvine ..
Lit-ut. Whipple.
D. A. Joy
...do
...do
O '
117 40
118 06
110 04
118 22
118 14
t
35 30
34 20
34 53
35 28
35 27
PreLEep.,1871,p.52.
An. Kep., 1876, p. 51.
Do.
An. Rep., 1876, p. 52.
An. Rep., 1876, p. 58.
6,400 feet, near Gleason Peak...
4,800 feet, norlh of McGill Peak
8,()iio iVet, Pah-TJte Mountains..
5,000 feet, north of Kelso Valley
San Emidio
Green Mountain-.
New El Dorado ..
Routes — The Southern Pacific Railroad enters the area in the north-
western corner, and, traversing the Tehachipi Pass, reaches Mohave Sta-
tion, from whence the Colorado River division extends eastward. The
main stem of this road reaches Los Angeles, also Santa Monica, and south
to San Pedro and Santa Ana. From Los Angeles another branch extends
via San Gorgonia Pass to Yuma on the Colorado. The Carson and Colo-
rado Railroad (see Sheets 57 and 65) was to have been extended to Mohave
Station. Various wagon roads, including a part of the Old Salt Lake
road, appear delineated.*
Atlas Sheet 75.
Locality. — Parts of central and western Arizona.
Scale.— One inch to 8 miles, or 1 : 506880. Boundaries, 34° to 35° 40'
north latitude, and 111 to 113° 45' longitude west from Greenwich.
Area, 17,952 square miles. Adjacent published sheets: NW. 6G, N. 67,
E. 76, SE. 83.
* A part of Ventura, Kern, Los Angeles, and Bernardino Counties is embraced. Total popu-
lation (1880) is 32,733, a trifle less than 2 per square mile. Post-offices, forty-nine (18S0).
DESCRIPTION OF ATLAS SHEETS. 295
GENERAL PHYSICAL FEATURES.
This sheet shows, in part, the geographic relations of two great oro-
graphic systems (the Colorado Plateaus and the Basin Range), together
with the border land between them. The line of separation happens here
to be well marked by the topographic distinction of table and ridge, so
that part of the southwestern border of the great plateau can be traced by
drawing a line from Music Mountain in the northeast toward the southeast
corner of the area, passing north of the Black Hills. The area north of
this line is part of the great southern bench of the plateau. It is capped
by the upper limestone of the Carboniferous, and upon it stand the vol-
canic peaks called Floyd, Picacho, Bill Williams, Sitgreaves, Kendrick,
Agassiz, and Humphreys. The latter four belong to the San Francisco
group, which is briefly a series of massive trachytic eruptions, surrounded
by small basaltic cones, which have thrown out a great lava mantle extend-
ing far to the south and east, covering the somewhat indefinitely named
Black Mesa and part of the Mogollon.
To the southwest of the line of demarkation lies the Basin Range
country, characteristically broken by a succession of ranges having
approximately the same trend, and inclosing trough-like alluvial valleys.
The sheet contains four ranges and six groups of mountains, three plateaus
and two mesas, one small lake, twenty-four principal peaks (seven above
10,000 feet), two main passes, and four canons of magnitude.
DIVIDES AND DRAINAGE SYSTEMS.
The entire area, so far as its surface drainage is concerned, belongs to
the Colorado Basin. The most important divide is that running from Music
Mountain to Floyd's Peak, of the San Francisco Group, and southward
over the crest of the Mogollon Mesa, separating the area into a northern
and southern water-shed. The waters of the north pass off to the Colorado
through the heads of Cataract Creek and the Colorado Chiquito and its
tributaries. Those of the south are tributary to Bill Williams Fork on the
west and the Gila on the east. The divide of these secondary basins passes
from Floyd's Peak over the crest of the Juniper Range, Aztec Pass, Santa
Maria, Granite, Weaver, and Date Creek Mountains to the Cactus Plain.
296 TJ. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100T11 MERIDIAN.
The only stream of importance is the Rio Verde, the drainage of the
entire area being- confined to small streams and dry arroyos, sometimes
filled with water from melting snows gathered in the high plateau.
The highest point in the area (and in Arizona) is Humphrey's Peak
in the San Francisco Mountains, 12,562 feet above sea, and the lowest is
the Canon of Bill Williams Fork, about 800 feet above sea.
The lava-capped San Francisco Plateau varies in altitude from 5,52G
feet at Lockwood Spring to 6,857 and to 7,108 feet along its most elevated
portions, trending to the southeast from the San Francisco Mountains.
The soil immediately adjacent to the lava in situ is black and often
meager, while that found in the valleys and glades is dark, deep, rich, and
of most positive fertility.
( 'limate. — The prevailing climate is dry, although this section of
Arizona is unusually favored as regards rain-fall. The summer climate of
the uplands and higher valleys (5,500 feet) is delightful, and the winters
mild though variable. The highest peaks of the San Francisco Group
carry snow during the winter months, and upon the higher plateaus heavy
snows sometimes occur, rarely lying long enough, however, to seriously
impede travel. There is a well-marked rainy season during the months of
July, August, and September, when showers are frequent. Series of
observations at typical points over the whole area are not at hand, but the
following meteorological data from the Signal < Hfice records at Forts Verde
and Whipple and for Wickenburgh give an idea of what might be expected
at similar localities:
At Fort Whipple (altitude 5,340 feet, latitude 34° 33' north, longi-
tude 112° 28' west), from November, 1873, to July, 1883, the mean annual
temperature was 52° Fahr. ; the mean relative humidity 43.2 ; average pre-
cipitation 13.86 inches (maximum in August); prevailing wind south ; high-
est temperature in July (maximum of 103° Fahr., in July, 1878), lowest tem-
perature in January (lowest minimum of — 18° Fahr., in December, 187U)
At Fort Verde (latitude 34° 33', longitude 112° 52' west, altitude
3.100 feet) from November, 1874, to July, 1883, the mean annual tempera-
ture was (iO.IJ Fahr. (maximum in July, highest 114° in July, 1881 — mini-
mum in January, lowest — 6° Fahr., in December, 1879, and January, 188J );
DESCRIPTION OF ATLAS SHEETS. 297
the mean relative humidity was 42.4, with an average precipitation of 13.46
inches (greatest in August), with south as the prevailing wind.
At Wickenburgh (latitude 34°, longitude 112° 44', altitude 1,400 feet)
from January, 1874, to April, 1382, the mean annual temperature was 62.9°
Fahr., maximum in July, highest 111° Fahr., in July and August, 1877;
minimum in January with lowest — 12°, in 1878); the mean relative hu-
midity was 46.1; the average precipitation 8.6 inches (greatest in August),
with south for prevailing wind.*
The Colorado Plateau consists of Silurian, Carboniferous, and Triassic
formations, with a large exposure of Basalt.
The ranges in the western and southwestern parts of the sheet are of
Archaean, with large Trachyte and Rhyolite areas, while the valleys are
all of Quaternary. The Cretaceous and Tertiary of the Plateau series
(see sheet 67) are wanting.f
GENERAL ECONOMIC FEATURES.
Timber.— The Mogollon Mesa and the San Francisco Mountains, which
have extensive forests, produce the finest timber in this section, the best
being the yellow pine (pinus ponderosa), which in large growth clothe the
higher altitudes, and Douglass spruce. The lower ranges, as a rule, have
a fair growth of full timber; pinon, cedar, or juniper (J. occidentalis),
ash, oak, and cottonwood, and sycamore grow in the bottom lands of the
principal streams and fringe the glades and openings of the subordinate
basins.
Agriculture and Grazing. — Good gramma and bunch grass is to be
found throughout the mountains and mountain slopes, affording ranges for
large herds of cattle and sheep.
'The Signal Service gives the following for rain-fall: Old Camp Willow Grove, oue year seven
months, between February, 1868, and September, 1869: Average 9 inches: Old Camp Hoalapais, two
years eleven months, between April, 1870, and June, 1873 : Average, 20.89 inches. Camp Verde, seven-
teen years eight months, between December, 1868, and November, 1887 : Average, 11.44 inches ; maxi-
mum, 17.U2 inches, 1884, and minimum, 4.80 inches, 1871. Fort Whipple, twenty years seven mouths,
between June, lsr>5, and December, 1887: Average, 16.83 inches; maximum, 27.13 inches. 1874, and
minimum, 10.02 inches, 1880. Old Camp Date Cr. ek, six years three months between May, l~i',7, and
July, 1873: Average, 13.70 inches; maximum 27.84 inches, 1868, and minimum, 13.00 inches, 1870.
Wickenburgh, eight years five months, between November, 1875, and January, 1880: average, 9.83
inches; maximum, 17.17 inches, 1884, and minimum, 0.35 inches, 1S77.
t For further geologic description see Vol. Ill, part I, chapter VI ; part II, section II, and part ITT.
chapter, IX, sectiou I.
298 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
Building material. — Good stone for building purposes may be found in
the raagnesian limestone of Canon Diablo, the lava rock of the Mogollon
Mesa, and the sandstone in the vicinity of Chino Valley.
Tlic principal agricultural lands occur in Chino and Williamson's Val-
leys, between the Aztec and Cactus Passes; in the vicinity of Prescott
( Fort Whipple) and Fort Verde and in the bottom lands of Bill Williams
Fork. South of the San Francisco Mountains along the Prescott and
Santa Fe road are little valleys and open glades suitable for farming homes.
The deep depression in the southeast corner is the area called the Tonto
Basin, containing forest meadows and tine valleys suitable for stock-rais-
ing. The soil in the localities mentioned is fertile, and favorable for corn
and grain, but as a rule irrigation is necessary to make agriculture here re-
munerative, as droughts are frequent.
A rough estimate of the classes of lands in this area of 17,952 square
miles is : Agricultural with irrigation, 796 square miles, or 4.4 percent.;
grazing, 7,1.~>4 square miles, or 39.9 per cent; timber, 2,614 square miles,
or 14.6 per cent. ; arid or barren, 7,388 square miles, or 41.1 per cent.
Considerable spaces now covered with a sage-brush growthcan proba-
bly never lie made productive for lack of water ; these notably are the Cac-
tus and Prescott Plains, the flat country in the northwestern part of the
area, that north and south of the Cactus Pass, the plains between the Ken-
drick and Aquarius Ranges, and parts of the basin of Aqua Fria Creek. Of
the lands included under the head of agricultural with irrigation probably
not over one-fifth is actually under cultivation.
The principal crops grown are barley, Indian corn, potatoes, and some
wheat. The ordinary vegetables and fruits can be raised.
Game. — The San Francisco Mountains and Mogollon Mesa include the
best game country in this area. In 1*71-73 grizzly, black, and cinnamon
bear, deer, and antelope were all noted.
Routes <>f communication. — The Atlantic and Pacific Railroad crosses
the area from east to west; entering at Canon Diablo, it traverses the forest-
clad plateau south of Humphrey's Peak, where it reaches its greatest alti-
tude, 7,3o") feet above sea, passes north of Bill Williams Peak and between
Mounts Floyd and Picacho, crosses Aubrey Valley, and leaves the area by
DESCRIPTION OF ATLAS SHEETS. 299
way of Truxton Springs. From Ash Fork Station on Partridge Creek it is
about 50 miles by stage to Prescott.*
The main wagon routes to the westward are the Fort Mohave (Colo-
rado River) and Prescott Road and the Ehrenburg (Colorado River) and
Prescott Road; to the south the Prescott and Fort McDowell Road; and
to the east the Prescott and Apache Road and Verde and Apache Road,
and the Old Prescott and Santa Fe Road, striking the Little Colorado at
the mouth of Canon Diablo.
Since this area was surveyed in 1873 the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad
has been built, and numerous settlements not shown on the map have
sprung up.f
A number of mining camps have been established in the Bradshaw or
Silver Mountains and the hills east of Prescott, known as the Lynx Creek,
Hassyampa, Big Bug, Turkey Creek, Walnut Grove, Pine Grove, Tiger,
and Humbug districts. There is also the Weaver district in the range of
the same name, the Martinez in the Date Creek Mountains, and the Green-
wood in the Aquarius Range and the flat country east of it.f
Wickenburgh, on Hassyampa Creek, and Bradshaw, in the Bradshaw
Mountains, are (1880) mining camps of about 200 and 100 inhabitants,
respectively. There are other mining settlements in the Bradshaw Mount-
ains. In the Cation of Beaver Creek, north of Fort Verde, are many inter-
esting ruins of the buildings of extinct aboriginals.
" In 1684 a railroad was in course of construction along this route.
t The only town of importance is Prescott, scat of Yavapai County and capital of Arizona; pop-
ulation in 1880, 2,074. Wickenburgh, on the Hassyampa, is a village of about ^00. Two miles north-
east of Prescott is the post of Fort Whipple, and about 40 miles further east, by road on the Rio Verde,
is Fort Verde. According to the census of 1880 the population of this entire area was about 4,800 (or .27
to the square mile), and thus nearly one-half was centered at Prescott and Forta Whipple and Verde.
(The following were post-offices in July, 1883, on the Atlantic and Pacitic Railroad: Flagstaff,
south of Agassiz Peak, near Antelope Spring; Williams, northeast of Bill Williams Peak, near New
Year Spring; Ash Fork, about 50 miles north of Prescott, on north branch of Partridge Creek, and
Hackberry. near Truxton Springs. From Ash Fork there is a daily mail to Prescott and Whipple Bar-
racks. Other post-offices are Aqua Fria Valley, Cieuega, Stoddard, and Fort Verde, on the Prescott
and Verde Road; Big Bug, Bumble Bee, ami Gillett, on the Prescott and Phoenix Road: Skull Valley,
Antelope Valley, Stanton, and Wickenburgh, on the' Prescott and Wickenburgh Road; Cox, Walnut-
Grove, and Kirby, on the Hassyampa Creek, Simmons, on Mint Creek, Juniper, in Williamson's Valley ;
Hassyampa, Meesville, Bueno, Alexandria, Bradshaw, Walker, Howell, and Tip-Top, in the Bradshaw
Mountains. There are also settlements east from the Mazatzal Range in the Tonto Basin, at present
without direct mail communication. This area embraces the southern and most populous part of
Yavapai County and the southeastern part of Mohave County.
300 U- S. (JEOGEAPIIKJAL SURVEY'S WEST OF 100TLI MERIDIAN.
No.
Name.
By whom
visited.
Approximate geograph-
ical position.
Remarks.
Printed reports.
Long. west.
Lat. north.
1
2
::
4
5
i:
7
8
:i
10
M.n uard
Tiger
G. M. Wheeler.
Lieutenant Lyle
.. do
. . do
o /
113 50
112 15
112 20
112 20
112 20
112 20
112 22
112 •_•:.
113 00
113 (1(1
o /
35 10
34 05
34 10
34 13
34 18
34 05
34 20
31 IX
34 06
34 30
Progtess Report, 1671, p. 54.
Do.
Progress Report, 1871, p. 55.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Progress Keport, 1871, p. 56.
Do.
Do.
Bradahaw Range ....
do
Pine Grove ....
Sradshaw
Turk, v Creek
Weaver
Walnnt Grove
do
.... .1..
do
.... .1,.
do
.. do
...do
....do
...do .
Date ( Ireek Mountains
Santa Maria . .
.. do
Atlas Sheet 76.
Locality. — Parts of eastern Arizona and western New Mexico.
Scale.— One inch to 8 miles or 1: 506880. Boundaries, 34° to 35°
40' north latitude, and 108° 15" to 111 longitude west from Greenwich.
Area, 17,952 square miles, of which 12,726 belong to Arizona and 5,226 to
New Mexico. Adjacent published atlas sheets: NE. 69, E. 77, SE. 84, S.
83, W. 75, NW. 67.
GENERAL PHYSICAL FEATURES.
The area belongs orographically to the Colorado plateau system and
consists in the main of a number of nearly flat or gently rolling table lands
or mesas of varying extent, separated and cut into by steep-walled canons
of varying depths but nowhere approaching in size the gigantic chasms
nearer the Colorado River. The general slope is toward the northwest,
and the lowest point (about 4,600 feet) is in the bed of the Colorado Clii-
quito, where it leaves the area. The highest point is Green's Peak (10,093
feet above the sea) in the White Mountain Group (Sierra Blanca of Ari-
zona). Other prominent ranges are the Datil in the southeast, with sum-
mits varying from 9,000 to 9,500 above sea, and the Zuni in the north-
east, a little lower. The most imposing and most elevated of the mesas is
the Mogollon, breaking abruptly to the south in cliffs varying from 600
to 1,000 feet. There are also four mountain groups, two plateaus, one
mesa, one lake, ten principal peaks, and one canon (Quivira).
DESCRIPTION OF ATLAS SHEETS. 301
DIVIDES AND DRAINAGE SYSTEMS.
A loop of the Continental Divide enters the area at Campbell's Pass
(7,306 feet, approximately, above sea) a few miles to the eastward of Bacon
Springs, and curving to the south and east along the crest of the Zuni
Mountains incloses a small part of the Rio Grande Basin. The summit at
the pass flattens out into a plain of considerable extent, and the dividing
ridge is almost imperceptible. This divide again enters the area at Mangos
Pass (7,977 feet) in the Datil Mountains at the head of the Burnt Fork, in-
closing a second small extent of the Rio Grande area. With the above ex-
ceptions, the entire drainage belongs to the Great Colorado System, which
is represented by portions of the basins of its tributaries, the Colorado
Chiquito and the Gila. The comparatively small area belonging to the
Gila Basin is south of the Mogollon Mesa. Nearly the whole section is
therefore drained by the Rio Colorado Chiquito ( Little Colorado or Flax
River).
Geological exposures are in the Zuni Mountains, Carboniferous and
some Archaean southward along the Marcou Buttes (extinct craters) to
Pinon or Alamocita Mountains, Datil Range and White Mountains (Green's
Peak) eruptive rocks (trachyte and basalt), which latter extends northward
and westward from Green's Peak for 40 miles over the Carboniferous
sandstone of eastern portions of the Mogollon Mesa. This unbroken vol-
canic area forms part of the great lava flow of New Mexico and Arizona, of
which the boundaries were first determined by the operations of this survey
1871-73 (see Vol. Ill, Chapter XIX) In the remainder and greater por-
tion of the area the exposures are Cretaceous (Zuni Plateaus) and Tri-
assic (plateaus north of Colorado Chiquito and Puerco Rivers), the former
characterized by numerous sandstone-topped mesas with shaly bases, the
latter by barren sandstones and clays weathering in fantastic forms.*
The Sunset Gap mesas are basalt-capped remnants of Triassic beds,
consisting principally of red sandstone with about 12 feet of layers of gyp-
sum and clay, ('anon Butte, at the mouth of Bouche"s Fork, is similar.
At Sunset Crossing and above, the Little Colorado is not typical of the
region, as it does not flow in a canon, but on the contrary having a flood
* For further geologic description see Cbaptere IX and X, Vol. III.
302 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
plain in places a mile or more in width. It occupies a monoclinal valley
between the Carboniferous and Triassic. The whole area is substantially
a plateau, with Archaean, Silurian, Carboniferous, Triassic, Cretaceous, and
Igneous rocks, the detrital masses being inappreciable. One of the great
lava- fields of the world extends from San Francisco Mountains to Mount
Taylor, not less than 235 miles, consisting of a heavy body of fully 20,000
square miles in extent, with an arm reaching to the mountains above named.
The rocks are (1) Basalt, (2) Sanidin-dolerite, and (3) Trachyte, with Basalt
always on top and Trachyte at bottom. The Colorado Plateau, of which
this sheet forms a part, has been estimated as high as 140,000 square miles.
After heavy rains there is a still pond at Sunset Crossing, where salt
deposits. The quantity is small, its taste disagreeable. It contains less
than 79 per cent of common salt. At the Moqui villages, Arizona, as also
at Mimbres, N. Mex , the subsoil was found to contain moisture, probably
ascending from a subterranean stratum of water, sufficient for raising crops
in these dry regions without irrigation. While the surface soil in the des-
ert and detrital plain consists usually of pebbles, yet the subsoils usually
have revealed all the constituents of fertility.
Climate and resources. — The climate is mild, with little snow in winter ;
it lias already been described in general terms in Sheet 75. The following
statistics for Fort Wingate, will give an idea of it as regards the Zufli Mount-
ain country. There is a well-marked rainy season in July and August.
The following summary from Post Hospital observations, from June,
1880, to July, 1883, has been made by the Signal Service for Fort Wingate,
N. Mex. (latitude 35° 31', longitude 108° 24', altitude 7,038 feet): Mean
annual temperature, 50.5° Fahr. (highest in July, with maximum of 92°
Fahr. in June, 1881; lowest in January, with minimum of — 1G° Fahr. in
January, 1NS3); average precipitation, 13.42 inches (greatest occurs in
.Inly).* Small belts of good bottom lands occur on the Colorado Chiquito,
Bouche?s Fork, Lithodendron Creek, Zufii River, and on the heads of the
Gila, south of the Mogollon Mesa, are many forest meadows and valleys
* The Signal Service has compiled rain-falls as follows: Old Fort Defiance, eight years eight
months, between May, 1852, and March, 1861: Average, 13.84 inches; maximum, '2:2. -14 inches, 1854,
and minimum, 11.63 inches, 1856. Fort Wingate, twenty-one years six months, between Decemher,
1864, and October, 1887: Average, 14.77 inches ; maximum, 25.06 inches, 1873, and minimum 5. 07 inches,
1879.
DESCRIPTION OF ATLAS SHEETS. 303
suitable for stock raising, and where the hardier vegetables could be
grown. Coal in workable quantities occurs at Stinking Springs, 12 miles
west of Wingate.
The country is not well watered, except in the mountain ranges. The
Rio Colorado Chiquito is a muddy and tortuous stream below the Rio
Puerco, but permanent for 30 or 40 miles below Sunset Crossing. Its
waters have a slight taste of gypsum. The Puerco is little more than a
muddy wash, without running water through half the year. Bouchers
Fork is permanent, from 2 to 4 feet deep and 18 inches wide, and in 1873
abounded in fish.
Grazing. — The slopes of the mountains up to the timber, as a rule,
grow bunch and grama grass sufficient for large herds. Reservoirs can be
established near head of the Little Colorado.
Agriculture. — Irrigation is necessary as a rule, but in certain favored
spots the Indians on Zufli River raised good crops without it.
Timber.— Cottonwood occurs in the bottoms of all the main streams.
In the Zuni, Datil, White Mountains, and especially on the forest-clad
Mogollon Mesa, large timber is found, the most valuable species being
yellow pine (Pinus Ponderosa) and Douglass spruce {A. Douglassii). A
small oak grows on the lower slopes. The timber of the lower mesas is
mainly a sparse growth pinon and juniper, suitable for fuel only.
Routes of communication. — The Atlantic and Pacific Railroad (built
since the sheet was issued), crosses the Continental Divide at Campbell's
Pass (7,306 feet above sea), thence north of Fort Wingate, follows the val-
ley of the Puerco to its junction with the Colorado Chiquito, which stream
it follows to Sunset Crossing, from whence it ascends the plateau. From
Manuelito, near the Arizona and New Mexico line, a stage road runs north
to Defiance; from Holbrook (junction of Puerco and Colorado Chiquito)
a stage road runs south, via Snowflake, about 90 miles to Camp Apache
(in Sheet 83), also to Saint Johns and Springerville. Other main routes
are the Prescott and Wingate road, entering- the area at Sunset Tanks,
following from Sunset Crossing the same^course as the railroad, the Apache
and Wingate road crossing the river north of Saint John's at the Colorado
Bridge, and then passing via Zuni Creek and mountains to Fort Wingate.
304 i\ a. <;eo<;i;ai>iiical siryeys west of iooth meridian.
From Saint John's there is a through road to Los Lunas on the Rio
Grande via Rito Quernado. From this point a through road continues
south to Luera Springs (Sheet 84); and thence via Ojo Caliente to Fest's
Feny, on the Rio Grande.
Military posts, towns, and settlements. — The only military post is Fort
Wingate, in the northeastern corner of the area, ."> miles south of Fort
Wingate Station, on the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad*
With the advent of the railroad new settlements and villages have
sprung up. When first visited this entire region was little more than a
roving and hunting ground for the Apache and other Indians.
Sheet 77.
Locality. — Central New Mexico.
Scale. — One inch = 8 miles or 1 : 506880. Area, 17,592 square miles.
Boundaries, 34° and 35° 40' north latitude, and 105° 30' and 108° 15' lon-
gitude west from Greenwich. Adjacent published sheets: N. (39, NE. 70
A and C, E. 78 A, S. 84, SW. 83, W. 76. Expeditionary years of 1871,
1873,. 1874, 1*75, 1876, 1877, 187*4
GENERAL PHYSICAL FEATURES.
The whole sheet has examples of the ridge, plateau, butte, plain, and
valley formations. The latter is principally a narrow strip along the Rio
Grande. The plateaus and plains (the latter often quite desert in charac-
ter) predominate. The main ridges lie to the east of the Rio Grande, while
mountain groups rise from the plateaus at many points. The area lies
almost wholly within the Rio Grande Basin, except a small portion belong-
ing to the Pecos. The principal divide (the Continental lying to the west)
is that between the Rio Grande and its eastern affluent, the Pecos. There
are eight principal towns, all on the Rio Grande, together with various
small Mexican settlements and Indian pueblos.
'The principal settlements in 1878 were: Saint John's, a towu of about 200 inhabitants, mostly
Mexicans; Springerville, a thriving and growing settlement of 150 inhabitants, in a beautiful valley
on the headwaters of the Rio Colorado Chiquito; Rito Quernado and Rito Mangos, small Mexican set-
tlements on the Burnt Fork; also the villages of the Zufii and Navajo Indians on Znfii Creek and
northwest of Fort Wingate.
t Quarter-sheets B and D constitute the eastern half of full sheet No. 77.
DESCRIPTION OF ATLAS SHEETS. 305
Outside of the narrow strip belonging to the Rio Grande this country
consists of plateaus and mesas, with serrated ridges or Cordilleras east of the
river running nearly north and south. The persistent inesa plains impart a
desert character to much of this region away from the Rio Grande, the soil of
which, however, in many instances is highly fertile, needing only water to
raise abundant crops, while at specified points through the sandy surface
the Pueblo Indians have successfully raised crops by deep planting with-
out irrigation. It can not, however, be said, outside of the narrow Rio
Grande Valley, to be other than a pastoral and mining region. There are
five main ranges, nine mountain groups, four plateaus, ten mesas, sixty-six
principal peaks (four above 10,000 feet), one lake, four main canons, and
one mountain pass.f
Climate. — The following Signal Service summary is for observations
from Jul\-, 1870, to May, 1881, at Socorro, N. Mex. (latitude 34° 5', lon-
gitude 106° 5V, altitude 4,569 feet): mean annual temperature 56.3° Fahr.
(highest in July, with maximum of 97° Fahr., in June, 1880; lowest in
January, with minimum of — 2° Fahr., in November, 1880), mean relative
humidity 46.8 ; average precipitation 11.22 inches (greatest occurring in
December, with south for prevailing wind).f
The present resources of this tract consist of the agricultural produc-
tions of the Rio Grande Valley, cattle raising on a large scale, timber for
local markets, with mining at a great number of localities constantly on the
increase.
The land classitication for the sheet (17,592.24 square miles) is 4.35
per cent, for arable, 66.37 per cent, grazing, 17.53 per cent, timber, and
11.75 per cent, arid or barren.
Dr. Loew found, upon comparing chemically the compositions of the
Rio Grande and Nile mud (see Vol. Ill, p. 518), the former to be richer in
potassa, but with a less amount of phosphoric acid, with a greater absorp-
* Of the 4,466 square miles represented by 77 A 1.315 belong to the plateau, 521 to valley, and
•2,030 to the plains, while for a like area in 77 B, 1,172 square miles are mountainous, 1,160 plateau, 984
valley, and 1,150 desert or barren, and for 77 D (4,510 square miles) 1,005 are mountainous, 1,060 pla-
teau, 795 valley, and 1,590 plains.
t Further Signal Service compilations give: Albuquerque, twelve years ten mouths, between
February, 1850, and August, 1879: average, 7.76 inches; maximum, 16.30 inches, 1858, and minimum
3.78 inches, 1860. Socorro, two years ten mouths, between November, 1849, and May, 1881 : average,
8.01 inches (record at broken intervals).
20 WH— VOL I
306 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
five power on account of an excess of hydrated oxide of iron. He concludes
that the inhabitants of the Rio Grande Valley will never require any other
fertilizer than the waters of that river.
The formations exposed between latitude 34° 15' and 35° 15' north,
and longitude 105° 30' and 100° 15' are Archaaen, Carboniferous, Creta-
ceous, and Tertiary, with patches of Igneous. Professor Stevenson gives
the structure south from Galisteo Creek as Dakota, Colorado, and Laramie
of the Cretaceous overlaid by Trachyte masses.
The following mining districts had been located in 1873-74 :
No.
1
2
3
-1
5
Name.
By whom
visited.
Approximate seograph-
ical position.
Remarks.
Printed reports.
Long. west.
Lat. north.
Spring Hill ...
Olil Placers
Dr. Loew .
do ...
...do
O 1
107 00
106 10
106 50
100 13
106 08
O '
34 05
35 20
34 20
35 15
35 27
Not reported
Do.
Do.
Do.
Annual Report 1875, p. 107.
5,000, southeast of Ladronos Peak. .
Now Placers* .
LosCcrillos..
.. do
....do
Eoutes. — The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad enters the
area at approximately 35° 24' north latitude, and extends westerly to Santo
Domingo, on the Rio Grande. From Lam}- Station a branch (distance 18
miles) reaches Santa Fe. The main line runs south along- the valley of the
Rio Grande, emerging from the sheet near Socorro. It effects a junction
with the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad near the pueblo of Isletta. The
direction of the Atlantic and Pacific is northwesterly, entering the area of
Sheet 7G about 18 miles east of Fort Wingate. Numerous wag-on roads
are found delineated.*
Sheet 78 A.
Locality. — Part of northern New Mexico.
Scale. — One inch ■=. 4 miles, or 1 : 253440. Area, 4,465 square miles.
Boundaries, 34° 50' and 35° 40' north latitude, and 104° 7' 30" and 105°
3u' longitude west from Greenwich. Adjacent published sheets: N. 70 C,
SW. 77, W. 77, NW. 69. Expeditionary years of 1874-'75.f
Total population (18rt0), 35,3s7, or approximating 2 to the square mile. Improved lands ap-
proximating 28,569 acres. There are thirteen Pueblo towns- Jemez, Silla, Santa Ana, Cochiti, Santo
Domingo, San Felipe, Saudi a, Isletta, Pecos, Laguua, Moquina, Pojuaque, and Acoma. Moquina and
Pojuaqne contain an admixture of Mexicans.
t This sheet is the northwest quarter of 78.
DESCRIPTION OF ATLAS SHEETS. 307
GENERAL PHYSICAL FEATURES.
The area is plateau and plain-like in character, forming the border
between the typical rolling land of the Great Plains and the serrated head
lands of the Staked Plains extending toward Texas. No mountains, even,
interrupt the solitude and monotony of the landscape, and valleys, where
occurring are narrow erosions from the plateau and mesa beds.
The" only divide of importance is that between the drainage of the
Pecos and the Canadian. The former stream drains the greater portion of
the territory that otherwise belongs to the Staked Plains. There are four
principal settlements. This is purely a plateau and mesa country, inter-
spersed with plains and narrow canon-like valleys, of little value except for
grazing 1 .
There is, however, but little absolutely barren ground, with consider-
able timber about the canons and the higher levels bordering the plateau
edges.
There are no mountain ranges or groups, one plateau (Pecos), thirteen
mesas, ten principal peaks, one lake, and four main canons.
The observed land classification determines the following approximate
values: 1.88 per cent, tillable, 76.82 per cent, grazing, 18.01 per cent,
timber, and 3 2d per cent, arid or barren*
The geologic formations at the northwestern corner, north of 35° 15'
latitude and west of longitude 105° 5', are the Archaean, Carboniferous,
Cretaceous, and Tertiary .f
Eoutes.— In the northwestern corner the Atchison, Topeka and Santa
Fe Railroad passes southward along the eastern and southern base of the
Santa Fe Range via Las Vegas,} Beresal, and Pecos.
Sheet 83.
Loca lUy.— Parts of eastern and southeastern Arizona and western and
southwestern New Mexico.
-T^^^r^cTgi^^r raiu-fall at Las A^ra^oT^ y^ ten mouths, between April,
1850, aiulJanuary, 1876: Average, -23.46 inches.
t For farther description see See. 3, Chap. XVI, Vol. Ill, Supplement, Geo ogy
t One-third of San Miguel County (approximately), w.th a population (18*0) of 20,6. 8 s com
prised The principal town Is Las Vegas (1380), 6,000 inhabitants. Post-offices, e.ghteen (1*80).
308 £T. S. GrEOQRAPHIOAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
Scale. — One inch zr 8 miles, or 1 : 506880. Area, 18,302 square miles.
Boundaries, 32° 20' and 34° north latitude, and 108° 15' and 111 longi-
tude west from Greenwich. Adjacent published sheets: NW. 75, N. 76,
NE. 77, and E. 84. Expeditionary years of 1871 and 1873.
GENERAL PHYSICAL FEATURES.
Orographic systems. — The southern boundary of the Colorado Plateau,
which was traced across Sheet 76, enters this area at the northwestern
coiner, passes north of the Sierra Ancha southeastward to Natanes Butte,
thence easterly over a lava country, swinging gradually to the north to the
Datil Range. South of the plateau system thus inclosed lies a region of
mountain ranges, approaching parallelism, with intervening detrital valleys.
They belong to the western group of the mountain ranges of Arizona and
New Mexico, and are related by their trend to the Basin Ranges, as the
eastern group is to the Rocky Mountain System of Colorado, as explained
in relation to Sheet 84. There are seven principal ranges, ten mountain
groups, three plateaus, one lake, twenty-six well-defined peaks (four above
10,000 feet), four main mountain passes, and four canons.
The lowest point in the area is where the Gila leaves it (about 2,000
feet above sea), and the highest Thomas Peak (altitude 11,496 feet), in
the White Mountains, or Sierra Blanca Range of Arizona,
A loop of the Continental Divide enters the northeastern corner of the
area, following the northern crest of the Tulerosa Range to near latitude
33° 30', where it swings northeast. A bay of the Rio Grande Basin is thus
inclosed, being a western extension of the San Augustin Plains, here
marked by a depression containing a saline marsh. The following is
from Dr. Loew as to the geographic distribution of plants:* (See Vol. Ill,
p. C03.)
* The regions of the southwest may be divided into four distinct zones (according to altitude):
(1) Zone of Cactus, Yucca, and Agave; altitude, 3,000 to :i,Ci00 feet. Grass is scanty. Where
there is water a most luxuriant vegetation springs tip.
(2) Zone of Obione and Artemisia (greasewood and sage-brush); altitude, :i,500 to 4,900 feet.
Grass is poor, with few exceptions, on granitic and volcanic soil. The cactus species are
diminished in number.
(3) Zone of Junipcrua occidentals (cedar); altitude. 4,900 to 0,800 feet. Cactus species few.
(4) Zone of Pine and Fir; 6,800 to 10,800 feet (highest points).
DESCRIPTION OF ATLAS SHEETS. 309
Extensive forests occur, especially above 8,000 feet, while below 6,000
feet the country assumes a semi-desert character, and finally the true desert
form at lower levels, and especially toward the lower main Colorado and
(lila Rivers. It has been proved that the bottom-lands of the San Pedro
and Grila Rivers are exceedingly fertile, as also the upper (lila near Old
Fort West, while fine timber abounds in the Burro and Mimbres
Mountains.
The following meteorologic summaries serve to give some idea of
the atmospheric conditions at points within and adjacent to this sheet:
Fort Apache, Ariz., from October, 1877, to July, 1883 (latitude 33°
48', longitude 109° 57', altitude 5,050 feet): Mean annual temperature,
52 1° Fahr. (highest occurs in July, with maximum of 102.5° Fahr in
July, 1881; lowest in January, with minimum of —9° Fahr. in February,
1X80); mean relative humidity, 50.2; average precipitation, 22.98 inches
(greatest occurring in July and August), with prevailing wind east.
Silver City, N. Mex , from May, 1878, to June, 1883 (latitude 32°
46', longitude 108° 14', altitude 5,890 feet): Mean annual temperature,
54° Fahr. (highest in July, with maximum of 99° Fahr. in June, 1881, and
July, 1882; lowest in January, with minimum of 5° Fahr. in December,
1880); mean relative humidity, 48.6; average precipitation, 20.16 inches
(greatest occurs in August); prevailing wind, northwest.
Old Camp Goodwin, Ariz., from September, 1877, to July, 1883 (lati-
tude 33° 4', longitude 110° 2', altitude 2,710 feet): Mean annual tempera-
ture, 60.7° Fahr. (highest in July, with maximum of 109° Fahr. in July,
1881; lowest in January, with minimum of 14° Fahr. in January, 1881);
mean relative humidity, 50.6; average precipitation, 9.26 inches (greatest
occurs in August); prevailing wind, northwest-
Fort Grant, Ariz., from November, 1875, to July, 1883 (latitude 32°
39', longitude 109° 57', altitude 4,860 feet) : Mean annual temperature,
60.2° Fahr. (highest in July, with maximum of 103° in August, 1879;
lowest in January, with minimum of 17° Fahr. in January, 1880, and
January, 1881); prevailing wind, north.
Florence, Ariz., from November, 1875, to April, 1882 (latitude 33° 3',
longitude 111° 19', altitude, 1,480 feet): Mean annual temperature, 68.6
310 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TII MERIDIAN.
Fahr. (highest in July, with maximum of 116° in July, 1879; lowest in
January, with minimum of 1!)° Fahr. in December, 1879); mean relative
humidity, 43.1; average precipitation, 9.61 inches (greatest in August);
prevailing wind, west.
Fort Bowie, Ariz., from June, 1880, to July, 1883 (latitude 32° 8',
longitude 109° 30', altitude 4,872 feet): Mean annual temperature, 63°
Fahr. (highest in June, with maximum of 106° Fahr. in June, 1881;
lowest in January, with minimum of 13° Fahr. in January, 1883); average
precipitation, 16.16 inches (greatest in July).
Fort Lowell, Ariz., from January, 1871, to June, 1883 (latitude 32°
12', longitude 110° 52', altitude 2,000 feet): Mean annual temperature,
65.9 Fahr. (highest in June, with maximum of 115° Fahr. in August, 1881 :
lowest jn January, with minimum of 0° Fahr. in January, 1883); average
precipitation, 11.49 inches (greatest in August).
F«.rt Thomas (latitude 32° 4', longitude 110° 6', altitude 2,710),
mean of four years: Mean annual temperature, 60.9 Fahr. (highest occurs
in July, with maximum of 109° Fahr.; lowest in January, with minimum
of 12.8 Fahr.); mean relative humidity, 50.9; average precipitation, 9.77
inches (greatest in August); prevailing winds : spring, west: summer and
autumn, southeast ; winter, northwest.*
The orographic systems are composed, geologically, of the Archaean,
Silurian, Carboniferous, Triassic, and Igneous formations; the valleys, of
Quaternary. f
"The last two stations are from Post Hospital Reports, the others from the Signal Service. The
latitudes, longitudes, ami altitudes ate approximate only. The Sigual Service gives farther summaries
for rain-falls as follows: Fort Apache, twelve years four months, between May, 1875, and November,
1887: Average, '-'1. iil inches; maximum, 31.12 inches, 1881, and minimum, 12.4 1 inches, 1877. Camp
San Carlos, six years six mouths, between June, 1881, and December, 1887: Average, 13.36 inches;
maximum, 20.41 inches, 1881, anil minimum, 8.18 inches, 1885. Fort Grant (combined with old Camp
Grant), nineteen years seven months, between September, 186(i, and December, 1877: Average, 10 65
inches; maximum, 'J~>.07 inches, 1881, and minimum, 8.9."> inches, 1870. Old Camp Goodwin, three,
years eleven months, between January, 1800, and May, 1870: Average, 26.58 inches; maximum, 'J7.9:i
inches, H;i7, and minimum, 16 inches, 1868. Camp Thomas (Gila Valley), seven years nine months,
between April, 1830, and December, 1887: Average, 10.74 inches; maximum, 18.16 inches, H84, and
minimum, 8.65 inches, 1882. Old Fort Tulerosa, one year live months; between May, 187:!, and Octo-
ber, 1874: Average, 33.13 inches. Silver City, four years eleven months, between May. 1878, and
March, 1883: Average, 20.28 inches; maximum, 30.82 inches, 1881, and minimum, 1:1.77 inches, 1879.
t West of the Mimlires River the trend of the mountain ranges is northwest. Tiny disappear
northward under the lavas of the plateau. The axial rocks are Archinan and Paleozoic, post-Carbon-
iferous in age. The ranges (usually monoclinal) all show post-Carboniferous volcanic rocks, including
DESCRIPTION OF ATLAS SHEETS.
311
The following mining districts had been located in 1871—73
N'o.
By whom
visited.
Approximate geograph-
ical position.
Remarks.
Printed report?.
Long;, west.
Lat. north.
1
2
3
4
S
Pinal
Silver Flat
Burro Mountain ..
Copper Mountain.
JLt. Lockwo.idj
(Dr. Hoflunu J
Dr. Loew
....do
....do
....do
O '
110 55
:os 15
108 15
108 25
109 20
O 1
33 17
32 45
32 4-1
32 36
3.1 10
0,000 feet,near Bear Peak
6,00u feet, near Silver City
6,500 feet, Burro Mountains. .
3,800 feet, south eastof Gray Peak
Prog. Rep., 1871, p. 56.
Not reported.
Not reported.
Not reported.
Not reported.
Routes — The Southern Pacific Railroad enters a little west of the
New Mexico boundary, thence via Railroad Pass, leaving approximately
with the road southward from Camp Grant. Various wagon roads are
delineated *
Atlas Sheet 84.
Locality. — Part of southwestern New Mexico.
Scale.— One inch = 8 miles or 1 : 506880. Boundaries, 32° 20' to 34°
north latitude, and 105° 3 )" to 108° 15' longitude west from Greenwich
Area, 18,302 square miles, of which 1,400 square miles in the southeastern
section (84 D) were not surveyed. The northeastern and southwestern
sections (Atlas Sheets 84 B and 84 C) have been issued separately on a
scale of 1 inch to 4 miles or 1: 253440. Adjacent published sheets: NW.
7fi, N. 77, W. 83.
GENERAL PHYSICAL FEATURES.
Orographical systems. — The mountain ranges of Arizona and New
Mexico, as they extend northward from the plateau of the Sierra Madre in
latitude 32°, have been divided into an eastern and western group, distin-
guished by a difference of trend of the axes of corrugation (Vol. Ill,
granite, feldspathic porphyry, p ropy lite ? trachyte, rhyolite, basalt, and quartz porphyry. Vein matter
carrying gold is fjuud in the Syeuite of the C'hiricahui Range; cupriferous veins in quartzite in the
Gila Range quartz veins, with argentiferous ores, in the volcanic rocks of the Pyramid Range : gold
in placer, near Clifton ; also copper iu Paleozoic limestone, and argentiferous galena in Silurian
limestone, and shale at Silver City. (See Vol. III. )
• The largest town is Silver City, 1,800 inhabitants (1830). Since visiting the area, which is true,
also, for every atlas sheet published, many new mining camps, towns, and settlements have sprung up,
aud others have increased and developed. The White Mountain Indian Reservation embraces fully
one-third of the whole area.
312 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF LOOTH MERIDIAN.
Geology, Chap. XVIII, Gilbert). The latter group has a northwestern
trend, as illustrated in Sheets 76 and 83 by the Pinaleno, Pinal, Mazatzal,
and ranges to the west, and when traced northward is found to gradually
change its direction, finally coalescing without discernible break with the
Basin Ranges of Utah and Nevada which trend north and south. The
mountains of the eastern system have a marked north and south trend and
are the southern continuation of the Rocky Mountain system of Colorado,
and with them form the eastern boundary of the Colorado Plateau region,
while the western group marks its southern terminus.
To the eastern systems belong all the mountains of this area, which
are here arranged in four great groups trending north and south, and in-
cluding between them three great plains. Of the area of 84 B (4,5,54
square miles) 2,412 square miles are mountainous, 268 plateau, 267 valley,
1,340 plains, and 267 desert.
The mountains in the west of the area are known as the Mimbres, San
Mateo, and Magrdalena Ranges, in the west center as the Sierra de los Ca-
hallos and the Fra Cristobal Range, in the east center as the Organ, San
Andreas, and Oscuro, and in the east as the Sacramento, Sierra Blanca (of
New Mexico), Carrizo, and Jicarilla Ranges. There are seven principal
ranges, seven groups of mountains, three plateaus, one mesa, forty-nine
prominent peaks (five above 10,000 feet), four mountain passes, and three
main canons.
DIVIDES AND DRAINAGE SYSTEMS.
The Continental Divide follows the crest of the Mimbres Range to
Mimbres Head, then swings to the southwest, thus inclosing an area belong-
ing to the Colorado Basin, here drained by the Gila. South of this is the
Mimbres drainage, which belongs to an interior basin, reaching its greatest
depression just south of the Mexican line in Palomas Lake. With these
exceptions the area belongs to the Great Rio Grande Basin, that river itself
Mowing centrally through it from north to south. The plains of San Au-
gustin in the northwest of the sheet have at their lowest point an alkaline
marsh about 6,700 feet above sea, and though without a surface outlet still
lie wholly within the Rio Grande area. The same may be said of the vast
DESCRIPTION OF ATLAS SHEETS. 313
fcfal-pais plain, reaching' its greatest depression in a salt marsh 3,800 feet
above sea, which is the lowest point in this atlas sheet, Sierra Blanca Peak,
11,892 feet above sea, being the highest. The eastern slopes of the Sacra-
mento, Sierra Blanca, and northern ranges drain to the Rio Teens, the
principal tributary of the Rio Grande.
Geological exposures. — No connected geological reconnaisance was made
throughout this area, but it may be of interest to record here the principal
exposures noted. The mountain area from the Antelope to the San Angus-
tin Plains, and west of the Mimbres crest, belong to the great lava flow of
New Mexico and Arizona, mentioned in reference to sheets 7<> feet in depth, dazzling
white and slowly drifting southeastward under the influence of the prevail-
ing winds. Limiting this plain upon the east is the Sierra Blanca of New
.Mexico, with its northern outliers, the Noyal, Carrizo and Jicarilla Mount-
ains, while farther south the great mesa wall of the Sacramento Mountains
forms the eastern limit* East of the Mimbres Range the ridges trend
north and south, being a continuation of the Rocky Mountains, so called,
and the eastern boundary of the Colorado Plateau. The rocks are mainly
Archaean and Carboniferous with Silurian toward the boundary, flanked
by Cretaceous and other Mesozoic strata. The last great upheaval, as stated
by Gilbert, begun before the close of the Cretaceous. Argentiferous ga-
lena is found in Carboniferous limestone in the Upper Mimbres. The
Santa Clara District on the western slope of the Santa Rita Range consists
of argentiferous ores in Carboniferous limestone. The famous Santa Rita
Mine is on the contact between the limestone and porphyry.
Sierra Blanca Peak, one of the most striking mountain masses in the
West, rising boldly nearly 7,000 feet above its eastern base, is a great mass
of eruptive rock, largely quartzite, trachyte-porphyry, and graphic granite.
About its base and even high up upon its flanks are exposures of the
sedimentary beds through which it has been thrust, and especially note-
worthy is a horizontal limestone exposure from the west, near the top of
the ridge south of Nogal Peak. The high outlying ridges of the Sierra
"The Signal Service publishes rain-falls as follows: Old Fort Craig, twenty-one years three
months, between January, 1855, and December, 1884: Average, 11.59 inches; maximum, 24.58 inches,
1.-59, and minimum, 4.03 inches, 1858. Old Fore McRae, live years nine mouths, between April, 1864,
and January, 1876: Average, 11. in inches; maximum, 13.45 inches, 1869, and minimum, 5.97 inches,
1873. Fort Stanton, twelve years eight months, between January. 1856, and December, 1887: Aver-
age, 19.55 inches; maximum, 28.70 inches, 1857, and minimum, 13.65 inches, 1860. Old Fort Thorn,
four years eleven months, between January, 1854, and December. 1858: Average, 14.71 inches; max-
mi, 20.55 inches, 1857, and minimum, 10.5s inches, 1858. Old Fort Seldeu, twelve years three mouths,
between November, 1865, and October, 1887: Average, 8.49 inches ; maximum, 12.60 inches, 1809, and
minimum, 3.49 inches, is?:;. Fort Bayard, twelve years live months, between March, 1867, and Octo-
ber, 1887 : Average, 14.72 inches ; maximum, 22.18 inches, 1873, and minimum, 6.44 inches, 1871. Old
Fort Cummings, four years four months, between March, 1869, and July, 1873 : Average, 15.03 inches;
maximum, 20.55 inches, 1870, and minimum 10.79 inches, 1871.
DESCRIPTION OF ATLAS SHEETS.
315
Blanca, where not of volcanic origin, have the same formation of sand-
stone capped with limestone as well as the Sacramento Mountains, which
are properly a great plateau-like uplift of sedimentary strata with a deeply
eroded surface sloping generally eastward. The western edge is a hold
mesa bluff', perhaps 3,000 feet high near the center, breaking down south-
ward into a series of comparatively low broken hills.*
The following summaries are from the record of the Signal Office:
La Mesilla, N. Mex , from August, 1877, to August, 1882 (latitude
32° 16', longitude 106° 49', altitude 3,000 feet); mean annual temperature,
60° 3 Fahr. (highest in July, with maximum of 107°. 8 Fahr. in June, 1881,
lowest in January, with minimum of 2° Fahr. in December, 1880); mean
relative humidity, 43.3: average precipitation, 8.9 inches (greatest in
July); prevailing wind, west. Fort Craig, N. Mex., from Jul}', 1878, to
July. 1879 (latitude 33° 38', longitude 107° 1', altitude 4,448); mean
annual temperature, 60°. 3 Fahr. (highest in August, with maximum of
1(12° Fahr. in July, 1878, lowest in December, with minimum of 2° Fahr.
in January, 1879); precipitation greatest in January.
The following mining districts were visited in 1873 and 1874:
No.
Name.
By whom visited.
Approximate geograph-
ical position.
Kemarks.
Long. west.
Lat. north.
1
2
3
Central .. . .
Pinos Altos
Upper Mimbrea
O '
Doctor Loew .... 108 10
G.K.Gilbert 108 14
..do 108 05
O '
32 50
32 48
32 50
8, 000 feet.
6, 000 feet.
6,000 feet.
Agriculture — At Canada Alamosa several hundred acres are irrigated,
as also the bed of the Mimbres, from a few miles above McKnight's to Crit-
tenden's, below Mimbres. Water sometimes scarce in May and June : fine
crops of potatoes and grass at Pinos Altos and Fort Bayard. Along the
Rio Grande are fertile bottom lands, capable of irrigation, varying in width
from 3 miles to a few hundred feet, where all the fruits and vegetables of
this latitude are grown. The soil is especially adapted to grape culture.
Much more land could be brought under cultivation by proper irrigation.
* The hot springs of Silver City are described, see A. R., 1879, p. 230 et seq.
316 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OK 100TB MERIDIAN.
Tn the Mimbres Mountains a good supply of lumber and fuel timber
occurs, smli as pine, cedar, and oak. Heavy pine timber is abundant upon
the Hanks of the San Mateo and Magdalena Mountains, while the principal
streams show Cottonwood, aspen, and scrub oak.
The same may be said of the Sierra Blanca and Sacramento Ranges
eastwardly, while pinon and cedar, with some oak, is quite plentiful upon
the slopes of the Carrizo and Jicarilla Mountains to the north.
A dense growth of pinon and cedar covers the east slopes of the
Oscura and the Chupadera mesas. The Magdalena, Caballos, and the Fra
Cristobal Ranges are devoid of timber. Cottonwood occurs, here and
there, in groves along the Rio Grande.
Grazing. — Nearly everywhere throughout this entire area nutritious
wild "lasses grow. Even the great dry plain, the Jornado del Muerto,
and its northern extension, as well as the dreary Mal-pais Plain, are cov-
ered with good grama -grass. Their lack of surface water prevents the
greater portion being utilized for stock ranges. The proportion of utterly
barren and worthless lands is comparatively small, and is confined almost
entirely to the rocky crests of the mountains. The approximate amounts
of the classes of lands have been shown by colors on the southwest and
northeast sections of this area (L. C. Sheets 84 B and C), and are given
in square miles. 84 B: Total area, 4,5^4 square miles, of which 32 square
miles, or .7 per cent., are arable; 3,480 square miles, or 7<>.4 per cent,
grazing; XV2 square miles, or lit. 2 percent., timber; 170 square miles, or
3 7 per cent., barren. 84 C: Total area, 4, oil 7 square miles, of which 154
square miles, or 3.4 per cent., arable ; 3, w3 square miles, or 79.0 per cent.,
grazing; 733 square miles, or 15.9 per cent, timber, and 37 square miles,
or .8 per 8 miles, or
1 : 506880 ; the quarter sheets, to the scale 1 inch to 4 miles or 1 : 203440 ;
and special maps upon such other scales as the character of the area and
the object to be subserved have demanded.
The originals are a series of plotting sheets usually on a scale of 1
inch to '2 miles, while the regular form of final issue is a photolithograph
therefrom, principally in hachures, printed in black with an overlying flat
tint, the dimensions of each sheet being 19 by "_'4 inches. Departure from
this form of publication for advance issues and other reasons is specially
noted. (See generally "List of Reports and Maps 1881," and pp. 71 and
74 for special and miscellaneous.)
The frontispiece sheets of the topographic atlas are as follows : Title,
legend, sheet of conventional signs, progress and index map, and map of
areas of drainage. Those preliminary to the regular geologic sheets are
title and index map.
The geological formations exposed are indicated by colors according
to a key or legend in the margin of each published sheet. They have been
issued as lithographs with mountain relicts in crayon and as photolitho-
graphs with hill shading in hachures.
The land classification series consists of certain maps of the topo-
graphic atlas, showing in colors, according to a key on the margin, approx-
imately the areas of agricultural, grazing, timber, and arid or barren lands.
Appendix C.
METHODS OF SURVEY.
INTRODUCTORY.
A brief description of the methods of field observation, and subsequent
office reduction, such as have been perfected and practiced, with examples
in the astronomic, base measurement, geodetic, trigonometric, topographic,
hypsometric, and map-making processes is herewith presented, together
with a statement as to the instruments employed and computations prac-
ticed by the survey.
Incidentally allusion will be made to the investigations into the special
subjects of Geology, Mineralogy, Paleontology, Zoology, Botany, Archae-
ology, Ethnology, etc. Most of the forms (exceeding forty) for field and
office work are the result of the special experience of the survey, and have
largely been originated by the officer in charge to meet the requirements of
rapid and extended topographic work, based on a computed triangulation
with resultant maps, usefully, economically, and rapidly produced.
The problem presented upon being charged with explorations and sur-
veys in the interior was to prosecute the grade of field observations com-
mensurate with the rapid production of accurate topographic maps, useful
in military operations and administration, over vast areas west of the Mis-
sissippi, at a minimum of time and cost.
The outgrowth of this requirement led to the framing and perfecting
of a system of survey, based on a mathematically connected net-work of
established points, which, except for suspension of appropriations, would
have been carried to the completion of the first general survey of this
:i:st
332 V. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
region within the limits affixed, and would have given to the Government
the nucleus of a skilled body of men, most valuable to a regular topo-
graphic and geographic office, filling a permanent requirement of the War
1 >epartment.
Statistics show that for the whole world in 1885 an area of about
50,000,000 square miles was not undergoing a systematic instrumental
topographic survey, as compared with 6,000,000 square miles (approximate)
so surveyed at that date. (See p. 146, House Ex. Doc. 270, Forty-eighth
Congress, second session.) Hence it would appear that the system of work
pursued so economically and effectively will have its further application in
portions of tlie above immense area, prior to the ultimate requirement for a
more elaborate, detailed, and expensive general survey.
On our own continent there is a held for the development, to com-
pletion, of such surveys in the mountainous territory west of the one hun-
dreth meridian, in Alaska, the more temperate part of Canada, and parts of
Mexico (except for the more thickly settled portions), in the Central
American States, and the same is true for all of South America. On the
other hand, it may be remarked that in general, the United States sur-
veys conducted east of the Mississippi should be based on trigono-
metric points established with the greatest accuracy, and with all known
scientific refinements, while such purely topographic details only as are
required by the scale of map temporarily published may be varied consid-
erably.
All other grades of work, inferior in plan or grade of result, are but
temporary expedients.
The projection and scale upon which the map is to be made having
been determined, geographic points, the co-ordinates of which arc neces-
sary as a basis for its construction, are obtained by means of astronomic,
geodetic, topographic, and hypsometric observations. The classes of points
emplo)ed in the horizontal projection of the main objects observed are:
(1) Main astronomic, (2) secondary astronomic, (3) sextant latitude, (4)
base-line, (5) main triangulation, (6) secondary triaugulation, (7) cross-
sight, (8) three-point, and (!l) meander, each and every one of which
become a topographic station. The determinations for altitude result from
METHODS OF SURVEY,
333
barometric observations and from angles of elevation and depression. The
initial points to which the geodetic and topographic determinations are
referred, and by which checked, are established at the main and secondary
astronomical stations. The sextant latitude stations check a special class
of points on extended meanders. The number of main and secondary
astronomically determined points required for checks over the entire area
is comparatively few. The probable error of the resulting longitudes and
latitudes is a minimum for the class of instruments and observations
employed.
FIELD.
MAIN ASTRONOMICAL STATIONS
The main astronomical stations, selected upon or at the termini of tel-
egraph lines, and at intervals of from 250 to 300 miles, checking belts of
tHanoles, are occupied with the best field astronomical instruments, the
comparison of times being made by telegraphic exchanges. Near each
point a base is laid out, measured and connected therewith, and observa-
tions made at the vertices of triangles so disposed as to completely envelop
the base and initial astronomical point, and to furnish computed bases to
which the main triangulation stations next adjacent can readily be referred
The observations taken at the vertices of the triangles surrounding the base
are similar in number and accuracy to those at main triangulation stations,
and one initial point answers for each and all of the belts of triangles cen-
tering at a single base. The set of instruments and apparatus used at a
main astronomical station are one combined meridian transit of 26 or 30
inch focal length, with appurtenances, or
1 astronomical transit, and
I zeuitb telescope.
1 astronomical clock or break-circuit chronometer.
1 chronograph, and
1 personal equation apparatus.
1 connecting switch-board.
•2 break-circuit keys.
1 battery of two jars, insulated conneot.ng-wire, and battery fluid.
"! o ble^n^Xr^al .eteorologica! instruments, hereafter mentioned.
334 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
The observations are generally made from a brick pier surmounted by
a stone slab, upon which the base of the instrument rests. This observing-
pier acts as a permanent monument marking the spot, and may be avail-
able at a subsequent period for other astronomical observations.
The meridian is marked by north and south piers of stone, securely
planted at conspicuous localities. The monument and meridian marks fix
upon tho ground a line, the length and true azimuth of which become
known with much accuracy.
An hourly series of meteorological observations, including as long an
interval as possible, is made at each main station.
The method of making and recording the observations for time and
latitude, exchanging signals, computing results, and placing the same in
form for publication, is shown in Vol. II of the quarto reports.* The mean
probable error at twenty stations, at which there is an average number of
determinations of longitude of at least five, is found to be ±0".27, and at
the same stations, with an average number of determinations of latitude
of at least one hundred and thirty-five, there appears a mean probable
error of ±0".08.
An apparatus for determining absolute personal equation, invented
and designed by Dr. Kampf, in association with myself, in the winter of
1873-74, will be found figured as Plate III, appendix, page 475, and
described on pages 482, 483 of Vol. II, Astronomy. The principle of the
mechanism consists in producing a point of light, which serves as a star,
the actual time of passage of which over ruled lines making a reticule is
automatically recorded on the chronograph, and with which the recorded
time of passage noted by the observer is compared, which thus may be
made to eliminate the "personal equation."
It is believed that this arrangement works perfectly automatically,
and upon making the changes suggested on page 483, Vol. II, will prove
entirely satisfactory, being simple, effective, and comparatively inexpen-
sive.
* The order of sequence for an astronomic report is given on p. 3, Vol. II, and instructions for
conducting latitude and longitude determinations appears on p. 80 et acq, special Astronomical Report,
1-74, while the manual for these aud all other field observations remains in manuscript incomplete.
A preliminary pamphlet of " Instructions for officers and civilian assistants" was issued in 1874.
METHODS OF SURVEY. 335
SECONDARY ASTRONOMICAL STATIONS.*
These differ from the main stations more particularly in the lesser
accuracy witli which time and latitude are determined. The instruments
used are the sextant and artificial horizon, with a mean solar or sidereal
box or pocket chronometer. The observations are wholly by eye and ear
The exchanges, instead of by automatic signals, are arbitrarily selected
and transmitted by the observers at the sending and receiving stations.
An illustration of the manner of conducting observations at one of the
stations', although still subject to improvement, is shown in the Preliminary
Report of the Reconnaissance of 1SG9. This class of observations may
be availed of at stations far distant from railroad communication, thereby
saving time and expense and the endangering of instruments by their
transportation in rude vehicles over rough roads for long distances in the
interior. The observations for time and latitude are similar in every
respect to those employed in latitude observations, except that more weight
is attached to the time determinations, and the number of sets of observa-
tions is multiplied and extended over a longer interval. The usual meteor-
ological observations are made, and it is often found practicable to prose-
cute an hourly series of these at secondary astronomical stations. The
point of observation is usually marked by a strong stone pier. The
reductions are the same as those given in the next heading, and the prob-
able error of time determinations and the resulting comparisons may or
may not be determined by the aid of " least squares."
SEXTANT LATITUDE STATIONS.*
Points are checked in latitude and approximately in longitude by
sextant observations for time and latitude along measured lines that traverse
long canons, mountain defiles, or low valleys and ravines, that admit of
but few three-point stations, the horizon of distant elevated points being
intercepted by intervening obstacles. Observations of this grade are made
at most of the camps occupied while surveying a given region. The
instruments used are a sextant, with an artificial horizon, a mean solar or
* Both the "secondary" aud "sextant" stations above described were not found necessary to
any appreciable extent, except in the earlier field years, when telegraph stations were few and far
distant, and the trigonometric nets had been only partially developed.
336 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
sidereal box or pocket, chronometer. The usual meteorological observations
are made during the interval. The local time is determined by sets of
observations of single or double altitudes of the sun, or certain selected
east and west stars. The latitude results from sets of circummeridian
altitudes of selected south stars and altitudes of Polaris, arbitrarily selected.
For each set of south-star observations a corresponding set of Polaris
observations is required, and the same for the meridian altitudes of the sun.
The record forms required for observations and computations are: (1)
sextant observations; (2) time by single altitudes; (3) time by equal alti-
tudes; (4) latitude by Polaris; (5) latitude by circummeridian altitudes.
The probable error of a mean latitude as determined from two sets of south
star and three sets of Polaris observations = ± 1".45. (See Preliminary
Report of 1869, p. 35.)
The following are examples of forms for field astronomic observations
(time by astronomic transit, and latitude by zenith telescope): (a) Abbre-
viations and signs; (b) time observations; (c) signals; (d) mean places of
stars: (e) setting list; (./') observations for latitude (time and latitude by
sextant and chronometer); (//) finding list: (//) sextant observations.
(a)— ABBREVIATIONS AND SIGNS.
a. b. c. zz azimuth, level, and collimation corrections.
A. B. C. zz azimuth, level, and collimation factors.
T zz observed time, reduced to the mean of wires and corrected for
rate.
T' zz observed time, corrected for instrumental errors.
M zz apparent right ascension of star.
/} T zz resulting error of the chronometer after the mean of the wires
is corrected for rate and level.
JT Q zz adopted mean error of chronometer.
ST = 4T — J Q T. ■ ■
z/T zz error of the chronometer.
v zz difference between mean final correction of chronometer and
JT.
METHODS OF SURVEY.
337
(fc)-TIME OBSERVATIONS.
Station, Colorado Springs, Colo. August 2, 1873. Dr. F. Kampt', observer. Chronometer No.
1491, Negus sidereal.
Object .
Ilium, and description .
Factor A .
B.
C.
Levels
Do...
Sams (6)..
Threads 1 .
■>
3.
4
5.
6.
7.
Means .
Transit mean thread
Correction for level
Correction for collimation —
Correction for azimuth
Reduced t ransit
Tabular A. R
Error of chronometer— fast
c Coromc.
East.
(Azimuth) 0.23
(Level) 1. 10
(Collimation) 1.12
25.0 20.3
28.5 26.0
+0'.02
16 2 17.80
22.30
31.60
36.32
41.40
50.58
55.97
16
36.71
/3' Scorpii.
East.
0.92
0.57
1.08
+0.01
16 8 1.71
6.20
14.70
19.33
24.10
33.15
37.77
16 8 19.57
16
15
+ 0.02
+ 0.01
+ 0.08
+ 0.07
+ 0.25
+ 0.99
2 37.06
16
8 20.64
52 21.37
15
58 4. 92
10 15.69
10 15. 72
6 Ophiuchi.
East.
0.67
0.74
1.00
E. 28. 7 W. 26. 4
26. 5 28. 6
0'. 00
16 17 41.18
45.26
57.70
2.28
10.52
15.00
16 17 58.66
- 0.72
0.00
+ 0.07
+ 0.72
16 17 58.73
16 7 43. 10
10 15.63
Ilerculis.
East.
-0.20
1.44
1.46
26.5
28.2
+ 0'
26
29.3
27.7
03
48.52
54.73
6.38
12. 71
19.15
31.30
37.80
16 26 12.94
+ 0.04
+ 0.10
- 0.22
26 12. 86
15 56.96
10 15.90
7j Draeonis.
East.
-0.83
1.95
2.12
28. 5 27.
27. 3 28. 6
-0>. 004
31
32
33
59.30
8.33
25.33
34.93
M.20
01.47
10.25
16 32 34.83
- 0.01
+ 0.14
- 0.89
32 34.07
22 18. 43
10 15.64
Ulii. i 1
Ilium, and description.
A Draeonis. tj Ilerculis.
East.
k Ophiuchi.
West.
e Ursa- Min.
West.
a' Herculis.
West.
44 Ophiuchi.
West.
Factor A
B.
C.
-1.41
2. 42
2.80
Levels
Do...
Sums (6)...
Threads 1.
2
3.
•* -
5.
6.
7.
+0'
37
05
40.90
58.38
20. 25
33.64
45.80
8.97
21.7U
-0.01
1.29
1.29
27.5 29.5
27.6 29.8
+ 0-.07
16 48
27.80
33.50
44.49
50.20
55.76
6.13
11.60
Means
Cor. for level
Cor. for collimation .
Cor. for azimuth
Reduced transit
Tabular A. R
Error of chron. — fast . . .
16 38 33.66
+ 0. 12
+ 0.19
- 1.52
16 38 32.45
16 28 16 63
10 15.82
16 48 49.93
+ 0.09
- 0.08
- 0.01
16 48 49.93
16 38 34.26
10 15. 67
0.50
0.89
1.01
27.5 30.2
27.0 30.4
+ 0'.05
7 1 39. 00
43.56
52.00
56.53
2 0.80
9.18
13.40
—5.09
5.38
7.41
28.0 29.5
27.3 30.5
+ 0-.05
7 7 22.35
55.50
8 57.24
9 30.42
10 2. 30
11 3. 40
34.35
0.42
0.95
1.04
+0". 00
0.98
0.50
1.09
28.5 30.0
26.5 31.5
+0\ 07
51.87
55.50
4.16
8.61
13.20
21.60
25. 78
17 28
35.37
40.00
49.31
54.10
58.91
7.66
12.41
17 1 56.35
+ 0.04
- 0.07
+ 0.54
17 1 56. 86
16 51 41.18
10 15. 68
9 29.37
+ 0.27
— 0.50
- 5. 47
9 13. 67
59 7. 93
10 15. 74
17 19 8.68
+ 0.05
- 0.07
+ 0.45
17 19 9.11
17 8 53.25
10 15.86
17 28 53. 97
+ 0.03
- 0.07
+ 1.05
17 28 54.98
17 IS 39. 13
10 15. 85
'22 WH — VOL I
: +1.075.
: +0.007.
Mean correction of chronometer— lO™ 15". 745.
for 16 b 35 m ± 0.019.
338 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TII MERIDIAN.
(o)— LONGITUDE OBSERVATIONS— ARBITRARY SIGNALS SENT AND RECEIVED.
Station, Colorado Springs, Colo. August 2, 1873. Sent from Salt Lake City, Utah. Sent from
Colorado Springs, Colo.
Sidereal chronom-
Sidereal chronom-
Sidereal chronom-
Sidereal chronom-
eter 1491. Colorado
eter 1511. Salt
eter 1491. Colorado
eter 1511. Salt
Kemarks by observer.
Springs.
Lake City.
Springs.
Lake City.
h. m. s.
ft. m. s.
h. in. s.
ft. VI. ft.
18 37 37.98
9 51 59. 00
18 42 55. 56
9 57 16. 90
The seconds from the
47.31
52 8. 31
43 5. 52
26.86
Salt Lake City chro-
nometer coincide with
37 57. 17
18.47
15.60
36.92
those of my own. I got
38 7.40
28.44
26 53
47.83
four full minutes, and
find that my seconds
17.55
38.54
36.59
57 57. 91
come 0\095 later than
27.50
48.50
46.49
58 7. 80
Clark's. This number
has to be substituted
38. 00
52 59. 01
43 55. 54
16.87
from all signals received
47.79
53 8. 79
44 5. 60
26.93
and given as Colorado
Springs chronometer,
38 57. 51
18.50
16.40
37.71
and from the mean.
39 7.04
28. 65
25.60
46.90
17.57
38.55
35.60
58 56.90
27.90
48.90
45.56
59 6. 86
37.64
53 58. 66
44 55. 53
16.87
47.80
54 8. 90
45 8. 50
29.82
39 57. 90
18.90
15.53
36.88
40 7. 97
29.00
25.59
' 46. 87
17.81
38.82
35.57
9 59 56. 85
27.90
48.90
45.59
10 6. 86
Means - -
18 40 38.00
9 54 59. 00
IS 45 55. 56
10 16. 90
IS 39 7.721
9 53 28.728
18 44 25.914
9 58 47. 234
-0. 095
18 39 7.026
CHRONOMETER CORRECTION.
1873.
Aug. 2
Aug. 2
Determined by set of stars.
Sidereal
hour.
Chronometer
correction.
Hourly rate.
Before exchange of time signals . .
After exchange of time signals- . .
h. Til.
16 35
19 29
m. s.
-11) 15.745
-10 16.038
> -0\lol7
METHODS OF SURVEY.
339
((f)— MEAN PLACES OF STARS FOR 1873.
[Used for determination of latitude of Colorado Springs, Colo.]
Number
of pair.
N'uml.rT III
B.A.C.
Right ascen-
sion.
Declination.
Number
of pair.
Number in
B.A.C.
Right ascen-
sion.
Declination.
1
5587
h. in. 8.
16 34 57
o / "
12 38 35. 4
23
7140
h. m. s.
20 32 51
' "
20 45 23. 4
5628
16 40 03
64 49 48.4
7189
20 39 08
56 55 44.74
2
5747
16 56 55
33 45 14. 08
24
7243
20 45 37
50 18 41.56
5775
17 01 13
43 59 09.46
7256
20 49 08
27 34 33.08
3
5790
17 03 38
40 40 59.86
25
7297
20 55 05
39 45 23.86
5834
17 10 38
36 57 13.04
7320
20 58 09
38 09 23. 70
4
5871
17 16 46
46 21 58.58
26
7361
21 06 13
22 33 45.2
5927
17 26 07
31 15 15.10
7401
21 13 27
55 15 54.42
5
5978
17 33 41
61 58 18.9
27
7444
21 18 55
25 37 43.49
5991
17 36 16
16 0(1 44. 7
7489
21 27 11
52 03 36.28
6079
17 51 20
56 53 35. 36
28
7505
21 29 35
37 57 56. 32
6
6110
17 56 57
20 50 05. 7
7521
21 31 52
39 50 37.76
7
6157
18 03 20
20 47 46. 2
29
7554
21 36 28
40 13 45.02
8
6238
18 10 04
28 48 39.4
7566.
21 38 10
37 42 10. 92
6255
18 18 18
49 03 28. 30
30
7621
21 46 12
60 12 08. 4
9
6357
18 33 55
39 33 26. 28
7641
21 50 45
11 28 27.5
6365
18 35 54
38 15 01.54
31
7683
21 57 48
57 23 17. 18
10
6391
18 40 14
39 28 51.50
7733
22 04 30
20 21 16.4
11
6468
18 50 13
33 48 27.32
32
7757
22 07 50
27 58 46.49
0475
18 51 28
43 46 47.30
7825
22 20 17
49 45 25.22
12
6520
18 57 51
46 45 20.56
7832
22 22 17
— 40 09.8
6571
19 06 54
31 04 22.42
33
7857
22 25 44
78 08 18.1
13
6586
19 09 17
65 45 57.5
34
7874
22 28 44
78 10 19.9
6615
19 13 44
12 08 35.4
7880
22 30 13
38 58 39.82
14
6652
19 19 49
2T 01 21.6
35
Gr. 3873
22 39 08
38 32 07.36
6681
19 23 29
57 46 18.90
7931
22 38 21
38 48 01.90
15
6698
19 27 03
34 11 03.32
36
7951
22 41 18
-4 53 13.7
6720
19 30 43
43 40 02.52
7990
22 47 55
82 28 47.5
10
6731
19 32 42
44 24 56. 30
8003
22 52 51
11 03 03.3
6784
19 41 36
33 26 00.74
37
8039
22 58 43
66 31 29.0
17
6819
19 40 42
18 20 49.49
38
8077
23 04 55
66 33 09.5
6852
19 51 19
59 22 23.28
8147
23 16 26
19 51 47. 4
18
6803
6901
19 52 51
19 59 31
57 54 55.94
19 37 42.0
39
40
8188
Gr. 4110
23 24 11
23 32 21
57 50 55.98
57 57 05.58
19
6918
6944
i
20 01 40
20 06 41
51 28 32.38
26 06 02.7
41
42
8296
8310
8317
23 45 57
23 48 03
23 49 12
20 57 54.22
56 47 34.04
56 42 18.74
20
6963
6998
20 09 26
20 13 46
42 59 40.52
34 35 13.28
43
Gr. 4216
8374
23 57 39
00 01
49 09 47.30
28 19 15. 15
21
7022
20 17 40
39 51 04.58
14
28
06 55
40 20*03.30
7061
20 22 52
38 01 27.56
67
14 26
37 15 53.68
22
7084
29 26 10
36 30 32.70
45
87
18 54
1 14 10. 80
7101
20 28 29
41 02 24 58
105
22 45
76 19 06.8
340 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TU MERIDIAN.
(c)— ZENITH TELESCOPE SETTING LIST.
Station, Colorado Springs, Colo. Approximate latitude, 3B C i'J'.l. Approximate longitude, 6 h 59 m 17 8 .
No.
pair.
B. A.C.
Mas.
a.
8.
Zenith dis-
tance.
S.
N.
.Setting.
Ki'inarks.
1
5587
6J
h.
16
in.
34
I.
57
12
38.6
1
20 11.1
S.
26
5.6
5628
5
40
3
64
49.8
26 0. 1
N.
o
5747
5
16
56
55
33
45.2
5 4.5
S.
5
7.0
5775
6
17
1
13
43
59.2
5 9.5
N.
3
5700
5»
17
3
38
40
41.0
1 51.3
N.
1
51.9
5834
3j
10
38
36
57. 2
1 52. 5
S.
it IlercnliB.
4
5871
6
16
46
46
22.0
7 32.3
N.
7
33.4
5927
26
7
31
15.2
7 34.5
s.
5
5978
6
33
41
61
58.3
23 8. 6
N.
2°
58.8
5991
6
36
16
16
0.7
22 49.0
S.
61179
35
51
20
56
53.6
18 3.9
N.
18
1.8
( Draeonis.
C
6110
5
56
57
20
50. 1
17 59.6
S.
7
6157
5J
18
3
20
20
47.8
18 1.9
s.
8
6238
6
16
4
2K
48.6
10 1.1
s.
10
7.4
t Herculis.
6255
5
18
18
49
3.5
10 13.8
N.
9
6357
6
33
55
39
33.4
43.7
N.
39.2
6365
6
35
54
38
15.0
34.7
S.
10
6391
5
40
14
39
28.8
39.1
N.
i 2 Lyrae.
11
6468
6
50
13
33
48.4
5 1.3
S.
4
0.7
6475
5
51
28
43
46.8
4 57. 1
N.
12
6520
5J
57
51
46
45.3
7 55.6
N.
7
50.5
6571
6
19
6
54
31
4.4
7 45.3
S.
13
6586
9
17
65
45.9
26 56. 2
N.
26
48.7
6615
6
13
44
12
8.6
26 41.1
S.
A Aqnilje.
14
6652
7
19
49
20
1.4
18 48.3
s.
is
52.5
6681
H
23
29
57
46.3
18 56.6
N.
ID
6698
6
27
3
34
11. 1
4 38.6
s.
4
44.5
6720
6
30
43
43
40.0
4 50.3
N.
16
6731
6
32
42
44
24.9
5 35.2
N.
5
29.5
6784
5
41
36
33
26.0
5 23.7
S.
X Cygni.
METHODS OF SURVEY.
341
(f)-— OBSERVATIONS FOR LATITUDE.— COMPUTATION.
Station, Colorado Springs, Colo. August 2, 1873. Dr. F. Kampf, observer. Dr. F. Kampf,
recorder.
No. of
obser-
vation.
No.
of
pair.
No. in
B. A. C.
N.
Micrometer
Level.
Remarks.
S.
reading.
N.
S.
18
1
5587
s.
Turns. Divx.
13 2.6
d.
16.0
d.
25.4
Air good, little undulating.
5628
N.
2 83.9
45.5
Out.
19
2
5747
S.
7 23.7
19.8
22.3
5775
N.
12 27. 8
21.8
20.3
20
3
5790
N.
8 79.0
21.3
20.7
5834
S.
9 79.8
14.3
27.9
21
4
5871
N.
7 42.8
24.3
17.3
5927
S.
4 72.9
21.4
20.0
Wrong star. ?
22
5
5978
N.
18 32.
22.3
19.5
50U1
S.
—0 78.7
13.0
29.0
6079
N.
11 34.6
25.0
17.0
32' after last wire.
23
C
6110
S.
7 8.9
9.3
32.0
24
7
6157
s.
9 35. 1
8.0
33.6
25
8
6238
s.
2 62.8
24.0
17.7
6255
s.
15 0.7
8.3
33.4
26
9
6357
N.
13 31.0
20.0
22.0
6365
s.
4 53.2
11.9
29.4
12» after meridian ; very
aint.
27
10
6390
N.
8 95.0
23.0
19.3
28
11
6468
S.
11 94. 6
21.0
21.8
6475
N.
8 8.1
17.0
26.0
29
12
6520
N.
14 39.
24.4
18.7
6571
S.
4 36.4
9.3
33.4
30
13
6586
N.
17 10. 2
21.8
20.9
Changed the inclination
on the last wire.
6615
S.
2 31.2
23.9
18.5
No. of
obser-
vation.
Do
liliatiun.
Half aum of
declinations.
Corrections.
Latitude.
Mic
•om. and refr.
Level.
Merid.
18
o
12
64
38 36. 28
49 57.93
O ' "
38 44 17. 10
+ 5 16.52
+ 8.83
0.00
38 49 42.45
19
33
43
45 19.77
59 16. 77
38 52 18. 27
-2 36.61
— f.27
0.00
38 49 41.39
20
40
36
41 6. 67
57 19.23
38 49 12.95
+0 31.09
—3.58
0. 110
38 49 40.46
22
61
16
56
58 27.07
47. 09
53 42.89
38 59 37.08
-9 53.67
—3.63
0.00
38 49 39.78
23
20
50 9.14
38 51 56. 02
2 12.26
-4.03
+0.30
38 49 40.03
24
20
47 49. 68
38 50 46. 29
-1 1.99
-4.84
+ 0.30
38 49 39.76
25
28
49
28 44.07
3 34.80
38 46 9. 43
-5 24.60
-5 14
0.00
38 49 39.09
342 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100T1I MERIDIAN.
(^.—OBSERVATIONS FOR LATITUDE.— COMPUTATION— Continued.
No. of
obser-
vation.
De
lination.
Half sum of
declinations.
Corrections.
Latitude.
Microni. and refr.
Level.
Mt'iiil.
26
o
39
38
33
15
31.90
7.04
O ' "
38 54 19.47
-4 32.73
-5.36
+ 0.04
38 49 41.42
27
39
28
57.04
38 52 2.04
-2 17.25
-3.79
+ 0.04
38 49 41.04
28
33
43
48
40
32.34
52. 49
39 17 42.42
+ 2 00.07
-2.69
0.00
38 49 39.80
29
•16
31
45
4
26.13
27. 10
38 54 56.64
-5 11.50
-5.06
0.00
38 49 40.08
30
65
12
46
8
2.67
38.70
38 57 20.68
-7 39.54
+ 1.73
+O.04
38 49 42.91
(g).— TIME STARS.
The following table gives the time stars which it will be most favorable to use,
and they are paired generally in the most convenient manner for observing. If prac-
ticable, they should be observed at the same altitudes east and west ; at any rate the
altitudes should be as nearly equal as possible. The double altitudes should be be
tvveen 80° and 120°, and, if practicable, the time observations should be made before
and after the latitude observations.
Month.
East star.
West star.
Approx.
double alti-
tude.
East star.
"West star.
Approx.
double alti-
tude.
June
July
August
September..
October
November . .
y TJrsac Majoris ... .
Arcturus
95°
100°
118°
90°
mi
88°
a Coronae Borealis ..
a Corona.* Borealis ..
a Coronae Borealis . .
95°
88^
Markab
v Pegasi
ft Andromeda;.. .
Markab
a Andromedae. . .
a Coronae Borealis . .
The following gives, in the order of their Right Ascensions, a list of stars which may also be used for time when
from any cause it is impracticable or undesirable to use the stars of the above lisl
ft Cassiopeae.
6 Andromedae.
a Cassiopeje.
ft Andromedae.
V Andromeda?.
ft IVrsei.
a Persei.
f CrssE Majoris.
ft Serpentis.
ft Hereulis.
£ Hereulis.
e Hereulis.
ra>.
10
9 54 24
10
7 56 08
15
9 34 42
15
7 36 25
20
9 14 59
20
7 16 42
25
8 55 26
25
6 56 59
1
10 57 42
1
8 59 26
5
10 41 56
5
8 43 39
a Serpentis.
10
15
20
25
10 22 13
10 02 31
9 42 48
9 23 05
10
15
20
25
1
5
8 23 57
8 04 14
7 44 31
7 24 48
10 50 27
10 34 40
1
5
h. m. s.
8 48 13
8 32 27
a Ophiuchi.
10
15'
20
10 14 58
9 55 15
9 35 32
10
15
20
8 12 44
7 53 02
7 33 19
25
9 15 49
25
1
5
7 13 36
11 03 45
10 47 59
1
5
h. m. s.
9 01 32
8 45 46
1
5
h. m. s.
7 03 16
6 47 29
Altair
(a AqailSB.)
10
15
20
10 28 16
10 08 34
9 48 51
10
15
20
8 26 03
8 06 20
7 46 38
10
15
20
6 27 47
6 08 04
5 48 21
25
9 29 08
25
1
5
7 26 55
10 54 55
10 39 09
25
1
5
5 28 38
8 56 39
8 40 52
1
5
A. m. 8.
6 54 25
6 38 39
e Pegasi.
10
10 19 26
10
8 21 10
10
6 18 56
15
9 59 43
15
8 01 27
15
5 59 14
20
9 40 01
20
7 41 44
20
5 39 31
25
9 20 18
25
1
5
7 22 01
10 17 09
10 01 22
25
1
5
5 19 48
8 14 55
7 59 09
Markiib,
(a Pegasi.)
10
9 41 40
10
7 39 26
15
9 21 57
15
7 19 44
20
9 02 14
20
7 00 01
25
8 42 31
25
6 40 18
Besides the above, which will always be used when possible, the followin
They are given in the order of their Right Ascensions :
a Libra, y Serpentis. $ Ophiuchi. P Capricorni.
..
BASE MEASUREMENT.
The location of the base line is selected with great care, having- in
view the greatest level expanse conveniently situated as regards the initial
geographic points and those intended to be occupied in the scheme of de-
velopment.
METHODS OF SUKVEY. 345
The entire line is cleared of all impediments and made as level as pos-
sible.
The extremities are permanently marked by 5-foot iron rods encased
in cement-laid brick piers, and iron bolts at intervals of 200 feet are placed
for convenience and accuracy in alignment. The line is also accurately
leveled. For the purpose of development large temporary wooden frames
are erected over the ends of the line.
The measurements were made by a rod herein described.
DESCRIPTION OF MEASURING-ROD.
The rod was decided upon by the officer in charge in the winter of
1875-76, upon consultation with Dr. Kampf, and constructed by Mr.
Edward Kahler. It was made of wood, 20 feet in length, strengthened by
vertical cross-piece. Each end of the rod is provided with a scale 8 inches
long, subdivided to one one-hundreths of an inch so that by a magnifier it
can be read to thousandths. At a point near the center an arc of a circle
of 30° extension is fastened. An arm attached to the center of the circle,
and movable by a micrometer screw, carries a level, so that after deter-
mining the zero point on the face of the circle the inclination of the rod can
be easily read to five minutes. The rod is placed for measurement on two
iron plates weighing about 30 pounds each, and provided with three strong
iron pins 2 inches long. In the center of the plate, on an elevated silver
plane, is drawn a cross-line, which acts in the nature of the zero-point of the
line.
METHOD OF COMPARISON.
The rod was compared daily, both before and after its use, with two
steel standard rods, constructed by the U. S. Coast Survey, and of a nor-
mal length of 5 feet, at the temperature of 61°. 6 Fahr. A very simple
apparatus was used, constructed for comparison, the standard steel rods
being supported on two wooden blocks, and therefore elevated by the
thickness of this support from the plane of measurement, two knife-blades
were driven in a wooden board, 22 by 1£ feet by 4 inches, being as much
above the surface of the board as the polished plane at the end of the
normal rod. The center of the sharp blade and the plane of the normal
rod are brought into the same vertical plane, and by an assistant is kept in
346 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OP 100TH MERIDIAN.
this position until the second rod is brought in contact with the first. Thus
continuing, the fourth rod was found to reach over the knife-blade about
li inches. A square block of wood was placed at the end, in contact with
the normal rod, and by means of a small measure, 3 inches long, and
divided to hundredths, the distance from the square block of wood to the
blade of the knife is read, the temperature being always carefully noted
and the measurement repeated.
After determining the distance between two points on the edges of
the knife-blades, the measuring-rod is placed on top of the blades with the
utmost care, and the scale on both ends read. In this manner the amount
of overlapping of the rod was obtained.
DESCRIPTION OF METHOD OF MEASUREMENT.
The line is laid out in advance for one day's work, marked by iron
pins 2 feet in length and about 180 feet apart. A hue line is tied to one
pin and fastened to the next one. Two plates are then laid down within
the distance of 20 feet 2 inches, approximately, so that they are parallel
with the line and tangent to it. One laborer takes the measuring-rod, bring-
ing it near the plates, and the assistant being at the rear end, the laborer
on the other, both grasp the rod at the same time and put it on top of the
plates five one-hundredths of an inch distant from the cross on the ridge of
the plates. The assistant reads the rear end of the scales at the same time
that the principal observer reads at the front end by means of a common
magnifying-glass. The readings are then at once recorded. After that the
level is read by the principal and simultaneously by the assistant, who is
now at the front end. He reads the rear end of the scales, and the
readings are recorded by both. Then the readings are called out and in
case of disagreement repeated. In the mean while the other laborer puts
an auxiliary rod of 20 feet 2 inches in the position, so that the rear end
may be in line with the mark on the plate driving the third plate in the
ground. When the readings are finished the new plate is found in its
proper position, the laborer brings the rods in front of both plates, and the
operation is repeated. The other laborer takes meanwhile the first plate
put down and brings it to the front as No. 4. The thermometer is read
from time to time on the shady and sunny side of the rod, to obtain its
MFTHOUS OF SUEVEY.
347
temperature. After a reasonable practice the rate of measurement may be
assumed as 20 feet for each interval of one and one half minutes.
CO-EFFICIENT OF EXPANSION.
The steel rods of the U. S. Coast Survey are of normal length at the
temperature of 61°.G Fahr. By means of the co-efficient of expansion for
one degree, as given in Lee's tables, the distance of 20 feet is reduced by
applying the temperature of the time of comparison, and thereby the
distance between both knife-blades is obtained. To this is added the read-
ings of the scales of the rod, and the length of the rod for the observed
temperature is found. The mean of the observations at low and high
temperatures are taken, and from the difference of both lengths the factor
of expansion is derived, as shown in the next table.
Coujp:
trigone at low temperature.
Comparisons at high temperature.
co
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Inch.
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hick.
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°
Inch,
Inch.
Inch.
Inch.
Inch.
Sept. 23
-14.1
-1.4950
0215
-1.5165
ii. 1950
-1.0215
+51.4
-1.5500
+ 0.0784
—1.4716
0. 5110
-U.9606
24
- 6.G
-1. 4950
-0.0101
—1. 5051
0. 4940
—1.0111
f36.4
-1.5450
+ 0.0555
-1. 4895
0. 5050
-0.9845
25
-10.3
— 1. 4960
-0.0157
—1.5117
0. 1980
- 1.0137
+39.4
— 1. 5540
+ 0.0601
-1.4939
0. 5200
-0. 9739
26
- 7.6
-1.5150
-0.0116
— 1. 5266
0. 5050
-1.0216
+ 18.4
—1. 5320
+0. 0739
—1.4581
0. 5180
-0.9401
27
-10.6
— 1. 5000
-0. 0162
-1.5102
0. 5070
-1.0092
+ 23.4
-1.5350
+ 0.0357
-1. 4993
0. 5220
-0. 9773
28
- 3.1
-1. 5150
-0. 0047
—1. 5197
0.5170
—1.0027
+ 11.4
—1. 5480
+0. 0220
—1. 5260
0. 5280
-0. 9980
20
- 8.8
-1.5100
-0. 0134
- 1. 5234
0. 5270
-0.0964
+22.0
—1. 5390
+ 0.0336
—1. 5054
0. 5320
—0. 9734
30
- 6.6
-1.5230
- 0.0101
-1.5331
ii 5320
-1.0011
+47.9
-1. 5650
+0. 0731
-1.4910
0. 5390
-0. 9529
Oct. 1
- 7.8
-1. 5260
-0.0119
—1. 5379
0. 5390
-1.0079
+ 11.4
-1.5410
+0.0174
—1. 5236
0.5410
-0. 9826
o
- 2.4
—1.5340
-0. 0037
-1. 5377
0. 5390
-0. 9987
+60.4
-1 5010
+ 0.0922
-1.4718
0.5540
—0.9178
3
- 9.0
-1.5180
-0.0146
-1.5326
0. 5350
0.9070
+44.4
-1.5750
+0. 0677
- 1.5073
0.5420
—0. 9653
4
- 0.0
-1.5350
-0.0146
-1.5496
0. 5410
-1.0086
+52.4
-1. 5750
+ 0.0800
-1.4950
0. 5450
—0. 9500
5
- 9.6
-1.5330
-0. 0146
-1.5476
ii. 5390
-1. 0086
+60.4
-1. 5880
+0. 0922
-1.4958
0.5510
-0.9148
G
-10.2
-1. 5330
—0. 0156
-1. 5486
0. 5410
-1. 0076
+56.4
—1. 5740
+ 0.0861
— 1. 4879
0. 5960
—0.9419
7
- 5.6
-1.5440
—0. 0085
—1. 5525
0. 5410
-1.0115
+ 18.4
—1. 5730
+0.0281
-1.5449
0. 5420
-1. 0029
8
+ 0.4
-1.5580
+0. 0006
—1. 5574
0. 5490
-1. 0784
+ 17.4
-1.5740
+0. 0266
1.5476
0. 5510
-0. 9966
10
-13.0
-1. 5450
-0. 0198
—1. 5648
0. 5590
-1.0058
+33.4
-1. 5750
+0. 0509
-1.5241
0. 5620
-0. 9621
11
11
- 5.8
- 2.6
-1. 5370
-1.5370
-0. 0088
-0.0040
—1. 515S
-1.5410
0. 5600
0.5410
-0. 9858
-1. 0000
Mean length of rod at 54°.5 Fahr.=20 feet-1.0062 Inch.
Mean length of roil at 99°.0 Fahr. = 20 feet-0.96616 inch.
Expansion of rod for 44°. 5 Fahr. =0.04004 inch.
Expansion of rod for 1^.0 Fahr. =0.00090 inch.
348 U- S. GEOGKAPHICAL SUEVEYS WEST OF 100TH ME1MDIAN.
REDUCTION OF OBSERVATIONS.
Tlie following corrections are applied to the number of rods multiplied
by 20 feet :
(1) Difference of rod from 20 feet at mean temperature of all observa-
tions multiplied by the number of rods measured.
(2) Readings of both ends of wooden rod when lying on the plates.
(3) Correction for inclination.
The following table contains the corrections for (1):
Date.
First measurement.
Date.
Second measurement.
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I s
r.
"3 re
> o
f°
Sept. 'J:i
88
80
89
80
65
81
.-:<
84
92
94
93
85
104
104
54
109
102
104
111
105
98
108
110
72
Inches.
—101.5487
—102. 1987
52.6305
-100.5279
-101.6022
- Iii2. 1061
—108.2337
-102 9000
- 95.3392
-104 8724
-106.8146
- 70.4318
Oct. 5
92
97
92.5
81
88
58
63
57
144
151
152
150
145
129
148
150
Inches.
144. 8357
146.171(1
147. 7516
151. 9837
141.5302
129. 3945
139. 4297
141.7125
6
7
8
10
11
29
17
18
Oct. 1
2
3
4
First measurement, 1, 181 roils- 1, 155. 2558 inches.
Second measurement, 1, 179 rods— 1, 142. 4090 inches.
DEDUCTION OF RESULTS OF LENGTHS OF BASE NEAR SUTRO, NEV.
Sum of coi lections for (1)
Slim of correct ions for (2).
Sum of corrections for (3)
Sum of corrections
Number of rods multiplied by 20 feet.
Lenth of base
Mean
Reduction to the level of the sea
Resulting leDgth (feet)
First
measurement.
— 96.2713
—101.2506
— 1. 1624
—198.6843
23620. (1000
23421.3157
Second
measurement.
— 95. 2007
— 62. 2997
— 1. 1492
-158.3496
23580. 0000
23121. 3504
23421. 333
— 4. 946
METHODS OF SURVEY. 349
GEODETIC AND TOPOGRAPHIC.
It becomes important to determine astronomically the longitudes and
latitudes of a sufficient number of stations as points of departure for sur-
veys, and as subsequent checks upon an extended triangulation. It having
been determined upon to prosecute the survey over a given region, the
most convenient astronomical station is selected, if one has been determined
within or sufficiently near the area, or else observations to determine the
co-ordinates of a well-selected point must be made. The location .of the
site for a base-line in the vicinity is selected, if practicable, upon a plain
or in a valley surrounded by mountain ridges, so that its direction shall be
nearly coincident with the longer axis of the curve passing through the
triangulation points lying within its horizon. The extremities of the base
are then permanently marked, and frequently stations along it. Base
measurements have been made by the wooden rod, approximately 20 feet
in length, heretofore escribed, careful comp risons being made before and
after each day's measurement. Each base is measured at least twice, or for-
ward and backward, and the mean of the results taken. The astronomical
azimuth of the base is determined from either extremity, and from one of
the extremities to the end of a developed base being the vertex of one of
the surrounding triangles. The vertices of the surrounding triangles are
so selected that the direction of the line of greatest distance between any
two is such that this triangular side with eacli of the two others joining
with the majority of the main triangulation stations shall make a number
of well-shaped or as nearly isoceles triangles as possible. From observa-
tions made at the vertices of a sufficient number of triangles a proper
connection is made between the initial astronomical point and each of the
main triangulation stations surrounding it. The grade of the observations
made at developed triangulation points is the same as that employed at the
main stations.
MAIN TRIANGULATION STATIONS.
These are selected in advance, usually prominent mountain peaks,
buttes, mesa edges, and from among natural objects easily identified, so
350 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
that the triangles of which they become the vertices shall be as nearly
equilateral as practicable. Main triangles usually quadrilaterally connected,
having sides from 20 to 60 and 70 miles in length, cover the entire area.
Sides of triangles of greater length than 40 miles are to be avoided when
possible. From six to ten and twelve pointings are made from each sta-
tion to each adjacent station of the same order within the horizon.
The instrument used* is a transit theodolite of 10 or 8 inch limb,
graduated to read by vernier to 5 or 10 seconds in arc, and with magnify-
ing power sufficiently strong to recognize objects at a distance of 75 miles
in the rare clear atmosphere of the western mountains. Both vernier and
repeated angles are read at each station. A profile of the entire horizon,
usually consisting of mountain ridges, is then made, serving to identify
distant stations and aiding also the topographer. Angles of elevation and
depression are read to the most prominent mountain peaks. The azimuth
of one side of each triangle is required. Incidentally the variation of the
needle is determined. The set of meteorological observations is taken at
extremities of measured and developed bases, and also main and secondary
triangulation stations. The point is marked by a compact conical-shaped
mound of stones, in which a staff is firmly imbedded. A record of the
occupation, on parchment paper, incased in a metallic box, is left buried in
the cairn.
The computed positions of the main stations give the co-ordinates
of a large number of initial points not alone of value in current map-
ping enterprises, but which will prove of permanent usefulness in the
future as more details are added to existing maps, and might now be
availed of with advantage to the land surveys in checking their main and
minor lines.
SECONDARY TRIANGULATION STATIONS.
These stations are selected among minor peaks and natural objects,
usually at lower altitudes than the main stations. The belts of triangles
"The triangulation instrument used at the main triangulation stations is the result of the expe-
rience of the survey, combining portability and strength with the requisite accuracy. It may also be
available for astronomical time and azimuth observations.
METHODS OF SURVEY. 351
connecting these stations do not necessarily make a network covering- the
entire area, but embrace the mountain portions lying between the valleys
and plains. The observations are frequently made with the same instru-
ments and in like manner to those at the main stations, with fewer multipli-
cations. A triangulation instrument of lesser graduation and focal power
may be used, and the observations repeated from three to five times. The
horizon sketch, barometric observations, etc., are the same as at main
stations. The sides of the secondary triangles vary in length from 2 to 20
miles.
THREE-POINT STATIONS.
These may be minor peaks or topographic objects, but are usually
taken along measured lines. Each station must lie in clear view of three
others determined in position as main or secondary tri.mgulation stations.
The readings are made by a transit theodolite, graduated to read by vernier
to one minute. Aneroid readings are always taken, but not necessarily
the full set of meteorological observations, variation, etc., as is required at
main and secondary stations The number of this class of stations is great
as compared with main and secondary stations. The longitude and latitude
of the most important are computed, and others are reduced graphically.
CROSS-SIGHT STATIONS.
These points lie outside of the area being occupied, and are such as
may be available for main triangulation stations for occupation in subse-
quent seasons. From the main station at which pointings are taken these
stations are treated the same as a distant main triangulation station, and
they come into the system of triangulation as the same is extended to
include them.
352 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF LOOTH MERIDIAN.
The following is an example of the form employed for field triangula-
tion observations :
Date, August 12, 1877. Station, Mount Pisgah. Observers, Liont. S. E. Tillman and Topog-
rapher G. Thompson. Instrument, Stackpole No. 1459.
i Ibjects
Meade Peak
Castle Rock
Sin i iu:iu Peak
Oj ford Peak
Sedgwick Peak-
Elkliorn (?) .
s. Putnam Peak
Mount Putnam
Noi i!i end Mount Putnam
Tetons
Mount Baird
Peak
Point
Wyoming Peak
Meade Peak
Headings,
1" set.
Mi .-in
Vernier A
1,
a. & n.
o , II
/ a
, „
ii (i :>
15 39 55
39 53
39 55
20 .". 5
4 45
lit 53
::'.i ..i 30
:.l 30
51 30
42 30 -.".
35 55
30 10
49 25 30
26 20
,25 25
78 4 111
4
04 05
i 25
4 55
03 111
197 12 4li
12 30
12 35
214 4 30
4 20
114 25
214 52 25
51 55
52 I"
27.', 8 »
7 50
U7 55
290 in 45
10 45
40 45
31S 13 15
13 5
13 10
3.10 II
o n
angles.
15 39
4 25
19 40
2 44
6 49
28 38
4 1
115 7
10 51
47
00 15
15 32
27 32
Readings, 4° s0a, at Nogal Creek, N. Mex. Topographer, Frank O. Maxson. Date, August
8, 1877. Instrument used, 4892, Young & Sous. Party 2, Colorado Division. Magnetic variation Camp
48, 12° 33'. Lat., . Dep., . Miles surveyed, 21.32. Miles unsurveyed, . Total, 21.32.
Time.
IV
V
Nogal Peak
Noga] Peak
I
II
III
Camp 50.
Kast ( 'one, 250-35.
199 III. M.M., 322-10. So. BI, 118-14. N.
So. 151., 131-45. Nogal, 9-40 ( + 3°-10').
East. Cone, 69-30.
In canon of Nogal Ck., about 1 ni.N. E. of
Nogal Pk. Aug. 13. 1877.
2051. M. M., 44-52. So. BI., 218-40. Nog.,
305-56 (+ll°-05'l. N. So. BI., 241-25.
Cone E., 172-20.
206 II. M. M., 250-15. So. BI.. 71-53. Nog.,
167-45 (+5°-15'). N. So.Bl., 98-24. Tor-
tolita, 247-23.
207 III. M. M., 218-26. So. BI., 44-30. Nog.
130-30 <+4o_i5<). N.So. BI., 71-30. Tor-
tolita. 208-16.
208IV. M. M.,41-37. So. BI., 232-35. Nog.,
298-30 t + 3°-47'). N. So. BI., 256-55.
Tortolita, 12-25.
209 V. M. M., . So. BI., 353-50. Nog.,
58-45 ( + 4°-02'). N. So. BI., . Tor-
tolita, 116-34.
210 VI. M. M., 104-15. So. BI.,
Nog., . N. So. BI., . Torto-
lita. .
Cone E., 296-32. Carr, 86. Cone E. of Cone
E-, 258-00. Pajarito, 163-15. Bare Cone
E„ 114-21.
MAGNETIC NORTH
350 o
~~ ; \\\\\ \ \ - . ■. ■ \ \ \ \\\ \\\ ii 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 / u 1 1 1 1 1 1 ii //////////////////
- - --, tt^ — r 1 rv — i — ii ' ■ n 1 r—r-\ m — 7 1 1 t — c — i ift ' a 1 i 1 c 1 h 1 : r - i i i v V- tx n i — — r — ?T 1 '
'h r 77 / rriT7 C r77Th//i!i;irii! //// 1 \\ \ \\\ \ \\\ \ \ w \\ \ \ vttyttA\\\\\\\vO
Main-route and Side Meanders, ana Topographical Stations
Form :\ .
I Scale 1 mi h to J milo )
METHODS OF SURVEY. 357
BAROMETRIC ALTITUDES.
Differences in altitude resulting from barometric observations are ob-
tained for each of the stations of the several grades of observations.
These are divided into cistern and aneroid barometer observations. A set
of the cistern barometer observations consists of the reading of the mer-
curial column by a vernier scale, and of the attached thermometer for
temperature of the column, and of the wet and dry bulb thermometers.
The anemometer, when at hand, indicates the force of the wind, its direc-
tion, while the character and extent of clouds are also estimated. The
maximum and minimum thermometers are each recorded once during every
twenty-four hours. At main astronomic stations the rain-gauge is also
employed. Aneroid barometer readings are in all cases referred to those
of the cistern barometer, and frequently during each twenty-four hours
the comparative index error is determined. Aneroid observations consist
of reading by the index arm the inches and decimals of an inch, and upon
the altitude scale the number of feet, as also the attached thermometer.
The general meteorological conditions are noted and the hygrometers are
frequently read. The methods of observation, of reduction, care, repair,
and filling of instruments are described in the manual of instructions.
(There are three editions. See list of reports and maps, 1881.)
The temperature of mineral and thermal springs of the area surveyed
is noted, and specimens therefrom taken for examination and analysis.
The difference of readings of the wet and dry bulbs in the atmosphere
adjacent to and over surfaces of water, as lakes, ponds, hot springs, rivers,
etc, is in many instances noted. For the observations in the branches
of mineralogy and mines, geology, paleontology, zoology, botany, and
archaeology, 'usually made by experts and specialists, requiring but few
instruments,* the eve unaided so frequently noting phenomena, no formu-
lated methods as guides have so far been devised. Different observers may
reach the same results by slightly different methods. The collection ot
data is dependent upon the objects sough t, wh ether scientific or prac tical.
^T^rineipal instruments of -the geologist are the geological pick and hammer, ^^^
compass, pocket iLl, an* aneroid barometer, the Hues ^^rUaUon ^^S^S^S.
where well defined, being impossible of exact measurement, even if that were requisite,
nessof exposed strata and beds being, however, more important.
358 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SUKVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
Tlie results are the determination of the structural geology of the region
through chemic, petrographic, and paleontologic data, with characteristic
profiles, the collection of fossils, vertebrates, and invertebrates from dis-
covered beds. In mineralogy and mines* the examinations take a wider
range, involving engineering plans and methods of execution, as in the
mining and milling of ores, etc. Specimens are, when practicable, col-
lected illustrating the lithological characteristics of all grades of rock,
deposits of ores, from saline, alkaline, borax, and other beds.
In zoology collections of mammals, birds, fishes, insects, etc., are
made, and when a sufficient amount of any one class is secured, are placed
in the hands of a specialist for examination and report, The same rule
applies in botany.f A study is made of the present and extinct Indian
tribes as to their habits, language, customs, burial places, mounds, etc.
Photographs of landscape and stereoscopic size are made when practicable,
illustrative of peculiar landscape features, of particular geological forma-
tions, of ruins, and of several Indian tribes.
Exemplifications of the field barometric are herewith: («) Cistern and
aneroid barometer readings (Form I); (b) aneroid readings (Form III);
(c) aneroid and odometer readings (Form IV):
(a). [Form I. ]— CISTERN AND ANEROID READINGS.
Purty: No. 1. Utah section. Louis Seckels, observer.
CAM!' NO. 28, TOLL-GATE (SUMMIT RANCH), PLUMAS COUNTY, CAL.
Date.
Standard Cist, bar., No. 1735.
Cist. bar.
No. 1767.
.\ neroid.
Thermometers.
3
a
5
Wind.
Hour.
I 1
be
a
d
V
M
41 . Sto
; = =71
-= B
~ Z
bt
a
«
■a
O t-
s a.
<-
»3
c —
t3
■J "
- £
5~
-
No. 5.
No. 4.
a
o
3
o
9,
1878
Sep! 20
Sept. 20
Sept 21
Sept L'l
2.00 p.m.
9 00 p.m.
6.00 a.m.
7.00 a.m.
69 7
33 -
27.6
34.3
24.684
-.013
24.617
33.5
27.8
34.8
24.612
24 612
24.638
71
35
31.1
36
24.22
24.23
24 23
24.27
65
46.3
31.4
27 4
31.5
w.
S¥.
W,
sw.
8
2
■■
2
24.620
24.614
24.636
-.006
35
30
24 48
24.47
70
28
33.5
28.8
34.2
"See list of mining questions, preliminary report, 1871, p. 32.
t Special survey forms regulate the field record in " natural history " and "botany." Special
forms (not subject to issue) regulate the organization and equipment of field parties.
METHODS OP SURVEY.
(a). [Form I.]— CISTERN AND ANEROID READINGS— Continued.
359
FORKS OF THE ROAD, NEAR BRIDGE OVER BUTT CREEK, (ANEROID STATION" 11).
Date.
Standard Cist. bar. No. 1735.
Cist. bar.
No. 1767.
Aneroid.
Thermometer
aa
'J
o
5
Wind.
Hour.
3|
<**
si
a
'<£
a
9
-H
CD
-
a
■!&;
- -1
-■-
S =
So'
eg
«
5 c
-3T
5 7.
i IE
V. Si
- =
■ -
si
•--='
No. 5
No. 4.
_5
5
Es,
u
i .a
Q
1878.
Sept. 21
12.15 p.m.
70.6
25.522
...
..
69.8
52 2
SE.
4
*BUTT MOUNTAIN, CIS. BAROM., 20 FEET BELOW SUMMIT.
Sept. 24
Sept. 24
Sept. 2!
8.00 a.m.
37.5
40.0
45.0
49.5
22.580
22.600
22.618
22.634
33.5
38.5
42.5
47.0
29.5
31 U
31.5
34.0
Sept. 21
* Lieutenant Tillman, observer. Psj-chonieter No. 7 , No. 4 and Cist, baroni. No. 1735 at Camp 29.
(b). [Form III.]- ANEROID READINGS.
Party, main : Lieutenant Wheeler, observer. From Camp 8 to Camp 9. Date: August 24, 1874.
c3
>
&j
H
o
6
Aneroid.
in. ■
HO
. CI
OM
2 it
11
5- 1
a
a
■— -=
o
u
u
a
-
—
S
9
H
"Weather.
■OS
a
"3
©
a
Is
O =5
Remarks.
Hour.
V
,3
a
3
ti
a
5
M
Camp.
1
2
3
4
5
G
7
Camp.
6.00 a.m.
8.15 a.m.
10.00 a.m.
12.20 p.m.
1.00 p.m.
2 00 p.m.
2.30 p.m.
3.00 p.m.
8 00 p.m.
1719
1719
1719
1719
1719
1719
1719
1719
1719
22.35
22 35
21.695
21.010
20.84
20.81
20.83
20.83
21.93
22.715
22.318
-.365
-.376
-.376
-.376
-.376
-.376
-.376
-.376
-.388
48.4
50.5
74.5
69.6
70 2
68.8
663
62.2
54.2
...do
...do
Cum. and wind .
Nim. and wind. J
...do
....do
... do
7,610
7,61(1
8,045
J,:6d
9,455
9,500
»,460
9 460
B.090
29.65
J9 65
29.65
29.65
29.65
C9.G5
29.65
J9 65
29.65
Conejos, Colo.
Ford of Conejos Creek, Guadaloune
Colo.
First ascent of mesa.
Saddle, near Prospect Peak, Colo.
Prospect Peak, Colo.
Do.
Do.
Do.
On Conejos Creek, Colo.
Note.— Give locality of camp or station, with State or Territory in which situated. Take readings at divides, cross-
ings of streams, towns, ranches, settlements, mountain summits, etc., and, in general, all points which can he located without
the aid of the topographer.
360 l T - S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
(c). FORM IV.— ANEROID AND ODOMETER READINGS.
Party: No. 1. Section, Utah. L. Seekels, recorder. From Camp No. 28, at Toll Gate (Summit
Rock), to Camp No. 29, at Deer Creek Meadows, Cal. Date: September 21, 187 -*.
Sta-
tion.
Hour.
6 .
f 5
z S
<
u
- ■:
p, -
-
Cist. Inn X". 17:;:.
cm
O .
Odometer.
z ■_
s
<
X
« I
a; —
e 2
s:
Kemarks.
Reading.
Attil T.
Reading.
Per
mile.
Miles.
No. 28
ll
1
'J
:i
4
5
6
-
9
111
11
12
13
14
IS
16
17
18
19
20
No. 29
7. 00 a. m.
7.20
8.00
8.45
II. 20
9.30
10. 00
10. 20
10.40
11.00
11.30
11.50
12. 15 p.m.
12. 55
1.10
2 00
2.45
3.30
4.10
4. 35
5.30
5. 45
6. 00 ]> m.
24.27
24.28
24.37
24.38
24.60
21.67
24.80
24. 78
24.80
24.85
25 00
25.10
25.13
25. 00
25. in
25. mi
2t. no
24. 85
24.90
25. 05
25. 10
25.12
o
:;i;
21 636
o
34.3
—0.35
000
354
763
1215
1500
1856
2081
2308
2578
3014
3286
3453
3679
3830
4495
5221
5733
6435
6770
7584
7813
426
426
426
426
426
426
426
426
426
426
426
426
426
426
426
426
426
426
426
426
426
0.000
0.831
1.031
1.061
0.599
0.830
0.528
0.533
11.631
1.024
l). 639
C. 302
0.531
0.354
1.561
1.701
1.202
1.648
ll. 7S0
1.911
0.538
5,150
5,1150
5, 050
4,825
4,775
4,625
4,650
4, 625
4,575
4,450
4,350
4.300
4,450
4,350
4,450
4 475
4, 5011
4,575
4,500
4,375
4,350
29. 65
Toll sate.
48
29. 65
29.65
29.65
29.65
29.65
29. 65
29. 65
29.65
29. 65
29.65
29.65
29. C5
Creek.
Creek.
Fmks of roan toSol-
diera' Meadows,
65
72
25. 522
70.6
-0.29
29.05 r.utl Civ. k.
74
29. G5
29. G5
29. 65
29. 65
29. 65
! 29. 65
29.65
Lost Creek.
Camp No. 29.
For comparison.
72
61
•jr. 552
62.
ll 35
18. 343
Note. — Compare aneroid with cistern immeiliately before leaving anil after entering camp.
aneroid at these tinu-s are essential, and m ust be taken I" close the profile.
'lli, readings of the
The field instruments employed are as follows :
ASTRONOMIC, GEODETIC, TOPOGRAPHIC, AND BAROMETRIC INSTRUMENTS.
Astronomical transits.
Meridian transits (Coast Survey pattern).
Zenith telescopes.
Sextants and artificial horizons.
Astronomical clocks at observatories.
Mean solar and sidereal box-chronometers.
Size of limb.
Transit theodolites 10 inch
Transit theodolites 8 inch
Transit theodolites 7 inch
Transit theodolites ' 6 inch
Topographers transit theodolites 3+ inch
Gradienter 3A inch
Levels and staffs.
All -azimuths.
Pocket sextants.
Prismatic and pocket compasses.
Magnetometers.
Dip circles.
Five-foot steel standard rods (U. S. C. S. pattern).
Twenty-foot wooden rods, with scales and stands
(Survey pattern).
Compensated steel tapes, 50 feet.
Steel and linen tapes, 50 feet.
Steel chains, 50 feet.
Odometers, with vehicles (Survey pattern).
Pedometers.
c
Cistern-barometers, double vernier, with mount-
ain attachment.
Mean solar and sidereal pocket-chronometers.
METHODS OF SURVEY.
361
ASTRONOMIC, GEODETIC, TOPOGRAPHIC, AND BAROMETRIC INSTRUMENTS Cont'd.
Meantime watches.
Chronographs (cylinder and fillet patterns).
Personal-equation apparatus (Survey pattern).
Connecting switch-boards (Harkness pattern).
Break-circuit keys and battery.
Readings in arc by vernier to —
. r > seconds.
10 seconds (Survey pattern).
:S0 seconds.
60 seconds.
60 seconds (Survey pattern).
60 seconds.
Mountain cistern barometers (special pattern ).
Aneroid barometers, reading to 20,000 feet, (Survey
pattern).
Hygrometers (Survey pattern).
Pocket thermometers.
High temperature thermometers.
Maximum and minimum thermometers (Survey
pattern).
Anemometers.
Aerometers.
Raiu gauges.
One set field drawing instruments, with protract-
ors, scale, rules, and triangles.
OFFICE.
ASTRONOMIC AND GEODETIC.
The office reductions necessary in the construction of the map and
accompanying- report are, computation of the latitudes, longitudes, and alti-
tudes of points of the several orders of value, determined astronomically,
geodeticallv, hypsometrically ; the projection and construction of the tri-
angulation and the preliminary plotting sheets and of the resulting topo-
graphic maps, upon which the land classification and geological sheets are
based; in the computations of latitudes and departures, and for variations'
of the needle, and in the reduction of the meanders and other topographic
data; the preparations of tables of distances, of longitudes, latitudes, alti-
tudes, variations, etc ; and in the reduction of magnetic and other obser-
vations. The reduction of the astronomical observations of two of the
three grades employed has been adverted to, and those necessary for lati-
tude results are made upon blank forms upon which are entered the argu-
ments recpiired in computations for errors of local times, from single or
double altitudes of the sun or stars, from circum-meridian observations,
and those upon Polaris off* the meridian for latitude. The triangles are
grouped in the best conditioned figures, and the necessary computations
for the adjustments, distances, azimuths, latitudes, and longitudes are made
as indicated in the examples herewith upon geodetic computations. Com-
putations are also made of the main and secondary triangulation, cross-
sight, and three-point stations.
3(52 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TB MERIDIAN.
The following are examples of the forms of astronomic computations
(time by transit, and latitude by zenith telescope) : (a) computations for
time; (b) publication (time) ; (c) final longitude results; (d) transcript of
latitude observations ; (e) computations for latitude ; (time and latitude by
sextant and chronometer) ; (f ) time by single altitude ; (g) time by equal
altitudes (h) latitude by circummeridian altitudes; (i) latitude by Polaris.
(n)-COMPUTATION OF OBSERVATIONS FOR TIME.
Colorado Springs, Colo., August 2, 1873. Before exchange of signals.
AT' = — 10"' 15".70.
Clamp.
Name of star.
A T.
a A.
a' A.
A T'.
6T'.
A.
c.
A".
c».
E
E. .
E
E
E
E...
W .
W ..
w .
w ..
w ..
P' Scorpii
t nerculia
A Draconis
1) Ilereiilis
k Opbiucbi
« Ursa) Minoris . . -
a' Herculis.
44 Ophiuchi
m. s.
—10 15.36
10 14. 66
10 14.84
10 16.02
10 16. 39
10 17. 15
10 15.76
10 15.21
10 21.71
10 15.48
—10 14.87
g.
+ 0.23
+ 0.92
+ 0.67
—0. 2(1
-0. S3
—1.41
—0.01
+ 50
—5.09
+0.42
+0.98
8.
+0. 112
+ 0.07
+0.05
—0. (12
—0.00
-0.11
0.00
+0.04
—0.38
+ 0.03
+ 0.07
m. «.
— 10 15.59
10 15. 58
10 15.51
10 15.82
10 15.56
10 15. 74
10 15. 75
10 15.71
10 16.62
10 15. 90
-10 15.85
s.
—0.11
—0. 12
-0.19
+0.12
—0.14
+ 04
+0.05
+ 0.01
+0.92
+0.20
+ 0.15
8.
+0.23
+0.92
+0.67
—0.20
—0.83
—1.41
—0. 01
+0.50
—5.09
+ 0.42
+ 0.98
8.
+ 1.12
+ 1.08
+ 1.00
+1.46
+2.12
+2.80
—1.29
— 1.01
-7. 4!
-1.04
-1.09
X.
0.05
0.85
0.45
0.04
0.69
1.99
(10
0.25
25.91
0.18
0.96
8.
1.25
1.17
1.00
2.13
4.49
7.84
1.66
1.02
54.91
1.(18
1.19
+ 0.93
-3.82
—2.26
+ 31 37
+ 77.74
Clamp.
E...
E ..
E ..
E...
E...
F ...
W..
W ..
W ..
VV ..
W ..
Name of star.
t CorronaB
|3' Scorpii
*5 Ophiuchi
t Herculis
t) Draconis .
A Dracouia ...
i) Herculis
k Ophiuchi
( Ursa; Minoris
o' Herculia
44 Ophiuchi ...
AC.
s.
+ 0.26
A S T'.
8.
-0.03
CST'.
a°A.
cC.
8.
—0.12
8.
+0. 25
8.
+ 0.08
+ 0.99
-0.10
—0. 13
+0.99
+0.07
+0.67
—0.13
—0.19
+ 0.72
+ 0.07
—0.29
—0. 02
+0.17
—0.22
+0.10
-1.76
+ 0.12
— li. 311
-0.89
+ 14
—3.95
—0.06
+ 0.11
—1.52
+0.19
+ 0.01
0.00
—0.06
-0.01
—0.08
— 0.50
+0.01
-0.01
+ 0.51
-0. 07
+37. 72
—4.68
—6.82
—5.47
—0. 50
—0.44
+0.08
-0.21
+0.45
—0.07
-1.07
+ 0.15
—0. 16
+ 1.05
—0.07
+ 31.64
-4.66
-7.72
+ 0.33
+ 1.06
+0.79
—0. 12
—0. 75
- 1.33
-0.09
+ 0.47
—5. 97
+0.38
+0.98
Mean (11)
-10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
-10
15.69
15.72
15.63
15.90
15. 64
15.82
15.67
15.68
15.74
15.86
15.85
-10 15.745
-0 05
—0.02
— 0. 11'
+ 0.16
-0.10
+0.08
—0.07
—0.06
0.00
+ 12
+0.11
±0.019
0. 0025
0.0004
0. 0121
0. 0256
0. 0100
0. 0064
0. 0049
0. 0030
0. 0000
0.0144
0. 0121
0. 0920
METHODS OF SUEVEY (REDUCTIONS).
363
NORMAL EQUATIONS.
= + 0. 93 + 11.00ST' — 3.82a' — 2.26c
= —4.66 — 3.8261" —31.37a' +31. 64c
= —7.72 — 2. 26oT' +31. 64a' +77. 74c
0.88762 0.35411 1.50024 (1.89064)
-4.660 —3.820 +31.370
+3.142 +0.920 —12.878
—1.518 —2.900 +18.492
0.18127 0.46240 (1.26699)
+ 0.930 +11.000 —3.820
—0.224 - 0.066 + 0.920
+0.706 +10.934 —2.900
—0.238 - 0.455
<>T' =
-0.045
a' —
+ 0.075
c =
+0.067
a =
+ 1.00
a + a
= a° =
+ 1.075
+0. 468
—1.518
—7. 720
9. 67025
+ o. 130
+0. 101
1.02032
—1.388
0. 14239
+2. 375
8. 64993
—5. 244
— 0. 0)5
1. 26699
0. 71966
1. 89064
8. 87540
.
+0.075
8. 82902
+0. 067
+0. 468
9. 67025
+ 10.479
(1. 02032)
(ft).— FORM FOR PUBLICATION.
Colorado Springs, Colo. August 2, 18/3. Before signals.
Name of star.
Clamp.
« CoroDEe | E
|3' Scorpii | E
& Ophiuchi
t Herculia
>j Draconia
A Draconis
17 Herculia
k Ophiuchi
« Ursa? Hinoris.
a' Herculis \V
44 Ophiuchi .... W
h. m.
16 (12
16 26
16 32
16 38
16 48
17 01
17 09
17 19
17 28
36.71
19. 57
57.94
12 0i
34.83
33.66
49. 93
56.35
29. 37
118. 68
53.97
6B.
+0. 02
+0.(11
0.00
+0.04
0.01
+0. 12
+0.09
+0.04
+0.27
+0.05
+0.03
reA.
+0. 25
+0.99
+0.72
-0.22
-0.89
-1.52
-0.01
+0.54
- r -.47
+0.45
+1.05
(I. IIS
+ 0.07
+0.07
11 111
+0.14
+0.19
-0.08
-0.07
-0.50
-0. 07
—0.07
// . in.
16 02
16 08
16 17
16 26
16 32
16 38
16 48
17 19
17 28
37.06
20. 64
58.73
12.86
34.07
32.45
49.93
56.86
23.67
09.11
54.98
AE.
h . in.
15 52
15 58
16 07
16 15
16 22
16 28
16 38
16 51
16 59
17 08
17 18
s.
21.37
04.92
43.10
56.96
18.43
16.63
34.26
41.18
07.93
53.25
39.13
m.
-10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
-10
ff.
15.69
15.72
15.63
15.90
15.64
15.82
15.67
15.68
15.74
15.86
15.85
Mean for 1G" 35™ local sidereal time, —10'" 15>.745 ±0\020.
NOKMAL EQUATIONS.
0= +0.93 4-11. 0051— 3.82a'- 2.26c
= —4.66 — 3.82M +31. 37a' +31 64c
= -7.72 - 2.26« +31.64a' +77.74c
a' - +0».075.
c= +0 .067.
Preliminary value of the azimuth, a= +1"
Azimuth of the instrument, a + a' =+l'
00.
075.
364 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
(<■).— FINAL RESULTS FOR LONGITUDE.
Signala sent from—
Recorded at—
Mean of sig-
nals sent and
i eceived.
Time
corrections.
( Hi iii'teil
time.
Difference
of
longitude.
Dou
ble
wave
time.
Means.
is:::.
Julv 29.
h. VI. 8.
h. m. 8.
/' m. 8.
h id. s.
«.
h. in. s.
Suit Lake City . . .
Colorado Springs ..
1,- 09 on. 11
-0 10 11.72
17 58 18.39
Salt Lake City
9 2:i 24.95
+8 07 O.i. 40
17 :n 30.41
28 17. 98
( Colorado Springs . .
Colorado Springs . ..
18 15 05.10
n in 11.72
18 04 5;. 38
Salt Lake City
9 29 :i0. 17
+ 8 07 05.46
17 30 35.03
28 17. 75
0.23
28 17. 863
.Inly 3(1.
Sjli Lake City....
( tolorado Springs . - .
18 18 52.05
H 10 12.48
18 38 39.57
Salt Lake City
10 03 10. 10
+ 8 07 (15.40
18 10 21.62
(1 28 17.95
( lolorado Springs ..
< 'nli. ratio Springs . . .
19 11,1 15. 00
-li 10 12.49
18 50 03. 17
Salt Lake City
10 14 40.01
8 07 05. 46
18 21 45.47
28 17. 70
0.25
28 17.825
Angnst 2.
Salt LakeCitv
Colorado Springs . . .
is 39 07.63
-0 10 15 83
18 28 51.80
Salt Lake City ....
9 53 28. 73
+ 8 07 05. 11
18 00 33. 81
28 17. 90
* 'olorado Springs .
I lolorado Springs . ..
18 44 25.91
-0 1» 15.83
18 34 10. 08
Salt Lake City
9 58 47. 24
+ 8 07 05.11
18 05 52. 35
28 17. 73
0.23
28 17.815
August 5.
Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs . - .
18 40 45.80
-0 10 18.311
18 30 27. 50
Salt Lake City
111 111 (15. 27
+ 8 07 04.44
18 08 09. 71
28 17. 79
Salt Lake City
( lolorado Springs . -.
18 51 25. 60
—0 10 18.31
18 41 07.29
•
Salt Lake City
10 05 44.85
+8 07 04. 44
18 12 49 29
28 18. 00
0.21
o 28 17.695
August 0.
Salt Lake City. ..
( tolorado Springs . .
18 17 05.32
-0 10 19. 17
18 00 40 15
Salt Lake City
9 31 23. 72
+ 8 07 04.49
17 38 28. 21
O 28 17. 94
Colorado Springs . .
Colorado Springs .
18 25 45 30
-0 10 19.18
18 15 26. 18
Salt Lake City
9 40 03. 97
+ 8 07 04.49
17 47 08.46
28 17. 72
0.22
28 17. 830
Final <]'iTerence of longitude
Colorado Springs, Colo., east of Salt Lake City, Utah u 28 17.852
Salt Lake City, Utah (Astronomical Monument), est of Washington, D.C- 2 19 22.74
Washington, D. C. (Dome of Naval Obaeivatory), west of Greenwich 5 08 12.12
Colorado Springs, Colo. (P. S. Engineer Astronomical Monument of Geographical Sur-
veys), is hence —
° ' " h. m
West of Washington, D. C 27
West of Greenwich 104
± 0. 009
6 13
35
=
1
51
04.89
9 15
15
=
6
59
17.01
METHODS OF SURVEY (REDUCTIONS).
365
(d).— OBSERVATIONS FOR LATITUDE.
Station : Colorado Springs, Colo.
Level.
Level.
Date.
No. of
star.
Microiu
eter-
readings.
Remarks.
Date.
No. ot
star.
Micrnra-
ct. r
readings.
Remarks.
N.
S.
N.
s.
1873.
*ug. 2
5587
t. d.
13 2.
d.
16.0
d.
25.4
Air little
1873.
Aug. 2
7207
t. d.
16 55.0
d.
26.
d.
21.0
5628
2 83.9
41.5
undulating
73.0
1 57. 20. 3
27.2
" 5747
5775
7 23.7
12 27.8
19.8
21.8
22.3
20.3
7301
7401
4 70. 1
14 82.5
25.0
27.9
22.8
20.2
5790
5834
8 79.0
9 79.8
21.3
14.3
20.7
27.9
-
7144
7489
9 14.11
11 21.9
25.7
25.0
22.2
23.3
5978
5991
18 32.0
-0 78.7
22.3
13.0
19.5
29.0
750.")
7521
5 48.
14 45.6
24.7
24.6
23.5
23.5
Cloudy.
6,179
6110
11 34.6
7 8.9
25.0
9.3
17.0
32.0
Aug. 4
7503
7521
5 50.6
14 23.7
21.3
3.0
15.5
37.0
Air good.
6157
9 35.1
8.0
33.6
7554
17 79.8 22.6
17.3
6238
2 62. 8
24.
17.7
7566
1 83.1
7.4
32.7
6255
6357
15 0. 7
13 31.0
8.3
20.0
33.4
22.0
7621
7641
10 19.3
9 10.0
23.9
5.0
16.2
35.3
Changed the
inclination.
6355
4 53.2
11.9
29.4
Very Taint.
7683
12 44.7
22.7
18.0
6391
8 95.0
23.0
19.3
7733
7 26.9
23.0
18.0
6468
11 94.6
21.0
21.8
7757
7 21.0
25.2
15.8
6475
8 8.1
17.0
26.0
7825
12 4.6
20.7
21.0
6520
14 39.0
24.4
18.7
7832
15 53.0
23.0
18.3
6571
1 36. 4
9.3
33.4
7857
4 88.9
23.8
17.8
6586
17 10. 2
21.8
20.9
Changed in-
7874
6 86.5
23.6
18.0
6615
2 31.2
23.9
18.5
clination.
7S80
9 46 8
20.3
21.0
Wrong set-
6652
63.0
18.0
24.6
Gr.3873
17 49.3
30.0
11.3
ting.
6681
14 89. 3
30.4
12.3
7951
10 20. 8
23.0
18.4
6698
3 52. 3
20.8
22.0
7990
6 63.9
20.3
21.0
6720
15 11.5
27.0
16.0
8003
11 59.9
17.9
23.0
6731
6784
15 81.0
4 56.9
23. 9
17.3
19.0
26.2
8039
8077
8147
7 7.0
8 68.5
5 42.0
27.4
27. S
19.8
14.0
14.8
22.8
6819
7 75.5
18.0
26.0
8188
8 91.0
33.7
9.0
6852
11 64.6
28.6
16.0
Gr.4U0
14 83
32.7
9.8
6863
6901
5 25.0
11 67.0
26.0
16.5
18.4
28.5
8296
8310
9 51.0
15 46.0
28.0
14.0
14.5
28.6
6918
8 12.0
18.9
26.2
8317
10 38.9
13.5
29.2
6944
12 52.4
30.9
14.4
Gr.4216
5 4.3
24.7
18.0
6963
7 75.8
21.7
23.6
8374
14 99 5
16.6
26.0
6998
11 9H.7
26.0
19.5
28
7 99.1
25.
18.0
7022
16 49.0
20.5
25.2
67
11 26.2
20.3
22. 3
7061
3 54.0
32.9
13.3
87
11 41.4
22.
20.8
7084
12 98.9
20.9
25.0
105
5 70.3
25.6
17.3
7101
6 98.9
29.4
16.9
121
11 58.
17.3
25.7
7140
8 9.8
22.5
23.0
178
5 88. 5
28.8
14.5
7189
10 5.3
31.7
14.8
201
4 49.3
19.0
24. 3
7243
16 77.0
18.6
28.0
Faint.
(*)
9 35.0
15.3
28.0
7256
3 20.0
32.3
14.3
250
15 42.0
27.
16.3
366 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OP 100TH MERIDIAN.
(e).— COMPUTATIONS FOR LATITUDE OF COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO.
Date.
No. of
pair.
Half sum of
declinations.
Corrections.
Latitude.
Micr. and refr.
Level.
Merid.
1873.
Aug. 2
1
. O ' "
38 44 17.10
+5 16.52
+8.83
0. no
o ' "
38 49 42.45
2
38 52 18.27
-2 36. 61
-0.27
0.00
41.39
:i
38 49 12.95
+ 31.09
-3.58
0.00
40.46
5
38 59 37.08
-9 53.67
-3.03
0.00
39.78
38 51 56.02
-2 12.20
-4.03
+0.30
40.03
7
38 50 4G.29
-1 01.99
-4.84
+0.30
39.76
8
38 46 00.43
-6 24. CO
-5.14
0.00
39.69
9
38 54 19.47
-4 32.73
-5.36
+0.04
41.42
10
38 52 02.04
-2 17.25
-3.79
0.04
41.04
11
38 47 42.42
+2 00.07
-2.09
0.00
39.80
12
38 54 5G. 64
-5 11.50
-5.06
0.00
40.08
13
38 57 20.68
-7 39. .".4
+ 1.73
+0.04
42.91
14
38 53 53.73
-4 16.72
+3 16
0.00
40.17
15
38 55 37.74
-6 00.15
+ 2.09
0.00
40.28
16
38 55 33.12
-5 49.24
-1.10
0.00
42.78
17
38 51 40.50
-2 (10.84
+1. 26
0. 110
40.92
18
38 46 23.19
+ 3 19.28
-1.21
0.00
41.26
19
38 47 21.81
+ 2 16.82
+2.53
0,00
41.16
20
38 47 31. 17
(2 08.90
+ 1.26
o.oo
41.33
21
38 56 20. 23
-6 42.34
+ 4.12
0.00
42.01
22
38 46 32.70
+ 3 06.41
+2.31
0.00
41.42
23
38 50 37.75
-1 00. 74
+4.51
0.00
41.52
24
38 56 41.06
-7 01.60
+ 2.36
0.00
41.80
25
38 57 27.43
-7 45.41
-0. 55
0.00
41.47
26
38 51 53. 13
-5 14. 55
+ 2.72
0.00
41.30
27
38 50 43.09
- 1 04. 59
+ 1.43
o.oo
39.93
28
38 54 20.25
-4 38.88
+0.06
0.00
38 49 42.00
Aug. 4
28
38 54 20.87
-4 31.26
-6. S3
0.00
38 49 42.68
29
38 58 01. 72
-8 16. 08
-5.50
0.00
40.14
30
38 50 19. 96
-0 33.94
-6.21
0.00
39.81
31
38 52 20. 47
-2 40.89
+2.67
00
42.25
32
3S 52 09 08
-2 30.25
+2.50
0.00
41.33
33
38 44 07.72
+ 5 30.66
+ 2.94
00
41.32
34
38 45 08.56
+ 4 29.25
+2.83
0.00
40.64
35
38 45 26.65
+ 4 09.33
+4.95
0.00
40.93
36
38 47 50.22
+ 1 50.91
+1.10
0.00
42.23
37
38 47 19. 18
+2 20.71
+ 2.28
0.00
42.17
38
38 48 09. 34
+ 1 30.54
+2.17
0. 00
42.05
39
38 51 24.36
-1 48.43
+5.97
0.00
41.90
40
38 54 29.04
-4 52.37
+ 5.50
0.00
42.17
41
38 52 46.58
-3 (14 87
-0.30
0.00
41.41
42
38 50 08.94
-0 27.31
-0.60
0.00
41.03
43
38 44 33.51
+ 5 09.20
-0.74
0.00
41.97
44
38 48 00.61)
+ 1 41.01
+ 1.37
0.00
43.58
45
38 46 41.93
+ 2 58.41
+2.61
0.00
42.95
46
38 52 36.80
-2 56.95
+ 1.65
0.00
41.50
47
38 44 01.61
+ 5 39. 49
+ 1.48
0.00
42.58
48
38 46 33. 68
+ 3 (18.50
-0.55
0.00
41.72
49
38 50 36.07
-ii 57. 39
+3.49
0.00
42.17
50
38 52 35.44
-2 56.16
+ 2.61
0.00
41.89
51
38 44 19.92
4 5 24.52
-4.01
0.00
38 49 40.43
Aug. 5
14
38 53 55.48
-4 14.31
+ 0.16
0.00
38 49 41.33
15
38 55 38.54
-5 55.89
-0.22
0.00
42.43
16
38 55 33.94
-5 50.80
+0.27
0.00
43.41
17
38 51 41.30
-2 03.04
+4.45
0.00
42.71
18
38 46 24 00
+ 3 16.55
1-0. so
0.00
41.35
19
38 47 22 65
+ 2 18.31
i 03
0.00
41.49
Note.— Ttie example herein has been taken from Special Ast. Rep., 4°, 1874, p. 50, et seq.
METHODS OF SURVEY (REDUCTIONS).
367
(/).— TIME BY SINGLE ALTITUDE.
Station, Camp 10, near Hamilton, Nev. Date, July 18, 1869. Wheeler, observer.
Latitude =
L =
39
15
48.9
Lo<;. r.
North polar diat. =
A =
68
47
06.5
Bar.
Name of -star —
Obs'd doub. alt. —
Sun's upper
limb.
Attd. th.
net. th.
114
55
00.0
Index error =
Doub. alt. cor. =
- 3
25.5
Eef. (mean) 37". 2
114
51
34.5
Altitude =
57
25
47.2
Ref. (Ther. bar ) =
True alt. of * =
A =
—
37.2
57
25
10.0
L =39
15
48.9
cos.
L
=
9. 8888771
A =68
47
6.5
sin.
A
=
9. 9695230
A =57
25
10.0
cos.
I sin.
.:. =
9. 8584001
2m = 165
28
05. 4
m =82
44
2.7
cos.
m
=
9. 1020031
m — A = 25
Coa. m ain. (m — A;
18
52. 7
sin.
m- A) =
9.6310263
8. 7330294
Sin.' i p = cos - ra 9in - (a
cos. L ain
-A)
-.
8. 8746293
sin
*P
9. 4373146
JP
15
53
09.79
p in arc =
31
46
19.58
p in time =
h.
07
s.
05.30
24 h + eq. of time =
app. noon =
24
05
56.10
Mean time =
± P
=
21
58
50.80
Time of obs'n
by chron'r
=
9
29
34.68
Chron'r slow of mean time
=
+29
16.12
Note.— Thia form answers for time by single altitude of east and west atars, taken at nearly equal elevations above
the horizon and at hour angles from the meridian as nearly equal as possible.
368 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
,,,).— TIME BY EQUAL ALTITUDES OK SUN'S UPPER LIMB.
See page (5.5, Sextant Observation Book. Station, Camp 10, near Hamilton, Nev. Date, July 28,
l-r,:i. Wheeler, observer. Assumed lat., + 39° 15' 49". Assumed long., 7 h 41'" 44 s .
Dec. lit' sun at Greenwich apparent uoon
limn ly variation —34" .94
I g 7''.6955
Dec. at apparent noon at station.
Eq. of time at Gr. apparent noon
Hourly variation 0- 054
Long "''.6955
Eq. of tinn' .it apparent noon at station
Mian of times of observation a. m.
M. in of times of observation p. m.
+ 18 56 13.7
- 4
28.88
18
51
44.82
h.
m.
06
11.28
—
0.42
06 10. 86
35 49. 32
38 56. 56
Difference
Sum
Half sum
4
23
11
03 07. 24
14 4.'.. 88
37 22. 94
Hourly variation in dec. = 5.
A
28
20
METHODS OF SURVEY (REDUCTIONS). 371
GEODETIC COMPUTATIONS.*
ADJUSTMENT OF ANGLES.
When the angles at any station are to be obtained from vernier read-
ings, the adjustment is made in the following manner: Take the means of
the two vernier readings upon each point included in the observations
around the horizon for the reading upon that point; the two readings thus
obtained for the point of beginning will usually differ;f when they do not,
no corrections are to be applied to the readings. When there is a difference
between the two readings upon the point of beginning, this difference is to
be divided by the number of points observed upon; the quotient is the
correction to be applied to the reading upon the second point. The cor-
rections then increase in arithmetical progression, being applied in order to
the consecutive readings. The corrections will all have the + or — sign,
according as the measurement around the horizon falls short or exceeds
360°. Each set of observations around the horizon is to be thus corrected
when necessary. The angles between the points are then derived by
differences between consecutive readings in each set of observations. The
means of the values for the different angles thus obtained are taken for the
final values of the adjusted angles.
When the measurements at any station are repeated angles, the adjust-
ment is made hj the method of least scpiares, and is as follows: It is
evident that between the n objects which surround any point there are
necessarily n — 1 angles. Any angle measured between two points not
consecutive is the sum of two or more consecutive angles; hence when all
the angles are measured, anv measure between points not consecutive
gives an equation of condition. As many conditional equations as possible
should be formed, care being taken that no one is introduced which is a
consequence of two or more already considered. The sum of all the
angles at a station should be 360°, and this rigid condition must always
'Special assistance was rendered in the description of the methods employed in the geodetic com-
putations by Lieut. Samuel E. Tillman. Corps of Engineers (now Professor of Geology, etc., at the
U. S. Military Academy), and the late F. Karupf, Hid., assistant, U. S. Geographical Surveys.
t If this difference is produced by a slipping of the instrument at any particular setting, it will
be observed by inspecting the differential angles, and should be corrected " ithout other consideration.
372 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF lUOTli MERIDIAN.
enter among the conditional equations. The method of forming the con-
ditional equation is shown in the accompanying example.
Measured am/Its tit station.
20 07
37
21 23
24
42 31
01
42 30
49
iiit laatle— Siei ra
c_'i Washoe— Castle.
,:;, Washoe—Sierra
(6) Summit— Washoe 11 +7
(;ij Washoe— Sierra . . 42 -0
(") Summit— Sierra
(10) Onjuuii— Summit
(6) Summit— Wnshoe
i'i, Onjumi— Washoe
(13) McKesick s— Oujumi 30 09
(14) Thompson — McKesick's
If.) Thompson — Onjumi
54
17
49
54
17
56.5
07.5
20
07
04. 5
11
47
00
37
54
04.5
37
S3
59.
I i ' Peavine— Washoe .
(2) Washoe— Castle...
(5) Peavine— Castle. -
i.m < iiijumi — Peavine
1 1 1 Peavine — Washoe.
(9) Onjumi — Washoe .
(11) State Line— Onjumi
(12) McKesick's— State Line.
(13) McKesick's — < )niumi. . . .
60
15
29. 1
90
90
24
24
58.6
54. 5
4. 1
([5) Thompson — Onjumi .
(10) Onjumi — Summit
(16) Thompson — Summit
39 50
23 24
03 14
03 12
02
14 18
39 50
54 U8
5 : 59
02 41
06 43
09 24
09 29.5
24 54 5
07 04.5
116
116
31 59.
31 33
= +12 + (1) f (2) (3)
= +2 + (4|+ '->- (5)
0= - 7.5+ (6)+ (3)- (7)
= + 9 + (8) + (4) - (9)
I. = + 5. 5+ (10)+ (6)- (9)
0=- 5. 5 +(11) + (12) -(13)
0= + 4.1 + (13) + (14) -(15)
= +26 +(15) + (10) -(16)
= + 25.5+ (7) 4- (17) + (16)
(7) 54 17 56.5
(17) 189 10 56.0
(16) 116 31 33.0
360 00 25.5
METHODS OF SURVEY (REDUCTIONS).
373
These equations of condition, containing- a greater number of unknown
quantities than there are equations, are to be solved by means of correl-
atives (Chauvenet, 556, Vol. II). To obtain the coefficients in the normal
equations, the following form for the equations of correlatives » to be
used:
1
1
- 1
+ 1
-1
+1
+ 1
-1
3
*
5
6
7
.-
9
3
4
5
6
7
1
-1
1
-1
■■
+ 1
+ 1
:
+1
+ 1
-1
-1
+ 1
+1
1
-
+ '
+1
- 1
10
11
12
13
14
IS
16
17
"
....
■•
|+1
- 1
i ,,n, , tions. Corrected angles.
- 9.C8
- 9.08+ 5.53
+ 9. 68—11. 53
+ 5.53- 9.03
- 5.53
-11.53+12.56
+ 11.53-19.87
- 9.03
+ 9.03—12.56
+ 12.56-22.58
9.32
- 1.27
+ 1.27-
- 9.32
+ 9.32-22.58
+22. 58- 19. 87
21
21
42
12
34
11
51
25
37
■JO
10
II
30
00
90
116
189
07
23
30
37
03
■17
17
11
53
06
02
00
09
15
24
31
1
27.32
19.85
47.15
46.50
06.37
01.03
48.16
08 97
55. 47
54.48
39. 73
41, '. I
21.45
19.78
41.24
35. 71
36.13
Castle— Sierra.
Washoe — Castle.
Washoe — Sierra.
Peavine— Washoe.
Peaviue— Castle.
Summit— Washoe.
Summit — Siena.
Onjumi— Peavine.
Onjumi— Washoe.
Onjumi — Summit.
State Line— Onjumi.
McKesick's— State Line
McKesick's— Onjumi.
Thompson— McKesick's.
Thompson— Oiijuiiii.
Thompson— Summit.
Sierra— Thompson.
with their proper signs. The numerical tern., m the no, ■ n le ^uatio J ^
conditional equations. The coefficients of the unknow q ua nt.tae. ^and into the correspond-
obtained by multiplying the several factors ,n every col, urn. e h nto a ^^
ing ones in every other, and summing the products ot the respective , coinm
, 11 |;,„ tlties are of deferent weights, » ^tK^* 5S£ 3 the fact:,,,
being placed opposite their respective quantities, ana eui| .
The normal equations in this case are:
0=+12
0=+ 3
0—— 7.5
0=+ 9
0=+ 5.5
0=— 5. 5
0=+ 4.1
0=+26
0=+25. 5
+3. 000
+1. 000
— 1. 000
+ 1.00H
+3. 000
+1.000
— 1. 000
43. 000
41.000
41.000
43. 000
41. ooo
41.000
41.000
43.000
-1.000 —
43.000
. 1. 000
41. 000
1.000
43. 000
—1.000
41.000
1.000
4:!. 000
- 1.
1. 000
—1.000
43. 000
874 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SUKVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
These equations are solved by logarithms, as shown below:
0=+ 8. 5 — 0. 333 -0. 333
= -|-26 +1.000 —1.000 +3.000
-(-34.5 — 0. ! 3 +1.000 —1.000 +2.667
1.;,:;:- 9.5224 0.0000 0.0000 (0.4260)
0=-|- 4.1 —1.000 +3.000 —1.000
+12.94 —0.125 +0.375 —0.375
+ 17.04 —0. 125 +0.375 —1.000 +2.625
1.2315 9.0969 9. 5740 0.0000 (0.4191)
0=— 5.5 ■ +3.000 —1.000
+ 0.49 —0.048 — - +0.143 —0.381
+ u. 99 —0. 04~S~ +0.143 +2.619
9.0956 8.6812 9.1553 (0.4181)
0=+ 5.5 +1.000 +1.000 +3.000 +1.000
—12.94 +0.125 —0.375 +0.375
0=— 7.44 ^^ +1.125 +1.0UU +2.025 +0.375
_ 2. 435 +0. 018 —0. 054 +1. 043
— 9.875 — +1.143 +1.000 +2.571 +0.143
_ 0.054 +0.003 —0.008
_9.929 +1.146 +1.000 +2.563
0.9969 0.0592 0.0000 (0.4087)
0=+ 9 +1.000 +3.000 +1.000
+ 3.874 —0.447 —0.390
+12.874 +1.000 —0.447 +2.610
1.1096 0.0000 9.6503 (0.4166)
0=+ 8. 5 —0. 333 —0. 333
0=— 7.5 —1.000 +3.000 +1.000
+ 1.000—1.000 +2.667 +1.000 —0.333
+ 4.300 —0.042 +0.125 —0.125
+~5T300 -1.000 +2.625 +1.125 —0.125
+ 0.811 —0.006 +0.018 —0.048
+ c. Ill —1.000 +2.619 +1.143 —0.048
+ 0.018 —0.001 +0.003
+ o. 129 —1.000 +2.618 +1.146
_j_ 4.44 —0.512 —0.447
+10.559—1.000 +2.106 —0.447
+ 2.205. +0.171 —0.077
+12.774 -1.000 +0.171 +2.029
1. 1062 0. 0000 9. 2330 (0. 3073)
0=+ 2.000 +1.000 +3.000 +1.000
— 4. 820 —0. 383 +0. 171
— 2.820+1.000 +2.617 +0.171
— 1. 08 +0. 084 —0. 014
— 3.90 +1.084 +2.603
0.5911 0.0351 (0.4155)
METHODS OF SURVEY (REDUCTIONS). 375
0=-(-12.00 +3.000 +1.000 -1.000
+ 6.29 —0.493 +0.084
+18.29
+2. 507 +1. 084
+ 1.62
—0. 451
+19,91
+2. 056
1.2991
K I K 2
0. 3131
—9. 68 +5. 53
k 3 i4 it 5 « 6 x 7 «8 « 9
—11.53 —9.03 +12.56 -1.27 -9.32 -22.58 -19.87
0.9860
Note -The solution gives the indicated values for the correlatives, which, multiplied into
their corresponding factors in the equations of correlatives, determine the corrections to the unknown
quantities, as shown in the example ahove. After the corrections are applied all equations of condi-
tion must be 0=0.
After the angles at all the stations are corrected by either of the above
methods, these angles are to be used in the formation of the triangles.
The adjustment of the figure composed of several triangles is next accom-
plished. This adjustment involves what are called both angle and side
equations. The first result from the necessity of the three angles of any
triangle being equal to 180° + the spherical excess; the side equations
from the necessity of the several directions to any one station intersecting
in the same vertical line. The conditions are simultaneous, and the angle
and side equations must be solved together. The figure for adjustment
should include those points which give the best triangles. This result is
obtained when each point is occupied and each observed from every other.
It usually facilitates work to include 5 to 7 points in a figure. It is also
advantageous to embrace triangles in which the smallest angles exist.
After all the triangles possible between the points selected are formed, the
"spherical excess" (e) of each must be computed; four-place decimals are
sufficient. This computation should always be controlled by observing
whether the sum of the corrections of two of the triangles
of a quadrilateral be equal to the sum of the corrections of
the other two into which it can be divided. Each angle
is formed by two sights, and is represented by figures,
thus: 1. 2. 0. The number at the vertex is always placed in the center;
or it may be represented thus: - Q) + (° 2 ), the left-hand sight being given
376 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
the negative yign. Tlie spherical excess (e) is computed thus (the side
1 — 2 being known):
log 1—2
4. G391
1.0. -2
149° 56' 20 . 7 1
;i. c. sine
0. 3002
0.2.1
19 37 54 .26
sine
9. 5203
2. 1.
10 25 45 .00
Bine
9. 2577
8. 6626
log 0—1
4. 4C5G
9. 6998
f=0.58
log 0-2
4. 1970
1. 4047
9.7671
The sum of the two sides (0 — 1) and (0 — 2) multiplied into sine of
included angle and into a constant depending on the latitude gives (f).
The number of equations. — In every quadrilateral there can be formed
three independent triangles ; the fourth is a consequence of these three.
In each figure one has therefore three angle equations. In forming these
equations those triangles should be used with largest error, that is, the
maximum difference from 180° + e. The side equation results from a prin-
ciple of solid geometry.
Considering (0, 1. 2) as the base, the whole figure, 0. 1.
2. 3 ., may be considered as the projection of a pyramid, in
which the sum of the logarithmic sines of the angles at the
base taken in one direction, must be equal to the sum of the
logarithmic sines taken in the opposite direction ; in this case
log. sine 3. 2. 0. -f- log- sine 3. 0. 1. + log. sine 2. 1. 3. zr log.
sine 3. 2. 1. + log. sine 0. 1. 3. The vertex must be so chosen as to give
the smallest angles in these equations. That station is best for the vertex
the sum of whose distances from the other three is a minimum, or that
point which is observed more often to than from. To illustrate the method
of forming angle and side equations, suppose one has five points at which
the angles have been adjusted. Commencing with any
point, number them around in order to the right ; join
1 with 2, and 2 with 3, and 1 with 3 ; this gives one
angle equation. Then join 4 with each of the other 3
points; this gives two more independent angle equations
and one side equation. If, now, the fifth point be joined with the other
four, the first two new lines will give a new angle equation, and then each
METHODS OF SURVEY (REDUCTIONS). 377
additional line will give one, and so on for each point brought into the
combination. When each point is observed from every other, the number
of angle equations will be equal to the sum of the natural numbers from 1
to a number 2 less than the number of points, that is, from 1 to n — 2
inclusive. After the first three points are joined, it will require three new
lines to bring into existence a side equation. As each new point is brought,
into the figure it first requires three lines to introduce a side equation; then
each line to the remaining points gives one ; so that the number ot side
equations under above conditions, all points being observed from all others,
will be equal to the sum of natural numbers from 1 to u — 3 inclusive.
When each point is not observed from every other, the number of angle
and side equations may be known by the following formulae:
I— w + 1 zz number of angle equations.
l—2n + 3 zr number of side equations.
/ — number of lines. (Report of Chief of Engineers, 1872, p. 1046.)
The numerical term in each angle equation is the difference between
180° + t and the sum of the angle in that triangle, + when the sum of the
ancles is > and— when < 180° + e. The numerical term in each side
equation is obtained by summing the log. sines of the angles taken in one
direction and obtaining the difference between this sum and the sum of the
log. sines in the opposite direction. The logarithmic differences of the
sines for 1 ° become the coefficients of the correction to the directions.
(Coast Survey Report, 1854, p. 80.)
The following example serves to illustrate the computations employed
after the adjustment of angles.
The forms used are entirely the outgrowth of the experience of the
survey.
378 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MEK1D1AN.
(iEODETIC COMPUTATIONS.
Date
Station.
Angles read —
(mean.)
Remarks.
1S77.
July 16
Meade Peak
o
1
Observers, Lieutenant Tillman and
Assistant Thompson.
Sedgwick Peak
10
12
52.14
83
20.00
July 23
Sherman Peak
Sedgwick Peak
Mount Pisgah
95
8.00
Observers. Lieutenant Tillman aud
Assistant Thompson.
Meade Peak
66
40
14.00
Mount Pisgah ....
i Ibservers, Lieutenant Tillman and
Assistant Thompson.
20
4
23. 57
Sedgwick Peak
22
31
52. 86
Mount Putnaai
39
28
47.86
Aug. :u
Observer. Lieutenant Tillman.
Mount Pisgab
59
48
32.50
Meade Peak
51
21
45.00
Sherman Peak
6
6
21.67
Sept. 17
Mount Putnam . ..
Mount Pisgab
Meade Peak
46
44
27.62
Observers, -Lieutenant Tillman aud
Assistant Thompson.
Sherman Peak
13
1
33.24
Sedgwick Peak ...
20
56
20. 73
Mt. Patrntm
SedgwicTi
Mt. Pisgah.
,4 Meade Pft.
crman P7f.
(1) FORMATION OF ANGLE EQUATIONS.
Equation
No.
Angles. Values
observed .
Logarithms
of sines.
Corrections
from leasl
sqnare adjust-
ment.
Corrected Rngles
Computation for
spherical escesB.
1-2
4.7197
2.3.1 (36 47
03.62)
0. 2227
-15.69
36 46 47. 93
3-2 4.4954
3.1.2 20 56
20.73
9. 5530
+ 4.17
20 56 24. 90
3-1 4.8695
1.2.3 122 16
39.17
9.9271
+11.52
122 16 50. 69
sin 2. 3. 1 9. 7773
3-2
1. 4954
constant 1.4043
3-1
3.52
4. 8695
0. 546.'.
METHODS OF SURVEY (REDUCTIONS).
379
(1) FORMATION OF ANGLE EQUATIONS— Continued.
Equation
No.
II
1
Angles. Values observed.
Logarithms
of sines.
Corrections
from lr;ist
square adjust
ment.
Corrected angles
Computation for
spherical excess.
1-2
2.4.1 (31
51
55.27)
4.7197
0. 2774
- 1.29
31 51 53.98
4-2 4. 7443
4. 1. 2 33
57
53.97
9. 7472
+ 6.78
33 57 47. 19
4-1
4. 9573
1.2.4 114
10
17.50
9. 9602
— 5.49
114 10 12.01
sin 2.4. 1 9.7220
4-2
4. 7443
constant
1. 4043
4-1
6.74
4. 9573
0. 8285
1-2
2. 5. 1 39
28
47.86
4.7197
0. 1907
+18. 95
39 29 nil. si
5-2
4.9106
5.1.2 80
42
21.59
9. 9942
+ 4.51
-II 42 26. 10
5-1
4.8531
1.2.5 59
48
32. 50
9. 9367
+ 3.95
59 48 36.45
sin 2. 5. 1
9. 8033
5-2
-18. 05
4.9106
coustanl
1. 4043
5-1
- 9.36
-27. 41
4. 8531
0.9713
1-3
4. 8695
3.4.1 (42
4
47.41)
0. 17:;-
— 3.71
42 4 43.70
4-:;
4. 3960
4.1.3 13
1
33. 24
9. 3527
+ 2.61
13 1 35.85
4-1
4. 9572
1.3.4 124
53
43.99
9. 9139
+ 0.30
124 :.;) 44.29
sin 3. 4. 1
9. 8262
4-3
4. 3960
constant
1. 4043
4-1
3.84
4. 9572
0. 5837
1-3
4. 8695
3. 5. 1 62
40. 72
0.0541
+ 8.71
02 49.43
5-3 4.8602
5.1.3 59
46
0.86
9. 9366
+ 0.31
59 46 1.20
5-1
l. 3530
1.3.5 (58
13
29.99)
9. 9294
— 9.05
58 13 20. 94
sin 3. 5. 1
9. 9459
5-3
4. 8602
constant
1. 4043
5-1
11. 57
4. 8530
1. 0634
1-4
4.9573
4.5.1 82
5
4.29
0. 0042
+ 8.26
82 5 12.55
5-4
4. 8238
5.1.4 46
44
27.62
, 9. 8623
— 2. 27
40 44 25.35
5-1
1. B530
1.4.5 (51
10
40. 03)
9. 8915
- 5.99
51 10 34. 04
sin 4. 5. 1
9. 9958
5-4
4. 8238
constant
1. 4043
5-1
11.94
4. 8530
1.0709
4-2
4.7443
2.3.4 161
40
22.00
0. 5024
+ 10.22
161 40 32.22
3-2 4. 4956
3.4.2 10
12
52. 14
9. 2489
— 2. 41
10 12 49.73
:;-4
4. 3959
■4.2.3 8
6
21. 67
9. 1492
+17.00
8 38.67
sin 2. 3. 4 9. 4976
3-2
-24. 19
4. 4956
constant
1. 4043
3-4
- 0.62
-24.81
4. 3959
9. 7934
5-2
4. 9106
2.3.5 95
8.00
0. 0017
+ 0.87
95 8. 87
:;--.'
4. 4957
3.5.2 22
31
52.86
9. 5834
—10. 24
22 31 42. 62
3-5
4. -001
5.2.3 62
28
6.67
9. 9478
+ 7. 57
62 28 11.21
sin 2. 3.5
9.9983
3-2
7.53
4. 4957
constant
1.4043
3-5
- 5.73
4. 8601
0. 7584
+ 1.80
380 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
(1) FORMATION OF ANGLE EQUATIONS— Continued.
Corrections
from least
nation
No. Angles. Va
lues observed.
Logarithms
of sines.
square adjust-
ment.
Computation for
Corrected angles, spherical excess.
in
5-2
4.9106
2.4.5 83
2 20. 00
0.0032
+ 8.02
-:; 2 28.02 4-2 4.7443
4..'.. 2 42
36 16. 4:'.
9. 8305
—10. 69
42 36 5. 74 4-5 4. 8238
5. 2. 4 54
21 45. 00
9. 9100
— a. 44
54 21 35.56 sin 2.4.5 9.9968
4-2
21.43
4. 7443
constant 1.4043
4-5
— 9.32
+ 12.11
4. 8238
0. 9692
IV
5-3
4. 8602
3. 4. 5 93
15 12. 14
0. 0007
+ 5.00
93 15 17. 74 4-3 4. 3964
4. 5. 3 20
42 23. 57
9. 5355
— 0.45
20 4 23. 12 4-5 4. 8238
5. 3. 4 66
40 14.IHI
:>. 9629
+ 9. 35
tit; 40 23.35 sin 3.4.5 9.9993
4-3
—10.29
4. 3904
constant 1.4043
4-5
— 4.21
5. 8238
0. 6238
-14.50
(2) FORMATION OF SIDE EQUATIONS.
Equation
No. Angles.
Variable directions.
Observed
values
of angles.
Logarithms
of sines.
Variation
for 1".
First
correc-
tion.
Last 4
places
of loga.
rithms
V
4. 2. 3
-(*) + (?)
8 6 21.67
9. 1492353
+ 1.478
39. 1 14
49:10. i
3. 1. 2
-(*)
20 56 20.73
G. 5531245
+n. 550
24. 307
1441.9
(3.4.1)
-(f )+(!)+«)-
-(*)
42 4 47.41
9.8261820
+0.233
43. 209
1722. -
-.52-:, 11'.'
8094. 8
3. 4. 2
-(?)+(!)
in 12 52. 11
9.2487908
+ 1.169
49. 221
7567.0
1. 2. 3
+(!)
122 16 39. 17
9.9270988
ii. 133
50 :s4
0833.
4.1.3
-am?)
13 1 33.24
9.3529375
+ 11.910
36. :::,
9696. 5
-. 52-8271
8097. 1
—2. 3
VI
5. 3. 4
-(!)+(*)
66 411 14.00
9.9629576
+0.091
2:1. 862
9665. 8
4.1.3
-(})+(?)
13 1 33.24
9.3529375
+0.910
36. 775
9696.5
4. 5. 1
-U)+(U
82 5 4.29
9.9958423
'.i.:ui73::,
+0.029
12.369
-4 16. 9
7809.2
4. 5. 3
-(*)+(?)
20 4 23.57
9.5355733
+11.576
22. 601
i>iu7. t",
(1.3.4)
-(S)+(f)-Kf)-
-(*)+(i)~tf)
124 53 43. 99
9.9139295
—0.147
43. 847
9180. 4
5.1.4
-(*)+(*)
46 44 27.62
9.8622885
9.3117914
—5.39
+n. 19b
25. 042
2833. -
7691.8
+ 117.4
VII
(1.4.5)
+U)-(i)+(*)-
-M)
51 10 40.03
9. -iu.v.in;;
+0. 17(1
34. 529
5- in. 5
5.2.4
-(*)+(«
54 21 45.00
9.9099407
+11. 151
34.982
9256.2
5.1.2
-m
80 42 21.59
9.9942611
| ii. 034
26. 124
262G. 8
9. 7957922
7693.5
5.1.4
-(*)+(«
40 44 27.62
9. 8622-85
+u. 198
25.042
2833. 8
2. 4. 5
-(*)+(«
83 2 20. 00
9.9967868
+0. 026
28. 505
7890. 1
1.2.5
+(i)
59 48 32.50
9. 9366917
+0. 123
36. 688
6968. 3
9. 7957670
7692. 2
+2. 52
+1.3
METHODS OF SURVEY (REDUCTIONS).
381
(3) EQUATIONS OF CONDITION.
0=_27.41 -(«+(*)-«)+
0=-24.81 -(§)+(3)-a)+(t)-a)+«)
0=+12.11 -(|)+U)- • H -(!)+(»
i
ii
in
IV
v
v
v
(4) CO
RRELATIVK EQUATIONS.
—1.460 +0.763
+ 1.143 -1.108
— 3.577—0.592 = — 4.169
(?)
(!)
(!)
—0. 368
+ 0.334
- 7.112+0.330= - 6.782
- 4.534 T 027 = — 4.507
+ H. «14— 0.095= +11.519
- 5.830+0.344 = — 5.486
+ 4.188—0.240 = + 3.948
- 3.574—0.123 = — 3.697
- 6 718-0.197 == + 6.521
_ 3 141+0.320 = - 2.824
- 3.S-08+0.332 = — 3.476
- 0.889—0.175 = — 1.064
—l
+1
-l
+ 0.345
+1
- l
-l
+ i
+ i
-i
-1
—l
+ 1
+ 1
-1
-1
+ 1
+ 1.611
— 1.711
- 0. 936
■ 936
<;>
(«
(?)
(1)
(J)
(1)
(!)
»)
(?)
(8
^ 0. 238
-0. 238
+ 0.151
—0. 274
—0. 026
+ 4.697—0.157 = + 4.540
—0.115
—0. 17"
- 40 + 0.033 = + 8.982
+1
41
-1
—0.429
+ 0. 547
-0.170
g 720-0.253 = - 9.973
- 0.099—0.370 = + 0.271
—1
+ 0.870-0.150 = + 0.720
From the foregoing are formed the following
Second
compu-
tation.
- 1.9
+ 0.7
+ 0.7
- 2.1
- 2.3
+117.4
+ 1.3
First com-
putation.
= -27. 41
-= -24. 81
= +12. 11
= —14.50
= — 28.525
= — 5. 39
= + 2. 525
+4. 000
-2. 000
-0. i :'.
-0. 778
(5) NORMAL EQUATIONS.
+6. 000
—2. 000
+2. 000
+1. 450
+0. 238
—0. 125
—2. 000
—2. 000
+6. 000
+2. 000
—0. 775
—0.547
+0. 203
+2. 000
+2. 000
+6. 000
—0.936
—0. 500
—0. 196
+ 1.450
— 0.775
— 0.936
+ 10.713
— 2.380
_ 0.703
-0. 463
+0. 238
—0. 547
—0. 500
—2. 380
+2. 539
+0. 636
—0. 778
—0.125
+0. 203
—0. 196
—0. 703
+0. 636
+0. 404
382 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
SOLUTION.
The solution of the above equations is made by means of four place logarithms.
0.1139 0.40236 9.8910 &.0969 9.3075 9.2923 9.8470 9.8035 (9.6064)
+117.40 —5.390 —0.463 +0.238 -0.547 —0.500 —2.380 + 2.539
— 2.05 3.975 +1.225 +0.197 -0.320 +0.309 +1.107 — 1.002
+ 115.:::. -9.365 +0.762 +0.435 -0.867 —0.191 —1.273 + 1.537
2.0620 0.97151 9.8820 9.0385 9.9380 9.2810 0.1048 (0.18067)
— 2. 30
-28. 525
+ 1.450
— 0.775
— 0.936
+10.713
— 2.380
+ 2.2(i
+ 4.394
— 1.354
- 0.218
+ o.:;.-,:;
— 0.341
— 1.224
+ 1. 107
0.04
—24. 131
— 1.354
+ 1.232
— 0.422
1.277
+ 9. 480
— 1. 273
+ 95. 53
7. 755
+ 0.631
+ 0.360
— 0. 7is
— 0. 1 58
— 1.1154
+ 95. 49
-31.886
— (1.723
+ 1.592
— 1. 140
— 1.435
+ 8.435
l.O-O'i 1.5H360 9.8591 0.2020 0.0569 0.1568 (0.9261)
— 2.1H
-14.500
+ -.'.111111
+ 2. 000
+ 6.000
— 0.936
— 0. 500
-)- 11.03
+ 1.225
— 0.377
- 0.061
+ 0.098
— 0. 095
— 0.341
+ 0. 309
— 1.47
-13.275
— d.377
+ 1.939
+ 2.098
+ 5.905
— 1.277
— 0.191
+ 14.33
- 1.164
+ 0.095
+ 0.051
— 0. 108
- 0. 024
— 0. 158
+ 12.86
— 14. 439
— 0.282
+ 1.993
+ 1.990
+ 5.881
— 1.435
+ 10.24
— 5. 424
— II. 123
+ 0.271
— 0. 104
— 0.244
+ 29.111
—19. 863
- 0.405
+ 2. 204
+ 1.796
+ 5.637
1.4639 1.29804 9.6075 0.35 10 0.2544 (0.75105)
+ 0.70 +12.110 —2.000 —2.000 +6.000 +2.000 —0.775 — 0.547
— 0.65 —1.269 +0.391 +0.063 —0.102 +0.098 +0.353 — 0.320
+ 0.05 +10.841 —1.609 —1.937 +5.898 +2.098 —0.422 — 0.807
+ 65.06 —5.284 +0.430 +0.245 —0.489 -1.108 —0.718
+ 65.11 +5.557 —1.179 -1.692 +5.409 +1.990 —1.140
+ 12.91 —4.309 —0.098 +0.215 —0.154 —0.194
+ 78.02 + 1.248 — 1.277 — 1.477 + 5.255 + 1.796
— 9.27 +6.330 +0.129 —0.722 —0.572
+ 68. 75 + 7. 578 — 1. 148 — 2. 199 + 4. 683
1.8373 0.87955 0.0599 0.3122 (0.6705)
+ 0. 70 —24. 810 + 0. 000 — 2. 000 + 2. 000 + 1 . 450 + 0. 238
+ 0.40 +0.781 —0.241 —0.039 +0.063 0.061 -0.218 + 0.197
+ 1.10 —24.029 —0.241 +5.001 -1.937 +1.939 +1.232 + 0.435
— 32.65 +2.651 —0.216 -0.123 +0.245 +0.054 +0.360 '
— 31.55 —21.378 —0.457 + 5.833 -1.692 +1.993 +1.592
— 18.02 + 6.018 + 0.136 — 0.300 + 0.215 + 0.271
— 49.57 —15.360 —0.321 + 5. 53s —1.477 +2.264
— 11.69 + 7.97-* + 0.163 — 0.909 - 0.722
— 61. 26 — 7. 382 — 0. 158 + 4. 629 — 2. 199
+ 32.28 + 3.558 — 0.539 - 1.033
— 28. 98 — 3. 824 - 0. 697 + 3. 596
METHODS OF SURVEY (REDUCTIONS).
383
SOLUTION— Continued.
1.4621
0. 58252
9. 8432
(0. 55582]
i
- 1.90
+ 2.50
—27. 410
+ 4.863
+ 4.000
— 1.498
2.000
0.391
0.463
1.225
— 0.241
+
- 0.377
— 1.354
+
+ 0.60
—22. 5-17
+ 2. 502
— 0.241
—
1.009
- 11.377
- 1.354
+
0.762
— 57. 19
+ 4.644
— 0. 378
— 0.216
+
0. 430
+ 0.095
+ 0.631
— 56. 59
— 17.903
+ 2. 124
— 0.457
—
1.179
— 0.282
— 0.723
+ 8.18
— 2.732
— 0.062
+ 0. 136
—
0.098
— 0. 123
— 48.41
—20. 635
+ 2.062
— 0. 321
—
1.277
— 0. 405
+ 2. 09
— 1.427
— 0.029
+ ii. 163
+
0. 129
+ 2.525
- 46. 32
—22. 062
+ 2.033
- 0.158
—
1.148
—
9.365
-10. 085
+ 16.85
+ 1.857
- 0.281
— 0. 539
—31.886
+
9.875
— 0.447
— 29. 47
—20. 205
+ 1.752
- 0.697
—19.863
— 9. 367
+
1. 555
+ 0.657
— 5. 62
— 0.741
- 0. 135
+
7. 578
— 5. 248
+ 5.691
—
2. 805
— 0.390
— 35.09
—20. 946
+ 1.617
— 3.824
—1
14. 870
+ 8.094
— 3.689
—
0.380
— 3.509
— 9.030
—
7.860
+ 5.813
- 2.852
—
6.353
+ 3.092
(0.2086)
-12.854
—
15. 152
—11.204
—42. 103
—
7. 473
— 8. 157
1.3211
1.1094
1
. 18047
1.04937
1. 62431
(
). 87350
0. 91153
1.1125
0.55322
0,
50995
0. 29832
0. 0982
0. 6868
1. 3051
+12. 955
+ 3.574
+
3.235
+ 1.987
+29. 10
+ 4.991
+95. 49
-15.09
+
+ 1
+
+
4.802
15. 35
16.54
5.34
+20. 190
+ 1.30
-10.89
— 1.53
- "0. 73
+68. 75
— 8.79
+ 19.53
+
3.12
4- 1.45
-28. 98
—
24.92
+27. 77
+ 4.10
+
1.41
+ 9.50
—15. 13
-44.11
-r
26. 97
— 6.47
+41.61
+10.59
+
+ 1
17.21
-65. 80
10.86
+ 114.0-.'
58. 97
—72. 70
1.5452
1.0445
1.
2269
1.6192
2. 0570
1
2. 2013
1.8615
1. 3366
1.0887
.5564
0. 8682
1. 1309
!
i. 0146
2.2501
+21. 70
+ 12.27
-3. 60
—7.38
—13. 52
-'
103. 43
+1.7993
The different correlatives are :
From first
From sec
coniputa-
ond com-
tior
i.
putation.
Sum.
,1, = +12.
955
+0. 2170
= +13. i:
720
a 2 — + 3. 574
+0. 1227
= + 3. 6967
o 3 = + 3. 235
—0. 0360
= + 3. 1990
a, = + 1.
987
—0. 0738
= + 1. 9132
a, = + 4.
991
—0. 1352
= + 4. 8558
fl 6 = + 4.
862
—1. 0343
= + 3. 8277
a, = +20.
190
+1. 7993
i = +20. 9893
The snm of these values introduced in the correlatives gives the resulting corrections of the directions
as given before.
The computation of distances, after the final adjustment of figures,
consists of the solution of the triangles, and is always checked by dupli-
cate reduction from the common triangles to which any side may belong,
plane angles being used.
384 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
The following are examples of computations for distances :
Objects.
Spherical
angles.
§ph.
exc.
Plane angles.
Logarithms.
4.7196637
(i. 2227623
9.5531410
9.9270850
Sherman Peak
36
20
122
46
56
16
47.93
24.90
50.69
1.17
1.17
1.18
36
20
122
46
56
16
46.76
23. 73
49.51
4. 49550711
4.8695110
4. 7196637
II. 2774399
9. 7471821
9.9601562
Meade Teak
31
33
114
51
58
10
53. 98
0. 75
12.01
2. 25
2. 25
2.24
31
33
114
51
57
10
51.73
58.50
9.77
4. 7442S57
4. 9572598
4. 7196637
0. 1966334
9.9942616
9. 9366927
Mount Putnam
30
8(1
59
29
12
48
0.81
26. 10
36.45
3.12
3.12
3.12
39
80
59
29
42
48
3.69
22.98
33. 33
4.9105587
4.8529898
4.8695110
0.1738296
9. 3520496
9.9139193
42
13
124
1
1
53
43. 711
35 85
44. 29
1.28
1.28
1.28
42
13
124
4
1
53
42. 42
34.57
43.01
Mount Putnam
4. 39029O2
4. 9572599
4.86!i:.llii
0.0540141
9. 9365014
9.9294647
4. 8600265
4. 852989R
62
50
58
46
13
49.43
1.20
20 94
:: Mi
3.86
3.85
62
59
58
45
13
45.57
57.34
17. 0(1
4. 9572598
0.0041564
9.8622761
0.8915735
82
46
51
5
44
10
12.05
25. 35
34. 04
3.98
.;. 98
3.98
82
46
51
5
44
10
8.57
21.37
30.06
4. 8236923
4. 8529897
4.7442857
0.5025210
9. 2487602
9. 1494835
Sherman Peak
161
10
8
40
12
6
32. 22
49.73
38.67
0.21
(1. 21
0.20
161
111
8
40
12
6
32, "I
49. 52
38.47
4. 4955669
4. 3962902
4.9105587
0. 1)016570
9.5833512
9. 9478109
95
22
62
31
28
8.87
42.62
14.24
1.91
1.91
1.91
95
22
62
31
28
6. 06
40. 71
12.33
4. 4955669
4. 8600266
METHODS OF SURVEY (REDUCTIONS).
385
i objects.
Spherical angles.
Sph.
exc.
Plane angles. Logarithms.
Pisgab-Sedgwick *- 9105587
Meade Peak 83 2 28.02 3.11 83 2 24.91 0.(1032119
Mount Pisgah 42 36 5.74 3.11 42 30 2.63 9.8305151
Sedgwick Peak 54 21 35.56 3. 10 54 21 32.46 9.9099218
Meade-Sedgwick 4.7442857
Meade-Pi8gah _ 4^8236924
Pisgah-Sherman 4 - 80110265
Mead,- Peak 93 15 17.74 1.40 93 15 16.34 0. 0007010
Mount Pisgah... 20 4 23.12 1.40 20 4 21.72 9.5355627
Sherman Peak 66 40 23.35 1.41 60 40 21.94 9 8629648
Meade-Sherman *- 3962902
Meade-Pissah 48236923
Tlie following examples indicate method of obtaiuing the latitude, longitude.
aud azimuth, which are followed by forms for recording the data resulting from the
computations:
Azimutha: Mount Putnam to Sedgwick Peak 337 45 3.67
Spherical angle: At Mount Putnam — 80 42 26A0
Azimutha' Mount Putnam to Mount Pisgali 257 2 37.57
«a+180o I ''"> " 4 56 - 05
Azimuth (a) Mount Pisgah to Mount Putnam " 37 33.62
GEODETIC CO-ORDINATES.
Latitude. Longitude.
L: 42 57 7.957 Mount Putnam, A: 112 10 9.802
5L + 8 26.531 «* - 51 12.075
L' 4;i 5 34.488 Mount Pisgah, A' 111 18 57.727
Computation for latitude : Computation for longitude:
log. dist. 4.1-529898 log. dist. 4.8529898
° B 8.5106682 sin a' «9. 9888004
cos a' ' ,.9.3506485 A' s. 5091042
sec L' 0. 1365303
log. (I) «-'. 7143005 -517.9723
log. dist." 9.70598 „;, 4874327
C 1.37325
9.97760 ^ -3072.0745
log. (II) 1.05683 +11.3980 Computation for azimuth :
log. D 2.3860 log. (V) ,13.4874317
-506.571og. [(I) + (II)] 2 5-4093 sin( L + L ') 9.8339667 7.840
log. (Ill) 7.7953 - "0062 SL 0.0000003 n0.462
' 2
log. £ 6. 1675
sinV dist.* 9.6836 log. (VI) n3. 3213987 nS. 302
(I) 712.7143 _a a -2096.035
-log. (IV) »l8. 5654 + 0.0368 • 02 °
— AL-506.5313
25 WH- VOL I
386 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
Azimuth a:
Spherical angle :
Azimuth a'
5a'+ 180°
Azimuth (it i
Sedgwick Peak to Mount Putnam.
At Sedgwicfe Peak
Sedgwick Peak to Mount Pisgab
Mount Pisgah to Sedgwick Peak
GEODETIC CO-ORDINATES.
157
54
53.98
+ 59
48
36.45
'.'17
43
30. 43
H 180
24
56.38
38
8
26. 81
Latitude.
L: 42 30 53.968
S L +0 34 40. 521
+
4-
+
Sedgwii
Mount 1
2086. 4697
5. 7687
0. 1052
0. 0744
2080. 5214
Long
k Peak, A: 111 55
i i — 36
ltude.
39. 900
42. 174
L' 43
Computation for
log. dist.
B
ens ;i
5 34. 489
Latitude
4. 9105587
8. 5107014
n9. 8981520
Isgah, a ill 18
Computation
log. dist.
sin a'
A'
Her L'
log. (V)
< lomputatio
log- (V)
/ L + L'\
SL
sec
>>
log. (VI)
-6 a
57. 726
for longitude:
4. 9105587
l»9. 7866619
8. J091042
0. 1365303
—35
log. (I)
log. dist. 1
C
siuV
;i3. 3104121
9.82112
1 36664
9 57332
n3. 3428516
-2202. 1737
i for azimuth :
?i3. 3428516
9. 8321843 7. 840
0. 0000055 7i0. 029
log. (II)
log. D
—2080 70 log llli (II)]
1). 76108
2. 3854
6. 6364
log. (Ill)
log. E
9. 0218
6. 1580
:> 9. 3944
«3. 3194
slii'-'ii' ills
(I)
«3. 1750414 717.869
—1496.378
— . 007
-log. (IV)
;i8.8718
-8L
METHODS OF SURVEY (REDUCTIONS).
387
POSITIONS. ETC., OF GEODETIC STATIONS.
[Derived from hast- at Ogden, Utah, by Lieutenant Tillman, Lieutenant young, and Mr. Thompson.']
Station.
Azimuth.
Latitude.
Year.
Distance
in miles.
1 to
1
■2
•J
■2 to 1
1
9
r
1,77
Mount Putuam
Sedgwick Peak
3 J. 01
337
45
:j.67
157
54
53.98
42
57 7 90
42
30 53. 97
1877
Mount Putnam
Mount Pisgah
l ; '"i
257
o
37.57
77
37
33.62
41'
57 7. 96
42
5 34.49
! 1877
Mount Pisgah . .
Sedgwick Peak.
3£
8
26.82
217
43
20.43
43
5 34.49
42
30 53. 97
1877
M< ado Peak . . .
Mount Pisgah .
41.47
177.
34
55 '_'-
355
32
21.08
42
29 41.37
43
5 34.49
1877
Sedgwick Peak.
Meade Peak ....
34.49
272
5
5.9!)
92
32
.7 2C
42
3D ."3. 97
42
29 41.37
1877
Meade Peak
Sherman Peak . .
15 -17
62
19
262
27 i
42
29 41.37
42
27 52.18
1877
Sedgwick Peak Sherman Peak..
in. 4i;
280
11
44.66
100
20
53 62
42
30 53. 97
42
27 52. 18
Year
Station.
Distance
in miles.
112
Longitude.
Altitude.
1
1
1
10
»
1
■2
1877
Mount Putnam
k Peak .
32 i'l
9.80
5.'.
39. 90
Feet
8905. 3
Feet
9207. 2
1877
Mount Putnam.
Motiut Pisgah .
43.99
112
111
9. .-ii
111
18
57.73
8905. 3
9694.
1877
Mount Pisgah .
i« k Peak .
49 ...-
111
18
57. 7::
111
."..")
39.90
9694. 6
9207. 2
1877
Meade Peak... Sedgwick Peak.
41 47
111
15
[0.75
111
18
77 7::
10540. 9
9694. 6
1877
Sedgwick Peak
Meade Peak . . .
34 49
111
55
39.90
111
15
10.75
9207. '-'
10540. 9
1878
Meade Peak. . .
Sherman Peak..
15.47
m
15
10. 7.'.
111
33
11.25
10540. 9
9572.
1877
Sedgwick Peak.
Sherman Peak . .
19.46
in
55
39. 90
111
33
11.25
9207. 2
9572.
388 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TII MERIDIAN.
GEOGRAPHICAL POSITIONS BY MAIN AND SECONDARY TRIANGULATION FROM BASES
MEASURED AT MAIN ASTRONOMICAL POINTS, AND FROM OTHER TRIGONOMETRIC
CONNECTIONS.
[From base, measured at Ogden, Utah, by Dr. F. Kampf, Miles Rock, C. E. and C. J. Kintner.]
Tear.
1877
1877
1877
1877
Station.
Atlas
Sheet
No.
Mount Putnam .
32 1)
Sedgwick Peals
.do ..
Sherman Peak . .
..do .
Meade Peak ..
..do ..
Mount Pisgab
do ..
Longitude. Latitude.
o
/
112
10 9. 80
111 55 39.90
111 33 11.25
111
15 10.74
111
18 57. 73
42 .'.7 7 96
42 30 53. 97
42 27 52. 18
42 29 41.37
43 5 34. 49
Altitude stat .
Remarks.
Feet
8905. 3
9207. 2
9572.
Lieutenant Youna
and Mr. Thompson
Lieutenant Tillman
1 ieutenant Tillman
audMr. Thompson
.... do
9694 il do
Trian^ulation Sheet No. 1],
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
The different correlatives are:
From first romp. From second oonip.
] „_
• ■.
042
Camp
13
38
2363 m
1093 .,.
S. 5.-66 miles.
........
2363
1145 50
Camp
37
50
E.2.58 miles.
2363
1095
Camp 37. Long. 114 26 36.98 (by Meander.)
2 38. 55 — = diff. of Long, for E, 2.58 miles.
Camp 38. Long. Ill 23 58. 13
Camp 37. Lat. 34 42 21. 43 (by Meander, checked by sextant obs.)
4 35. 77 — = diff. of Lat. for S. 5.50 miles.
Camp 38. Lat. 34 37 45. 00
Notes.— It i9 considered preferable to compute the Lat. and Dep.
■with the. number of revolutions instead of the miles; the latter being
used in plotting.
Winn there may be a great number of stations, and their interme-
diate distances very short, it is more accurate and rapid for plotting to
use the total Lat. and Dep. of the station from the point of beginning,
as given in the example, by the small tigures.
METHODS OF SURVEY (REDUCTIONS). 391
HYPSOMETRIC.
The computations necessary for the determinations of differences of
altitude from cistern and aneroid barometer observations are made by
referring each set of observations to one or more initial points well estab-
lished in altitude, at which simultaneous observations have been taken,
and by means of the methods pointed out by Bvt. Lieut. -Col. R. S. Will-
iamson, Corps of Engineers, in his treatise on the barometer. (See Profes-
sional Papers of the Corps of Engineers, No. 15.) The projection em-
ployed, and for which co-ordinates are computed at the Washington office
of the survey, as required, is that of a secant cone intersecting the spheroid
in latitudes 34° and 44° north : the initial element of the cone being the
line joining the points at which the parallels above mentioned are inter-
sected by the 111th meridian of west longitude. The resulting maps
admit of conjoining ; and the amount of distortion, both in distance and
azimuth, for so large an area is less in the aggregate than in the polyconic
projection.
The following examples indicate the method of computation of baro-
metric altitudes: (a) Transcript of Observations (Transcript from Form I
and Form II) ; (b) Aneroid Profiles — Computations (Transcripts from
Forms III and IV, and Form V) ; (c) Barometric height determinations.
392 V. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TII MERIDIAN.
(a).— METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS IN THE FIELD, 1878.
[Transcripts from Forms I and II.]
Party No. 1. Division, Utah. Recorded in Book No. 123. K. M. Lee, computer.
Sept, 20
20
21
21
p. III.
p. m.
a. in.
a. in.
Standard cist, barometer Ko. 173.7. Error
+. 006.
C H7t
S
tn
"*~
:=9
£3
«
z - -
rt
tf
O
6
4
.»
Cistern bin tei No. 1707.
lt>
1 1
li
13
Aneroid Xo. 2.
14
IS
K
16
CiinpJso. 28, Toil Gate (Summit Branch), Plumas County, Cal.
09. 7
24, 684
33. 2
24. 620
27.6
24.614
::4 3
24 636
096
-.016
. 1)114
-.019
24. 588
+ . 023
24 601
003
24 610
023
24.617
- 030
21 611
24.601
24.587
24 587
24JS96
33. 5
27.8
34.8
+0.2 24.612
4 0.2 24.012
+0.2 24 638
+ .005
+ .003
+ .005
35 ii
30.0
24.48
24.47
Forks of the road near bridge over Butt Creek (Aneroid Station. No. 111.
12. 15 p. in. 70.6
22 7
22 2
22 9
p. in.
a. in.
p in
p. in.
23 6 a.m. 27.4
23 7 a. in. 29 7
23 9 p.m. 53.6
,102 25.420 +.007 25.427
2.7.427
Butt Mountain, Plumas County. Cal., instrument 29 feet below summit.
. 023
. 028
,038
.047
22. 557
22. 572
22. 580
22. 587
-.030
.039
.040
024
22. .727
22. 533
22 540
22. 563
22.541
37. 5
40.0
45, o
49.5
+ 0.2 22.580
+0.2 22.60,.
;u2 22.618
+ 0.2 22.634
+ .005 |
+ .005
| .110.1
I .005
411.4 25.528
31.2
74.2
42.0
24
24 8 a. in
24 9 a. in
24 111 a in
a in 33. n
4.7. 8
51.3
57.4
25. 544
25. 561
25. 306
25. 472
25. 462
25. 44U
25. 499
25. 538
25. 548
2 . 564
Camp No, 29, Deer Creek Meadows, Plumas County, Cal.
. 003
033
15 193
012
25 532
no
2.7. 154
037
25. 409
003
2.7. 469
009
25. 453
063
25.377
021
27.478
045
25 193
058
25, 490
1172
25, 492
.023
.030
.003
.030
.039
. 040
.024
.124
.140
27, 492 411, S
- 02
25.524
+ .005
42.
25.40
-.095
25.192
31.3
+ 0.2
27 538
1 .007
32.0
25.40
-. 132
7.7
+ 0.2
25.566
+ .005
74."
27. :i9
-.064
25.485 42, 4
+ 0.2
2.7.508
im:,
44.0
2538
-.089
2,7. 440 27
II 2
25.400
\ .005
30.
25.33
-.139
".', I 1 :; 29, 8
+ 0.2
2.7 400
t 005
25 ::7t
54.0
25.28
.097
25.411
25. 448 ..
36.0
25.34
. 138
27.474
2.7.450
2.7.408 | ....
25.455
Note.— Transcript to be compared by chief of party with original record, and forwarded, when book U filled, to the
rate the observations at each place from those at the next following phut- by having two it more lines between them. On
cord whatever may have been crowded out of the column of remarks concerting the preceding place of observation.
Deity. When two cistern barometers are read together, enter tin- reading of that one which is the more reliable, or which
is by comparison with the reading of the standard, corrected fur instrumental error only, and with the reading of its 'at
rometer at 32° F." The correction " is plus when the leading is less than that of the standard, and minus when greater.
Tiie red net inns performed in each .use are to be noted in writing at head of column.
METHODS OF SURVEY (REDUCTIONS).
393
(«), METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS IN THE FIELD, 1878.
[Transcripts from Forms I and II.]
Party No. 1. Division, Utah. Recorded in Book No. 13:5. F. M. Lee, computer.
Aneroid "X". 6.
Thermometers.
I I
15
So. 5.
K.
Maxi- Mini-
tuiinj. mum.
IT IS
No. 4.
Drv Wet
bulb. bulb.
nil
i» 20 it
£
c
Z-
-'
-
-*
S
-
X
<
22
23
34
Clouds.
Rain or
gnow
Wind.
24 i.t 26 it
is
5 ~
■lit 30
Remarks.
CI
(amp No. 28, Toll Cate (Summit Ranch), Plumas Cou nty. Cat .
71.0 24 22 -.368
35.0 21.23 -.374
311.0 24.23 ■■■>'
36. 24.27 - . 347
70.0
65.0 46 I IS
33. a 31.4 2.1
j- 28.8 27.4
34.2 31.5
10.3
0. 21-1
1.4
2.7
0.780
0.749
0.739
o
0.631
w.
s\\.
w.
sw.
Louis Seckels,
observer.
r'orks „f the road near bridge over Butt Creek (Aneroid Station, No. 11).
72. o 25 1 I
SE.
Butt Mountain. Plumas County, Cal., instrument 29 feet below summit^
29. 5
38.5 31.8
42. a 31.5
47.0 34.6
10.1
4.0
6.7
11.0
13. n
0.612
0. 523
0. 363
0.326
0.456
42
25.18 +.315
Camp No. 29, Deer Creek Meadows. Plumas County, Cal
32. 25.21)
74.0 25.18
44. 25.15
30. 25.12
-.332
-.274
-.319
711.0
T.'i o
39 5
39.5
28. 5 33. 4
71.8
43.0
19.4
29. 5 28. 6
.... 31.8
..... 53. 1',
3X.0
30.0 411.2
40.6
35.0 4.5
30.2
50.0
37.3
3.2 .
21.8
5. 7 .
26.8
1 8
28. 2
::. ti
45.0
8 6
:;7 :.
39.11
7.6
52. 6 42. 6
57. I 43. 8
10.0
13.2
4».s
(I. 663
0.663
0.678
0.263
0.612
0.51*
0.682
0.589
0.525
610
I). 559
0. 465
0.380
0.503
(-)
•
II
II
sw.
II
TV.
II
Lieutenant Till
man, observer.
Psych o meter.
No. 7.
Louis Seckels,
observer.
II
SE
4
SE.
6
Cistern 1767 and
aneroid No. 6
on side trip.
* Cir. Com.
Fill out, in the field, columns Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 11,
Office of the Survev. Fill out, ,n the tield, columns «o S . 1, ,.., ,. , -, 14, 15. 17, .8, 19 20, 21. 25 26 27 28, 29, 30. and 31. -
Te firs o these lines record i I i»* the means of the preceding se, of observations. On the l.nes nex, to. .,» «
scribe each locality in full, using if necessary, tie eniire line immediately preced.ng lire set of ohservat.ons at that
more babi.uallv in .he party, in column 4, as thestandard ba.ometer. The error ... the othor barome ter >s to be obtain, 1
"11" corrected for error. The aneroid errors are to be determined by comparison with the standard be
Cotam^sfof record ng the reduced readings of the second barometer after a,l necessary corrections have been made.
394 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
Camp No
28
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
11!
17
18
19
'.'ii
29
24.617
1
25. 522
70. Ii
25 420
!
!
( ':uii|i No
25. 552
62
25 470
Correct
for
error of
aneroid.
+ .319
+ .319
.319
+ .319
+ .319
K3I9
+ .319
+ .319
] .319
+ .319
+ .310
+ . 320
• .320
+ . 320
+ .320
h.320
+.320
+ . 320
+ .320
+.320
+ .320
+ .320
Correct
for lior.
oac.il
030
-.039
-. 040
-.035
— . 032
—.024
—.022
— . 020
—.017
— . 007
.000
+ .008
+ .018
+.019
+ .023
+ .026
+ .030
+.032
+.031
+ .028
+ .026
Total cor
II < ' lull
Corrected
readings
+. 283
| 280
+ .279
+.284
2 -7
+ .295
( . 207
299
+ .302
| .312
+.319
+ .328
+ .338
+ . 339
+ .313
+ .310
+ .350
+ .352
+ .351
; .348
-.340
24. 563
24. 650
24. 659
24. 884
24. 057
25. 095
25. 077
25. 099
25 152
25.312
25.419
25. 45s
25. 338
25. 439
25. 343
25. 296
25. 250
25. 202
25. 251
25. 398
25.446
Tem-
pera-
ture.
72
10 II
132
132
132
132
132
132
132
132
132
132
132
132
132
132
132
132
132
132
132
132
132
132
Note. — Form to be filled and forwarded to the office in Washington, D. C. Pill out columns 1, 2, 10, and 20 fiom
camp or station, with the State or Territory and number of atlas sheet in which situated, will he entered. Locality can
METHODS OF SURVEY (REDUCTIONS).
395
(ft). -ANEROID PROFILES.— COMPUTATIONS.
[Transcript from Forms III, IV, and V.]
Party, No. 1. Utah section. Recorded in Book No. 61. Date, September 21, 1878. Camp No. 28 to No.
29. Fred. W. Floyd, computer.
D,
(b H)
First
npprox.
(llff.Of
altitude.
D„
SecoDd
appro x.
iliff.uf
altitude.
Altitude.
Distri-
bution
of
error.
Altitude
above
sea-level.
Diff. of
altitude
betw'n
sta-
tions.
Dis-
tance
in
miles.
Remarks.
13
13
14
15
16
17
IS
19
SO
23566. 9
23639. 6
Altitiidi
- 92.7
by eiste
- 7.0
rn bar
- 99.7
5426.6
5326. 9
+ 4.4
5426.lt
5331.3
Toll Gate, Summit Ranch, Cal,
las Sheet 47 A.
At-
95.3
.831
23609. 2
- 9.6
— 0.7
— 10.3
5316. 6
8.8
5325.4
5.9
1.031
23907.4
-238.2
—18.0
—256. 2
5060. 4
13.2
5073.6
251.8
1.061
23984. 3
- 70.9
— 5.8
— 82.7
4977. 7
17.6
4995.3
78.3
.599
24128. 7
-144.4
-11.0
-155.4
4822 :
22, ,,
4*44.3
151.0
.836
24109. 9
+ [8.8
+ 1-4
+ 20.2
484.'. 5
26.4
4MiN.it
24.6
.528
Creek.
24-132. 9
— 23.
- 1.7
- 24.7
4817. 8
30. 8
4848.0
20.3
. 533
Creek.
24188.3
— 55.4
— 4.2
— 59.6
1758 2
35.2
47113. 4
55.2
.634
24354. 6
-166.3
—12.6
—178. 9
4J79. .'!
39-6
461V. 11
174 5
1.024
24 110.2
-110.6
— 8. 4
— 119. (1
4460. 3
44.
4504.3
114 .6
.639
24505 4
- 40.2
— 3.0
— 43.2
4117 1
48.4
4465.5
38.8
.392
Forks of road to Soldiers 1 Meadows.
21381.4
+ 124.0
+ 9.4
+133 4
4550. 5
52, 8
4603.3
137.8
.531
24485.9
—104. 5
— 7.9
—112.4
4138. 1
57. 2
4495.:!
108.0
. 354 Butt Creek.
243S6. 7
+ 99.2
+ 7.5
+106.7
4544.8
61.6
4606.4
111.1
1.561
24338.
+ 48. 7 + 3. 7
+ 52.4
4597. 2
66.0
4663.2
56.8
1.704
24290.3
+ 47.7 +3.0
+ 51.3
4C48. 5
70.4
471S.9
55.7
1.202
24240. 4
+ 49.9 +3.8
+ 53.7
4702. 2
74.8
4777.0
58.1
1.648 Lost Creek.
21291. 3
— 50. 9 — 3. 9
— 54.8
4647.4
79.2
4726.6
50.4
.786
24443. 5
-152.2 —11.6
—103. 8
4483.0
83.6
4567.2
159.4
1.911
24493. 1
— 49. 6 — 3. 8
— 53. 4
4430. 2
+87.9
43IS.I
49.1
.538
Camp 29, Deer Creek Meadows
Lost Creek.
For comparison.
mi
cist. bar..
1518.1
Altitude of Camp Xo. 29 by
18.343
Error in aneroid profile. . .
-87.9 ft.
aneroid and odometer books; columns 3 and 4 from meteorological book. In column of '
not be too explicitly given. One day's readings aKme should be recorded on each page.
Remarks" the locality of the
396 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
(c).— BAROMETRIC DETERMINATION OF HEIGHTS— FIELD SEASON. 1878.
Party No. 1. Division, Utah. Lieutenant Tillman, executive officer. F. M. Lee, computer.
Observations recorded in books No. 123 and No. .">.'.
Names of tables, etc.
i ' putation.
Computation.
Computation.
Computation.
Date, 1ST*
Sept. 20 anil 21.
Sept 21.
Sept. 24.
Sept 21 to 25-
No. of synchronous obs. . . .
Lower station
4
Red Blurt'.
1
Red lilufl.
4
Camp 29.
1 laily means.
Red Bluff.
Upper station
28. Toll Gate.
Nearbrldgeover
liuii Creek.
Hun Mountain.
■Jit. Deer Creek
Meadows.
( h -
29. 031
24 596
29. 620
25. 427
25.455
22.541
29. :.Tii
Ba,at32°| B
p
58.5
71.0
49.8
7'J. II
Temperature ! '
i t+v =
1 a ......
10.3
09.8
411.4
42. 4
98.8
140.8
90.2
115.4
. 590
. 500
. 503
.405
Humidil yi a ■-*■
1 a + a' -
.637
.323
.456
.552
1.227
.823
. 959
. 957
in n;,
40° 05'
40° 05'
40° 05'
Di(h)
28486. 1
28481. C
24502. 3
28432.
Di (Hi -
23602. 1
24473.4
21314. 1
21484. 8
3947. 2
2110. 4
Du - .
172.9
313.4
85. 1
4153.6
1 8
11.2
0.1
Dm -
2.3
Ii„ -
13.8
11 6
1>, -
0.2
0.1
1.5
3285.
411.0
7.8
7.5
4160. 7
44.0
14.il
13.4
Ii,, -
11. „ -
12 6
Correi t foi [a I- a') = .
Hill, of altitude =
15.4
is. 4
5088. 6
4353. 6
3292. 5
4180. 1
Alt. of reference station =
338.
338.0
4518. 1
338.0
Altitude of station —
+20 II
.•ilili.li
tliill.6
7S30.(i
4518.1
Reharkb.— Barometer 20 feet beiow summit.
TOPOGRAPHIC.
The topographer's plot is a complete and accurate representation of
all the topographic information secured in the field, adjusted to the pro-
jection upon which are laid down all the initial check-points upon which
the work is based The plots are projected on a scale of 1 inch — 2
miles, with contours at 200 feet interval, subsequent to the computation of
latitudes, longitudes, altitudes, departures, distances, azimuths, etc., and
FopograpliY.
A
Scale 1 inch to 2 miles.
(Ztrt/PH/V W /<''■/ i r v//,-t// i/Uft lit/ R P— p
P = 101,037 yards.* j;zz87,717 yards.
R— r (meridional arc from latitude 34° to 44°) = 1,214,073.7
yards.
'Clarke's Spheroid,
400 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TII MERIDIAN.
Consequently we find —
[1=9,209,187.2 yards. r= 7,995,113.5 yards.
<5, the angle at the vertex of the developed cone for 1° of
longitude, is found l>y the equation —
S P 180 P ,.„
36(F = 2P^ 0rd = \U = 3( 43 '
As the developed parallels are circular arcs, the co-ordinates of curva-
ture are —
6m, difference of meridians zz.r = r sin 6.
dp, difference of parallels —y—rversme 6z=xtang. J, 6.
Greatest error in length, relalivi It) and positively, for an atlas shut bordering latitude '-l'.* .
The maximum error of construction is al the extreme parallel 'J'J and 4!i .
Yunls.
In latitude 29 c one degree of arc is represented by 107,687
In latitude 29° one degree of arc on the globe —106,564
Error = 1. 123
n> 107,687, or 1 in 96.
Miles.
Aii atlas sheet diagonal, bordering latitude 29 (each sheet embracing 1° -10' in
latitude aud 2° 45' in longitude), is from the above projection 202,248
A great circle connecting the same points on the globe is —200,805
Hence the error = 1. 443
or 1 in 140.
The azimuth of the diagonal line in projection is 56 17 18
The azimuth of the diagonal line ou the globe is 55 45 01
Error in azimuth = 32 17
METHODS OF SURVEY (PROJECTION).
401
The following projection tables (or natural scale for 60° in longitude
and 21° in latitude) were computed by Assistant Louis Nell, who has
otherwise assisted in perfecting the practices under the projection. They
exhibit the logarithms of metres, in order to facilitate reduction to any
desired scale. The dimensions are given for each degree in latitude from
29° to 49° north latitude, and for a range of 30° in longitude on each side
of the central meridian:
MODIFIED SECANT CONIC PROJECTION.
Co-ordinates <5m, Sp in yards.
S
p
o
Latitude 29°.
Latitude 30°.
Latitude 31
Latitude 32°.
Latitude 33°.
Latitude 34°.
dm.
{p.
5m.
Sp.
5m.
5p.
6ni.
dp.
5m.
5p.
5m.
cp.
1
1117,687
591
106, 357
584
105, 027
576
103, 097
569
102, 366
562
101,03"
551
2
215,360
2, 363
212,701 2,334
210, 041
2,305
207, 380
2,275
204,719
2,246
202, 058
2,217
3
323, 008
5,316
319,019
5,250
315, 02:
5,185
311,039
5,119
307, 049
5,054
303, 037
4,988
4
430,617
9,450
425, 299
9,331
419, 980
9,217
414, 060
9,100
40D, 340
8,983
404,019
8,807
5
538, 1 74
14, 765
531, 527
14, 583
524, 880
14, 400
518, 232
14,216
511, 562
14,035
504, 932
13, 853
6
645, 6C6
21, 260
637, 692
20, 997
029,717
20, 734
621,741
20, 471
613,704
20, 209
605 785
19, 946
7
753, 080
28, 932
743, 760
28, 575
734, 47s
28, 218
725, 175
27, 860
713.671
27, 503
706, 565
27, 145
8
860, 404
37, 783
849, 779
37,317
839, 151
36, 850
828, 522
36, 383
817,892
35,917
807, 259
9
907. 625
47,812
955, 675
47,221
943, 723
46, 630
931, 769
46, 040
919,814
47, 449
907, 857
44, 858
10
1,074,728
59, 015
1,061,456
58, 286
1, 048, 181
57, 557
1, 034, 904
56, 828
1,021.626
56, 099
1, 008, 345
55, 370
11
1, 181,703
71, 393
1, 167, 109
70,512 1,152,513
69, 630
1, 137,915
68, 74K
1, 123,315
67, 865
1, 108, 712
06, 983
12
1, 288, 535
84,944
1, 272, G22
83,89.. 1,256,706
82, 846
1, 240, 788
81, 797
1, 224, 868
80, 747
1, 208, 945
79, 698
13
1, 395, 212
99, 067
1, 377, 981
98, 436 1 , 360, 748
97, 205
1,343,512
95, 974
1,326,274
94, 742
1, 309, 033
93, 510
14
1,501,721
115, 558
1,483,176
114,131 1,464,627
1 12. 701
1, 446, 075
111,276
1,427,521
100,846
1,498,964
108 420
15
1, 008, 05U
132, 017
1,588,191
130,980' 1,568,329
129, 342
1, 548, 464
127, 703
1,528, 595
120, 065
1,508,724
121, Uli
16
1,714,184
150, 842
1,693,015
148,979' 1,671,842
147, 116
1, 6511, 600
145, 253
1,629,466
143, 389
1, 608, 303
141, :.2-i
17
1,820,113
170, 230
1,797,635
168,128 1,775,154
1*6, 025
1,752,669
163, 922
1,730, 181
161, 819
1, 707, 689
159, 710
18
1, 925, 822
190, 779
1,902,039
188.423! 1,878,252
186, 067
1,854,461
183,710
1, 830, 667
181, 353
1, 806, 869
178, 990
19
2,031,300
212,488
2, 006, 214
209,864 1,981, L24
207, 239
1,956,030 2il4,C14
1,93(1,933
201, 989
1,905,832
99 163
20
2, 136, 532
235, 351
2. lin, us
232,445 2,083,758
"229, 538
2,057,364 226,630
2,030,967
223, 722
2, 004, 565
220, 814
21
2,241,509
259, 36S
2,213,826
256, 165
2, 186, 141
252, 961
2, 158, 45li
249, 757
2, 1311, 755
246, 552
2, 103,056
243,347
22
2, 346, 215
282, 465
2,317, -.'4ii
278, 977
2, 288, 260
275, 488
2, 239. 276
271,999
2, 2311, 287
268, 509
2,2iH.2:il
265,1118
23
2, 450, 638
310,849
2, 120, 375
307,010
2,390, 104
303, 171
2, 359, 830
299, 331
2,329, 552
2115, 490
2, 299, 269
291,649
24
2, 554, 767
338, 307
2, 523, 217
334, 129
2, 491, 661
329, 951
2,460,100
325, 771
2, 428, 536
321, 592
2, 396, 966
::i7,iii
25
2, 658, 588
360, 906
2, 625, 756
362, 375
2, 592, 918
357, 843
2, 560, 075,
353,311
2, 527, 228
348, 777
2,494 374
344, -J43
26
2. 702, 080
396, 643
2, 727, 979
391, 744
i, 693,862
386, 845
2, 059, 740
381,945
2, 1125, 014
377, 045
372, 143
27
2, 865, 259
427, 577
2,829,874
422,296 2,794, 183
417,015
2, 759, 087
411,733
2, 72::. ii8i
406, 450
2, 668, 27: 1
401 166
28
2, 968, 082
459,513
2, 931, 428
453,838 2,894,767
1
448, 162
2, xr.H, mi
442, 480
2,821,429
)
2,784,751
431,130
29
3, 070, 548
492, 639
3, 032, 6211
486,555 2,994,702
480, 470
2, 956, 770
47l,::64
2,918,832
li.-, 298
2, 880, 888
162,210
30
3, 172,645
526, 8S7
3,133,465 520,381 3,094,277
513, 8731 3, 055, 084
507, 364
:;, Hi;, 885
500, 854
2, 976, 679
494,343
20 WH— VOL I
402 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 1O0TH MERIDIAN.
MODIFIED SECANT CONIC PROJECTION— Continued.
-r
"3
Latitud
'■"■
i 35
Latitud
Sni.
.i,
5p
Latitude 37°.
Latitude 38°.
Latitude 39°.
Am.
6p.
dm.
dp.
Sm.
ip.
1
99,704
547
96, 373
540
97, 042
532
95,710
525
94, 378
518
199, 396
2,188
190, 734
2,159
194,071
2, 129
191,408
2,100
188,745
2,071
3
299, 065
4, 922
295, 072
4,856
291, 078
4, 791
287. 084
4,725
283, 089
4, 659
4
398, 096
8,750
393, 373
8,633
388, 049
K, 516
382, 724
8,399
377, 399
8,282
5
498, 280
13,6711
491,028
13, 488
484,974
13,305
478, 319
13, 123
471,603
12, 940
6
597, 805
19, 683
589, 823
19, 420
581, 840
19, 157
573. 856
18, 895
565, 871
1 3, 632
7
697. 257
26, 7ks
687, 948
26, 430
678, 637
26,072
669, 325
25, 715
660, 010
2.-.. 357
8
796, 625
34, 983
785, 989
34, 516
775, 351
34,048
701. 712
33, 581
754, 071
.13, 114
895, 897
44, 267
883, 936
43, 676
871, 973
43,065
860,007
42, 494
648, 040
41,903
10
995, 062
54. 640
981, 776
53,911
968, 489
53, 162
055, 109
52, 452
041, 907
51,722
11
1, 094, 107
66, 101
1, 079, 499
65, 219
1,064,889
04, 336
1,050,276
63, 153
1, 035, 66'
62, ''7ii
12
1, 193, 020
78, 648
1, 177, 091
77, 598
1, 161, 160
70, :.17
1, 145,227
75, 497
1, 129, 290
71. 110
13
1,291, 789
92, 279
1, 274, 542
91,047
1, 257, 292
.-'.'. 815
1, 240,039
66, 582
1, 122. 7K4
k7.::49
11
1,390,40!)
106, 992
1.371.839
105, 564
1, 353, 273
mi. 135
1,331,703
102, 706
1, 316, 129
101,277
15
1, 488, 850
122, 767
1,468,972
121, 147
1, 449, 090
119,508
1,429,206
117, 668
1, 109,318
116,228
Hi
1,587,117
139,661
1,565,927
137, 790
1,544,734
135,931
!, 523, 537
134, 060
1, 502, 336
132,200
17
1,685, 193
157, 612
1,662,694
155, 507
1,640,191
15::, 103
1,617,684
151,298
1.595,173
149, 193
18
1,783,067
176,638
1, 759, 261
174,279
1, 735, 450
171,920
1,711,036
109, 561
1,687,818
10.7, 202
19
1. 880,726
196, 737
1, 855, 616
191,110
1, 830, 502
191,4.-::
1 , 805, 383
1K8, 855
1,780,260
180,227
I'll
1,978,158
217,905
1,951,748
214, 996
1, 925, 332
212, 086
1,898,912
209, 170
1,872,488
21.0, 205
21
2, 075, 352
210, 142
2, 047, 644
236, 936
2, 019, 930
233, 729
1,992,213
230, 52-j
1,964,490
227. ::ll
22
2, 172, 298
201.527
2, 143, 296
258, 035
2, 114, 287
254, 543
2, 085, 274
251,051
2. 050 256
217, 557
.3
2, 268, 980
287, 807
2, 238, 687
283, 964
2, 208, 38K
260, 121
2, 178, 084
270, 277
2, 147, 775
272, 433
24
2, 365, 391
313,230
2, 333, 809
309, 048
2, 302, 223
304, 865
2, 270, 632
300 682
2, 239,035
296, 497
25
2,461.516
339,709
2,428,674
335, 173
2, 395, 782
330, 637
2, 362, 907
320, 100
2. 330, 026
321, 562
26
2, 557, 344
367, 241
2, 523, 201
362, 338
2. 489, 051
354, 434
2, 454, 896
352, 529
2, 420, 735
347, 623
'J 7
2, 652, 866
395, 882
2, 617, 447
390, 590
2. 582, "22
385, 310
2, 546, 591
380 H2.:
2.511. 154
::74. 734
2S
2 748,068
425 451
2,711,378
419, 770
2, 674. 681
414,089
2,037,079
406,407
2, 601, 270
IH2.724
29
2, 842, 938
456, 121
2, 804, 981
450, 032
2, 707, OIK
11.:, oil
2, 720, 049
437, 849
2, 691, 073
431,750
.in
2, 937. 467
487, 831
2, 898, 248
481,318
2. .-.v.i. 023
474, Hill
2, Kill, 79u
168, 288
2, 780, 552
461.772
METHODS OF SURVEY (PROJECTION).
403
MODIFIED SECANT CONIC PROJECTION— Continued.
a
'3i
a
o
►J
Latitude 40.°
Latitude 41 c .
Latitude 42°.
Latitude 43°.
Latitude 44°.
Am.
93,046
«P-
6m.
5p.
<5m.
ip.
6m.
■Sp.
(5 tn.
4p.
o
1
510
91, 714
503
90, 381
496
89, 048
489
» 87,715
481
2
186, 081
2,042
183, 416
2,012
180, 751
1,983
178, 086
1,954
175, 4211
1,925
3
279, 093
4,593
275, 097
4,528
271, 100
4,462
267, 102
4,396
263, 104
4,330
■ 4
372, 072
8,166
366, 744
8,049
361,416
7,932
356, 086
7,815
350, 756
7,698
5
465, 006
12, 758
458, 348
12, 575
451, 68?
12, 392
445, 027
12, 209
438, 365
12, 027
6
557, 881
18, 369
549, 896
18, 106
541,900
17,843
533, 915
17, 580
525, 922
17,316
7
650, 695
24, 099
641, 378
24,641
632, 059
24,283
622, 738
23, 925
613,416
23, 567
8
743, 428
32, 647
732, 782
:vi, 179
722, 135
31,712
711,48ii
31, 244
700, 836
30, 770
9
836, 071
41, 312
834, 099
40, 720
812,125
40, 128
800, 149
39, 536
788, 171
38,914
10
928, 613
50, 992
915,310
Til), 262
902,017
49, 531
888, 716
48, 801
875,412
48, 1170
11
1,021,044
61,687
1, 006, 423
60, 803
991, 801
59, 920
977, 175
59, 037
962, 547
58, 152
12
1,113,351
73, 390
1, 097, 409
72, 345
1, 081, 465
71,2(14
1,065,517
70, 242
1,049,566
69, 191
13
1, 205, 525
86, 116
1, 188, 263
84, 883
1, 170, 998
83, 650
1, 153, 730
82,417
1, 136, 460
81,183
14
1,297,554
99, 848
1, 278, 974
98, 418
1, 260, 391
96, 988
1,241,805
95, 558
1,223,216
94, 127
15
1, 389, 426
114,587
1, 369, 531
112 1(46
1, 349, 633
111,305
1, 329, 730
109, 664
1, 3U9, 825
108, 023
16
1, 481, 131
130, 334
1, 459, 923
123, 468
1,438,711
126, 601
1,417,495
124, 735
1,396,276
122, 867
17
1, 572, 658
147, 087
1, 550, 140
144, 980
1, 527, 617
142, 874
1, 505, 090
140, 767
1, 482, 559
138. 660
18
1, 663, 996
164, 842
1, 640, 169
162, 482
1, 616, 338
160,121
1, 592, 503
157, 760
1, 568, 664
155, 398
10
1, 755, 133
183, 599
1, 730, 0(12
180. 970
1, 704, 866
178, 341
1, 679, 725
175,711
1, 654, 580
173, 080
20
1, 846, 059
203, 354
1, 819, 626
200, 442
1, 793, 188
197, 529
1, 766, 745
194,617
1. 740, 297
191, 703
21
1, 936, 761
224, 105
1. 909, 031
220, 896
1, 881, 294
217, 687
1, 8"3, 551
214, 477
1 825,804
211,266
22
2, 027, 234
244,083
1, 998, 206
240, 568
1, 969, 173
237, 073
1, 910, 135
233, 57'
1,911,091
230, 080
23
2, 117, 460
268, 587
2, 087, 140
264. 742
2, 056, 816
200, 896
2, 026, 485
257,048
1,(1(16, 149
253, 200
24
2, 207, 433
292, 313
2, 175, 824
288, 127
2,144,211
283, 941
2,112,591
279, 754
2, 080, 967
275, 566
25
2, 297, 138
317, 023
2, 264, 246
312, 484
2, 231, 348
307, 944
2, 198, 444
303, 403
2, 165, 534
298, 861
26
2, 386, 568
342.717
2, 352, 395
337, 809
2,318,216
332,9111
2, 281, 031
327, 992
2, 249, H(i(l
323, 082
27
2, 475, 711
369, 445
2, 440, 261
364, 155
2, 404, 800
358, 864
2, 369, 343
353, 573
2, 333, 875
348, 279
28
2, 564, 555
397, 039
2, 527, 833
391,354
2,491,104
385, 668
2, 454, 371
379, 981
2, 417, 629
374, 293
29
2, 653, 090
425, 662
2, 615, 101
419,567
2, 577, 105
413,471
2, 539, 102
407, 374
2, 501, 092
401,275
30
2, 741, 306
455, 254
2, 702, 054
448, 735
2, 662, 794
442,210
2, 623, 528
435, 694
2, 584, 255
429, 172
404
S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF lOiiTIl MERIDIAN.
MODIFIED SECANT CONK' I'K'OJKCTION— Continued.
t tale.
Latitui
in
.• 4".
Sp.
Latitm
Sin.
e46°.
6p.
I.alitui]
^m
IT
Latituc
.•48 .
ip.
Latitude 49°.
c
►J
5p.
6m.
Sra.
ip.
1
86, 382
474
85, 048
407
83,715
459
32 381
452
81,047
415
2
172,754
1,895
170, 087
1,866
167, 420
1,837
104.752
1,8(17
162, 083
1,777
3
259, 105
4, 261
4,199
251. 104
4, 133
247, 102
1 "(17
24:i,10(i
4,001
4
345, 124
7, 581
340,092
7, 404
334, 759
7,347
129, 124
7,230
324, 088
7, 113
5
431,702
11,844
125,038
11.661
418,373
11,47s
411, 70(1
11, 29,-|
405,037
11,112
G
517,928
1 7. 053
509,933
16, 790
501.936
1(1, 527
19, 938
16.263
485. 938
16, 000
7
604, 092
23 208
,'.94, 7(17
22, 850
.'85,4411
22 492
576, 111
17,581
566, 779
21,775
8
690, 183
30, '(OS
(179, 529
29, Ml
068, 873
29, ::71
658,214
28, 905
647,553
28, 436
9
776, 191
38, 1152
764,209
:i7, 70(1
752, 225
37, 108
7)0, 2118
36, 576
728, 248
35, 984
l(i
362, 106
17, 339
848, 797
46, 609
835, 180
45, .-78
822, 173
15, 117
808, 856
44,416
11
947,917
57, 209
633, 284
56, :;.-".
918,048
55.5(11
9(14, 009
54, 010
889, 367
53, 731
12
! " ; 1,613
68, 139
1,017,657
07.1187
1,001,098
66, 035
9-5, 736
04, 983
909. 770
63, 930
13
1, 119, 185
79,9 49
1, 101,9118
78,715
1,084,628
77,481
1,067,345
76, 240
1,(1511,057
75.011
'4
1,201,623
92. 1190
1, l,-i; 027
91,266
1, 107,428
89, 835
1, 118 825
88, 103
1 130,217
86, 971
15
1,289,916
106. 381
1, 270, 003
llll, 739
1, 250,087
1 90
1,230, 107
101,453
1,210, 242
99, -in
10
1,375,053
121, 000
1, 353, 826
119, 132
1,332,595
117,204
1,311,360
115,395
1, 290, 120
112,526
17
1, 400, 1)25
1 ;.,. 552
1.4:17,480
134,444
1 414,944
K12,3:i6
1, 392, 397
130, 227
1, 369, 843
128, 118
18
1,544,820
153, 030
1,520,97:1
150,671
1,497, 121
148,311
1. 173,265
145, 947
1,449,401
143, 583
10
1,029,431
1711,449
1, 004, 277
167, , -18
1,579,119
Kl'i, 186
1,553,950
102,554
1, 528, 786
159, 921
20
1,713 815
1-.-. 789
i,r,,-7, 388
1-:,, -7:.
1, 660, 920
182, 960
l.i:::4,459
180,045
1,0(17,980
177,129
21
1, 798, 052
208, 055
1,770,296
204, 843
1,742,534
201, 631
1.711.767
1,8,418
1,080,992
195,204
22
1,882,044
226, .-.8.1
1, 852,990
221, 085
1, 823, 932
219, 587
1,794,808
216, 088
1, 765, 790
212,588
23
1, 965, 809
249, 351
1,935, 462
245, 502
1,905,110
241, 052
1 . 874, 752
2,'n. -Id
1, 844, 280
2311. 949
24
2, 049, 336
271,377
2, 017, 700
267, 188
1,986,059
262, 998
1,954,411
258. 807
1,922,75.-.
254,015
25
2,132.618
294,318
2, 099, 697
289, 775
2, 066, 769
285, 231
2,033,836
280,685
2.(100,892
276, 139
26
2,2i:>, (142
318, 172
2. 181,439
313, 260
2, 147, 230
308, 347
2, 113,014
303, 131
2, 078, 789
298, 519
27
2,298.401
:U2, 986
2, 262, 920
337, 691
2, 227, 4:i:i
332, 395
2, 191, 929
327, 099
2,156,435
321,800
28
■
368,604
2, :144, 128
1102, 913
2, 307, 367
357, 222
2, 270, ('.nil
351, 530
2, 233, 822
345, 836
29
2, 463, 07(1
395, 170
2, 4:5, 053
389, 076
2, 387, 024
382, 974
2, 348, 987
376, 872
2,310,939
370, 767
30
2. .'.14, 971
422, 649
2, 505, 687
416, 124
2, 466, 393
409, 599
2, 427, 092
403, 1.72
2,387, 779
396, 543
Herid
ional arcs.
M11 Ldional ana.
Meridional arcs.
Latitude.
Yards.
Latitude.
Yards.
Latitude.
Yards.
29
121,217. 1
36
121,354 5
4::
121,502.9
30
121, 235. 8
37
121,375.2
41
121,524. '.
31
121, 254. 8
38
121,396.2
4.'.
121,546. 1
32
121, 274. 1
39
121.417.3
40
121.507 7
33
121,293.8
40
131,438 5
47
121, 589
34
121,313.7
41
121,459.9
1- 121,010.8
35
121,334. 1
42
121,481.4
4:1 121,632.2
Appendix I).
NOTES ON TIITC SITRVKT AND DISPOSAL OF TIITC PUBLIC LANDS.
(With map. )
The area embraced in the territory of the United States, obtained by
treaty, conquest, cession of States, and purchase, other than that belonging to
the original thirteen States, has been denominated "public domain" and the
"national domain." The former is estimated to embrace 2,489,280 square
miles (including Alaska, 577,390 square miles), while the latter is increased
by 404,955.91 square miles, making a total of 2,894,235.91 square miles,
by the annexation of Texas and the land purchase from that State. (See
pp. 10, 11, and 1-3, Public Domain.)
The land surveyed within this territory, according to the records of
the General Land Office, to June 30, 1K86, was 971,174,878 acres, while
that disposed of at same date is reported as 672,176,026 acres.*
The area then remaining unsurveyed was 844,329,269 acres,f while
that undisposed of up to June 30, 1886, was approximately 1,144,604,734
acres.
This is a general estimate, and embraces all that reported as unsur-
veyed and as undisposed of from that which is surveyed, and includes all
Indian and other reservations, unsurveyed private land claims, surveyed
The estimated disposition of the public domain under various laws from its origin to June 30,
1883, is given on p. 519, Public Domain, ed. 1883, under various heads, as follows: Cash sales, land
bounties, State selections, salines, town sites; railroad, canal, and wagon-road grants; mineral lauds,
homesteads, scrip, coal lands, stone and timber, swamp and overflowed lauds, educational, timber
culture, and as desert lands.
tThis includes all of Alaska, estimated at 369,529,600 acres.
in:,
406 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
private land claims in Arizona, California, Colorado, and New Mexico,
school lands, unsurveyed railroad, swamp-land, and other grants, 273,272,475
acres reported as undisposed of (June 30, 1X86) but surveyed, and all of
Alaska and the public land strip, aggregating 373,202,240 acres. The
General Land Office has no available data for estimating the areas em-
braced in the several classes above mentioned. In the above are inclosed
the large mountain and desert tracts, unsurveyed rivers and lakes, and
much permanently unproductive and barren land, it being impossible to
state even approximately the actual amount of productive and useful land
available for disposition.
The cost of the survey and service of the disposal of the public lands,
involving all cash receipts on account of the same from the commencement
to the 30th June, 1883, was 8351,981,160.32, while the net cash receipts
therefrom to the same date had been 8225,552,675.23, thus showing that
the public or national domain had cost to that date in cash 8120,428,484.89
more than has been realized. (See diagram, p. 530, Public Domain, ed.
1883, and for statistics pp. 1-21, Public Domain.)
Independent of the above, the cost to the Government of acquiring,
disposing of, and rendering available this great domain is the expense of
wars of conquest therefor, the money sum in cases of purchase, the Indian
wars and Indian service, the money and land subsidies to the Pacific rail-
roads, the cost of all Territorial governments, all surveys within its borders,
and indirectly certain parts of the cost of military occupation of the interior,
and naval of the coast. Enormous as the aggregate of the above will be
found, it is an investment well made by the country as a whole, as the
great profits of an ever-increasing industry show, while the strategic
importance of a continental expansion (land limited only at the north and
south) within a single general jurisdiction can be measured only by the
aggregated gains of industries developed, multiplied, and perfected, limited
in time only by the life of the Government.
ORIGIN.
The Government of the United States became custodian or trustee of
lands acquired for the nation, known as the public or national domain,
PUBLIC LANDS. 407
first, from States (colonies prior to July 4, 1776), reded under the Con-
federation and under the Constitution, in pursuance of a resolution of the
Confederation passed Tuesday, October 10, 1780, providing for the recep-
tion and care of such unappropriated lands as might be ceded by States to
the United States, and for the disposition of the same for the common
benefit of the United States.
The first cession appears to have been made by New York, March 1,
1781.
ORGANIZATION.
The cessions of the several States were organized from time to time
into geographical divisions by the laws creating them, and the lands were
ordered to be surveyed, including lands to which the Indian title had been,
or would be, extinguished. By ordinance of May 20, 1785, it was deter-
mined that a surveyor from each State should be appointed by Congress,
or a committee of the States, who should faithfully discharge his duty
under oath before the Geographer of the United States, which latter official
was authorized and directed to carry out the subdivision of the lands pre-
paratory to sale. Thus the first officer in charge of the survey of the
public lands was called the "Geographer of the United States." Under
the act of May 18, 1796, his title was changed to that of the Surveyor-
General of the Northwest Territory.
Capt. Jared Mansfield, U. S. Army, filled this office from 1*03 to 1813.
Under him many and important changes and improvements were made in
the surveying system which had been adopted in 1785.*
* (See The Public Domain, 1880, p. 170.) These changes and improvements were the introduction
of greater accuracy, and the determination of the principal lines by astronomical observations, as
would appear from the following, although the published reports of the General Land Office do not
give the detailed results. In a private letter from President Jefferson, of May 21, 1803, to Captain
Mansfield, offering him the position of Surveyor-General (copy furnished by Paymaster C. D. Mans-
field, U. S. Navy, grandson of Col. Jared Mansfield), after pointing out the defects then existing, he says:
'■ We have been wanting also ' accurate determinations by astronomical observations of sev-
eral points and lines in our geography very interesting to us." He suggests for the Mississippi a
com pass-and-chaiu survey "corrected at proper intervals by celestial observations." Mr. A. S. Dud-
ley, of Marion, Ohio (husband of a granddaughter of Colonel Mansfield), states that Colonel Mansfield
accepted the office on the condition that proper astronomical instruments be furnished him for fixing
points of latitude and longitude and locating meridian lines astronomically. President Jefferson ordered
tlie proper instruments (at a cost of $1,054) from London. These instruments reached Colonel Mans-
field at Cincinnati, Ohio, and were used in making many astronomical observations ordered by the
Government, They are now on deposit in the Department of Philosophy at West Point. Prof. George
408 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN. ■
On May 7, 1822, the first surveying district was created, namely, the
State of Ohio, with an officer called the surveyor-general in charge, since
which time various States and Territories, either singly or two or more, or
any of them, have been joined together for such purpose by law, and in
charge of a surveyor-general with assistants.
The surveys have been made under the contract system, usually non-
competitive, the surveyor-general selecting the deputy, Congress fixing the
compensation.
These surveying districts are closed by act of Congress when all the
public lands are surveyed and certain archives therein transferred to the
State in which the lands he.
ADMINISTRATION.
The administration of the public lands has been under the Treasury
and Interior Departments.
Commencing May 20, 1785, under the Board of Treasury (three com-
missioners), the then Treasury Department made sales of public lands and
gave certificates.
The General Land Office was created April 25, 1812. Upon the cre-
ation of the Department of the Interior, March 3, 1849, the General Land
Office became and continues to be one of its bureaus.
FUNCTIONS.
The functions of the General Land Office cover the entire ground,
commencing with the acceptance of public lands from certain States and
further acquisition, and are based on ordinances and laws for disposing of
the same, commencing in 1785, the general and permanent laws governing
which were codified in 1880 and published by the Interior Department
W. I >a\ ies, in his Surveying (ed. of 1841), states regarding the public land surveys, p. 4 : " The method
was originated by Col. Jared Mansfield, whose great acquirements in science introduced him to the
notice of President Jefferson, by whom he wasappointed Surveyor-General," and on p. 127, -'The. prin-
cipal meridians and the principal cast and west lines have been established by astronomical observa-
tion." Latitude and longitude checks upon the position of the principal lines of survey appear to have
fallen into desuetude, and more than eighty-five years later the General Land Office is found prosecut-
ing its subdivisions, substantially unaided by these geographic connections and checks, demanded alike
by the scientific progress of the world and the requirements of a reasonable accuracy. One trusts that
prior to the subdivision of Alaskan lands the system there established shall bo based upon a skeleton
or net-work of cardinal points geographically connected and determined with the highest order of
accuracy. Accounts of the early surveys of the public lands may be found in Niles' Register.
PUBLIC LANDS. 409
While the actual surveys are but a small part of the duties devolving
on this office, yet the system and method by which the subdivisions are
determined has principally to do with the simplicity and security with
which the settler gets his title.
SYSTEM, METHODS, ETC.
What is known as the "rectangular system" of surveys was first
reported by a committee of Congress May 7, 1784. It provided that the
public lands should be "divided into hundreds, of 10 geographical miles
square, by lines to be run and marked due north and south, and others
crossing these at right angles."
As amended and passed May 20, 1785, it provided that the lands
should be divided "into townships of 6 miles square, by lines running due
north and south, and others crossing these at right angles, as near as may
be," etc.
The laws regarding surveys of the public lands may be found in
U. S. Land Laws, General and Permanent, 1880, p. 20, sec. 99 et scq.,
Chap. III.*
The law does not require the determination of the latitude and longi-
tude of the base-lines and principal meridians, and, so far as is known, no
proposition was ever made to introduce altitude determinations or system-
atic topography into these surveys, the latter as practiced being purely
planimetric and incidental to the subdivision proper.
COST.
The surveys of the General Land Office had cost approximately to June
30, 1879, including surveys of boundary lines and Indian reservations,
823,672,606 (see p. 475, House Ex. Doc. 270, Forty-eighth Congress,
second session).! The survey appropriations since to Jun^ 30, 1888, have
reached a total of 825,795,195.09.
* A statement as to the surveys of the public lands will lie found in Chap. VII, p. 17*. The Pub-
lic Domain, 1880.
tThe acting commissioner of the General Land Office, in letter of January If), 1886, states thai
"the total area of tho public lands surveyed to and including June 30, 1885, is 969,245.192 acres, aud
the estimated cost, including tin- expenses of maintaining the offices of the surveyor-general, was
$31,500,468.74, or an average of 3£ cents per acre."
410 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
THE RESULTS.
The survey results have been the subdivision into legalized tracts of
971,174,878 acres and the running of, approximately, 5,372 miles of State
and Territorial boundaries.*
This most important service, especially on account of the simplicity
and utility of the system of subdivision, has been of incalculable benetit
in the development of the far western interior, and while the actual execu-
tion of the lineal survey work has not been of a high grade of accuracy
because properly skilled surveyors have not been employed, still it has
given the practical information upon which the Government has been able
to base a patent, parting with its title, and by means of which the settler
has been aide speedily to enter upon and occupy the land.
In a newly settled and rapidly growing country it is impossible
practically to carry out an elaborate system of subdivision with the greatest
practical scientific accuracy. The pressing calls will not permit, and as
was found in the colony of Victoria, a geodetic system (see p. 181, House
Ex. Doc, '270, Forty-eighth Congress, second session) was introduced and
proved a failure, while on the other hand the Dominion of Canada, after
examination and comparison of all known methods of land parceling, has
based its subdivisions upon the system originally introduced in the United
States and carried out very much in the same manner as was intended by
Captain Mansfield that the surveys of the United States should have been
prosecuted, who may be termed the founder of the rectangular system,
geographically disposed and checked.
It may be remarked that the absence of geographical points and
imperishable monuments established pari passu on the main and subsidiary
' Of the 971,174,8/8 acres reported by the Land Office as having been subdivided Juue 30, 1886,
724,529,431 acres lie west of the Mississippi, while of the 844,329, 269 acres then remaining unsurveyed
all except 7,252,857 acres (Florida) belong to the same territory, including, however, 369,529,600 acres
(estimated ) for Alaska, where these surveys have not yet been commenced. It appears that the present
law requires the establishment of no latitudes, longitudes, or altitudes in connection with these sur-
veys, neither has it been the custom to conduct systematic topography, the latter being simply plani-
metric, without a geographic basis; hence the results of the Land Office surveys, so far as their uses
in the compilation of general topographic and geographic maps, are but preliminary on account of
these deficiencies, the data transferred being otily such minor details as can be adjusted to the known
geographic co-ordinates. Eor preliminary field and subsequent office plats they have, however,
furnished valuable information.
PUBLIC LANDS. 411
lines of the public land surveys will be the source of the most fruitful
litigation in the future, when increasing population, production, and con-
sequent value to land demand more accurate bounding lines to properties.
Having been brought in connection with the practical work of subdivision
surveys in the field in no less than fifteen Western States and Territories, I
may be pardoned for stating certain things which have been brought to
my notice which could obviously be benefited. Among them are —
(1) The want of well-determined astronomic or geodetic check-points
in the establishment of the main meridian and standard lines, for their
grouping geographically, and for controlling errors.
(2) The necessity for a more uniform system of marking all main
lines and every corner of each tract in the scheme of subdivision.
(3) The establishing of base-lines each on a true meridian centrally
within each mineral district, and the establishing of more permanent initial
monuments; these latter should be of iron, and deeply planted.
(4) The connection of all the exterior of each surveying district with
fixed points or boundaries, or those geographically fixed, so that the whole
shall intercommunicate and check, and not prove finally a blotch upon the
great and perfect map of the region as they now do to a great extent, but
become a permanent contribution to it.
While it is extremely important that these changes should be applied
in the completion of the surveys in each existing district, the utility is
paramount in the case of Alaska, over which the land laws soon must reach.
It is sincerely to be hoped that most radical reforms will be introduced
into the surveying service before the large area of Alaska is entered.
A survey of this character must always be lineal, and it would be
most unfortunate should the attempt be made to introduce a system of
altitudes, or topographic details, other than planimetric.
The present system of subdivision should be left intact until every-
thing except the absolutely desert lands remain unsurveyed and unoc-
cupied, when the necessity for their final disposition must force upon the
attention of the Government the preparation of a practical land classifi-
cation, by means of which the central office at Washington may be
informed of the exact character of the tracts left undisposed of, which
412 I • S. GEOGEAPHIOAL SUEVBYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
would be worth to the Government, the settlers, and the nation one hun-
dred times its eost.
This classification should take into account each and every kind of land
known tn the law, including the railroad and other grants, with reserva-
tions, Indian, military, or otherwise, and should show the class of the
desert land, that is, whether permanently sterile or arid for want of water,
or worthless from any other cause.
Note. — It is estimated, assuming table on page 531, Public Domain, edition 1883, that there :nv
about 300,000,000 acres of desert lauds, other than those on reservations, that can not be irrigated.
The above table gives for June 30, 1883, the estimated character, quantity, and value of the then
remaining public domain.*
MAP.
A sketch map has been compiled and is here introduced, showing the
stage of progress of the public land surveys of the Interior Department,
and the military, topographic, and geographic surveys of the War Depart-
ment on June 30, 1*79. Since this date the total area subdivided up to
June 3d, 1886, has reached 971,174,878 acres, and the area remaining
unsubdivided is 844,329,269 acres.
As a result of the persistent solicitation ot certain geologists and others,
upon the organization of the Geological Survey, funds for War Department
works have not been available, and only such topographic details have
since been gathered in these regions as are desired by the geologist as the
groundwork for the geological data, which is superimposed in colors upon
his topographic map as a. base.
Surveys needed for military and economic purposes must wait either
until individuals who control in the name of science are broad enough to
comprehend the whole situation, or the Departments needing data succeed
ab initio in sec ring Government action each in favor of itself.
" From tlir fourteen States and Territories, on page 31. Progress Report, 1872, within which the
survey has operated, there had been disposed of up to Jane 30, 1886, the sum of 263,639,466 acres,
which, assuming 333,957,198 52 aires id' railroad and other grants, reservations, etc., to lie subtracted
from the total amount of 977,043,21 acres, shows an apparent acreage of 379,446,535.48 then remaining
undisposed of in the surveyed area, which amount is to be increased by the patents issued in favor of
those grants from 187^ to 1886, the reservation anas remaining about the same. Applying arbitra-
rily the percentages actually found for about 175,000 square miles surveyed, there would result, approx-
imately, 20,000,000 acres arable, 188,000,000 acres grazing, 105,000,000 acres timber, and 66,000,000 acres
mi id or barren. The lands disposed of during the interval wire principally arable and timber, hence
the grazing and arid areas remaining would be greater. However, irrigation and reclamation will
bring, ultimately, portions of the natural grazing and timber a Teas under the head of arable.
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PUBLIC LANDS. 413
The map shows, independent of the township lines of the actual land
survey subdivisions, the areas of the Fortieth Parallel Geological Explora-
tion and the Geographical Surveys west of the 100th Meridian, by lines
the routes of eighty War Department topographic expeditions, the areas
of Indian and military reservations, and the Indian Territory; also the
reservations of the Yellowstone Park, Yosemite, and Mariposa Trees, con-
firmed and unconfirmed land grants, and grants for rail and common roads
west of the Mississippi.
It shows the work of the geographic surveys to have been mostly in
advance of the land surveys, and largely in areas untouched by land-sur-
vey lines, principal or minor. In areas common to the operation of both
the geographical and land surveys, the latter were supplemented by the
vertical element of topography and further details, all being merged into
and governed by a trigonometric net of points geographically established.*
* The long experience *hat served to familiarize one with the later practices of the public land
surveys and the interest engendered are the justification for the following suggestions.
(1) The lands should be subjected to a field classification in advance of subdivision, according
to kinds recognized by law, and such other divisions, as irrigable, grazing, etc., as experience shall
dictate.
(2) A geodetic net (astronomically checked) of points should be spread, as circumstances permit,
over the whole system, and uniform monuments should mark all the larger and lesser points, even to
the quarter-sections.
(3) The present method of subdivision, checked as above, should remain intact, but the. law
should grant irrigable and pasturage lands under new conditions as to amount, methods of securing, ami
eligibility; and subdivisions, even to 10-acre tracts, if necessary, can serve to segregate the several
classes of laud recognized by law.
(4) A new mining law should give title to a specified aniouut of surface, and to all that lies
thereunder, and while the form of the claims may lie made adaptable, i. e., rectangular or square, yet
these subdivisions should be connected and harmonized with those of the general system.
(5) As rapidly as possible the final status and limits of all railroad and other grants, together
with all Indian, military, and other reservations, should be made upon the ground, and a geographical
distinction be made for their limits aud boundaries. From the field data soon should grow a map
whereupon preliminary office traces of every quarter-section, within each aud every quarter-section.
could be computed and delineated in advance.
(fi) Too much attention can not be given to the complex question of how best to dispose of the
remaining public lands. It may be remarked that iu 1858 the Geodetic Survey of Victoria attempted
to apply a trigonometric check net to rapidly extending disconnected selections but failed, probably
because the scientific work demanded precedence of the linear subdivisions. The two classes of work
should he distinctly separate, co-operating iu effect, but governed by appropriate instructions for each.
The method of survey, of the public lands of Canada are, as regards subdivision into d
based on the rectilinear plan adopted in the United States, but in practice cheek, astronomic, ami
trignometric points are a feature, aud topography to some extent, the latter by tin- selected and qual-
ified Dominion topographical surveyors.
Appendix E.
CONSIDERATIONS UPON NATIONAL GOVERNMENT LAND AND
MARINE SURVEYS.
(With map.)
From the date of ray assignment to duty in the office of the Chief of
Engineers, in 1871, for the purpose of perfecting plans for explorations and
surveys in the interior, and subsequent assignment to the charge of geo-
graphical surveys, all information possible, consistent with my arduous
duties, was necessarily gathered bearing on the principles, practices, and
results of Government surveys.
This information, as obtained, was held within the archives of the
Survey Office, and my visit to the International Geographical Congress at
Venice proved to be the opportunity for supplementing it by personal
observation and otherwise.
Out of this examination grew that part of the report on the Venice
Geographic Congress (House Ex. Doc. No. 270, Forty-eighth Congress, sec-
ond session) which contains a large amount of detailed information, some
of which, where appropriate, has been found germane to this appendix,
proposed and authorized at the date of the law for the series of quarto
reports.
The purposes and objects of the principal general surveys of the sev-
eral great Governments that in consequence of the importance, magnitude,
and varietv of the interests involved assume an extent and demand a
minuteness and accuracy seldom, if ever, required by single communities
415
416 U. S. GEOGRAE'HICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
or individuals, are to aid (1) defense, ('_') navigation, (3) commerce; (4)
other industries, and incidentally (. r >) science.
These surveys are divisible into three classes :
(1) Topographic.
(2) Hydrographic or marine.
(3) Cadastral or revenue.
The first become geographic surveys when sufficiently extended and
fundamentally based upon initial astronomic points with a trigonometric
extension and when accompanied also by examinations in the physical geog-
raphy branches of mineralogy, geology, and natural history.
The name defines the second.
The third,* applicable to reveuue purposes in older and thickly set-
tled countries and to land subdivisions for settlement in newer countries,
are simply planimetric. The surveys necessary for great engineering
operations are naturally the outgrowth of the constructions demanded,
being a proper function alone of the engineer in charge.
There are derived, especially from the first two, maps of given areas,
which possess when produced by Governments, as compared with those
made by private means, a truthfulness and accuracy which either are or
ought to be above suspicion, resulting from a general and not a special
survey.
All of these works in Europe are based upon and held subsidiary to
large and permanent governmental wants, or as an aid to specified indus-
tries.
It never having been the practice of the General Government to levy
a tax upon land, there is no recpiirement on its part for a cadastral survey;
the latter, whenever undertaken, must be subject to the State or municipal
authority, except for the 10 miles square of the District of Columbia, the
supreme jurisdiction over which rests with Congress.
Were such a survey to be made it should rest upon a rigid trigo-
nometric basis with added levels of precision, the resulting map to be in
contours.
Cadastral, from tin- French cadastre, is defined as " a plan from which the area of laud may be
Computed and from which its revenue may lie valued."
GOVEENMENT LAND AND MARINE SURVEYS. 417
By the assistance of these maps the system of surface and under-
ground improvements and repairs could be estimated for and constructed
with greater celerity and certainty. A survey is not by nature integral
and enjoys its proper functions only as an aid or auxiliary, as for instance,
to works of construction where an instrumental analysis is required, or, as
in cases of fortifications, internal improvements, or assisting navigation by
pointing out the most available routes and the danger of others, or for the
simple division of land.*
Heme the nature of the survey, its organization, methods, and results,
should be held subordinate to the industry to be assisted or the specified
want, as, for instance, the proper function of the hydrographic survey of the
coast is as an aid to "navigation," that of the northern lakes of the United
States was an aid to "commerce," while the public land survey is for the
speedy and simple marking of legalized tracts to facilitate transfer of title;
that of the river and harbor examinations is as an aid to the projects of per-
manent improvement that can alone be consummated by engineering skill.
In all cases the survey is but secondary, acting as a technical guide in the
important operations cited.
In the main, then, the extent of the survey should be governed by the
requirements, through the Executive Departments of the several works, as
of engineering constructions, internal improvements, promotion of com-
merce, navigation, etc, while the quality of the results should in every
instance be dependent upon the amount of exactness and detail necessary,
but will in a great measure, however, be governed by the skill of the indi-
viduals secured for the task.
In the main, the Government should be actuated by the requirements
of the Departments in which is lodged the jurisdiction over operations that
demand surveys for their intelligent prosecution. No organization for sur-
vey duties alone, fixed by law as to numbers, is needed, and all present
* The laud .surveys require a liuear .survey, accurate within certain limits, of legal-sized tracts,
the corners of which should be marked with durable monuments. As these surveys cover large areas
and are also widely separated in the several political divisions, the main and subsidiary meridiansand
parallel lines to which the subdivisions are referred should be frequently checked in geographical
position. This has mainly been omitted thus far in the survey of the General Land Office, to the man-
ifest detriment of the interests both of the Government and people; and no uniformity or permanence
having been secured in the marking of boundaries, it is often difficult to re-establish legal corners with,
certainty when the stakes, stones, or other marks have once been removed.
27 WH— VOL I
418 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
and future surveys could be made by the permanent and trained officers of
the military and naval services associated with selected civilians. Although
the advantages of concentrating all survey duties in the hands of one
organization are many, yet they are exceeded in importance by the certain
danger of this one organization becoming in time further and further
removed from the practical wants of the Government itself, and, finally,
superior to the purposes for which it was created.
Workers in the various scientific branches required in these surveys
should be made to bend their endeavors to immediate practical ends, which,
if not done, tends to foster a patronage of science by the Government,
than which nothing could be less conducive to its true progress or more
inimical to the interests of the Government in this regard. The works
inaugurated should therefore be classified and administered according to
their nature and the objects sought, and not by the means and men put in
requisition for their execution.
The grand general topographic survey, upon which the resulting maps
depend, is principally made up of three parts, viz, the tri angulation, the
topography, and the cartography. The main or primary triangulation
rests on bases measured with the highest attainable accuracy, the origin of
the geographical co-ordinates of which depend on initial astronomical
determinations of the first or highest order of value; from these datum
points as loci a net-work of triangles is developed, with sides varying from
10 to 100 miles in length. The latitude and longitude, at least of one ver-
tex, and the azimuth of one side of each triangle, is then determined with
the greatest care and precision.
The primary triangulation forms the frame-work of a lesser or second-
ary triangulation, from which the area is always subdivided by a tertiary
triangulation. In extreme cases a further triangulation of the fourth and
fifth order has been made.
The points thus determined become the initial stations of the topogra-
pher.
The original field-notes* or plane-table sheets of the topographer,
supervised and inspected by competent officers in the field, go to the hands
•In Europe, except for England mid France, (lie topographic field-notes have, as a rule, been
laid dowu mi the plane tabic,
GOVERNMENT LAND AND MARINE SURVEYS. 419
of the cartographer, by whom, under rigorous official supervision unci
inspection, they are reproduced on the same or a reduced scale for publi-
cation.
These mathematically based topographic surveys, extended as they
are to embrace large areas, where surface curvature is taken into account,
become geographical surveys of the highest order of perfection yet reached,
forming when properly done the mathematical frame-work for all geogra-
phy. The cadastral survey usually, depending on a planimetric base and
linear measurements, while extended also to embrace large areas, employs
only a simple net-work of lines bounding properties.
It will be seen that the first and most useful function of geodesy is as
the triangulation factor of a topographic survey, then when a requisite pre-
liminary knowledge is thus had, to extend its purpose as an adjunct to the
classes of observations necessary for the most accurate possible measure-
ments of the figure of the earth, while it should be remarked that the work
of detailed geologic examinations can not properly begin until the topo-
graphic map is prepared for use as an index or graphic field notebook.
The topographic survey lies at the foundation of all that constitutes
finally an exact knowledge of physical geography, and no such survey is
complete until all the natural and artificial features are mathematically
measured, recorded, and delineated, the configuration being shown by
equidistant rigidly accurate contours at intervals suited to all requirements.
These requirements are properly dictated by the results demanded, as well
as by time and cost, since the latter, for instance, were the contours carried
to the greatest precision demanded by military engineers in the studies for
construction of permanent fortifications, and made applicable to the entire
area of any given country, might readily be made to exceed the value of all
the land and other wealth found therein.
Reproduction is by hand or mechanical engraving on stone, zinc, or
copper. Hand engraving, especially on copper, is a long and costly process
(reaching as high as $45 per square inch for hill work), and has been re-
placed by photographic transfer—;', c, photolithography when the receiving
and printing surface is stone, photo-zincography when zinc is used, and
heliogravure for copper. The latter has been brought to a high state ot
420 I • S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
perfection in Austria, and is used also for reproducing military topographic
maps in Italy and Russia. Various means, chemical and otherwise, are
now being attempted, with more or less success, for obtaining, with the
greatest directness and clearness, transfers of specially skillfully delineated
originals, from surfaces of zinc and copper. Chromo-lithographed maps are
much employed in Continental Europe, as, for example, the new military
map of France, 1 : 50,000, also French war department maps of scales
1:800,000, l:f>00,000, 1:400,000, 1 : 200,000, and 1:100,000; military
maps of Holland, 1 : 50,000 and 1 : 25,000 (Eckstein process) ; map of
Italy, 1 : 100,000; the new map of Spain, 1 : 50,000, etc
Without exception, in all Europe, and wherever topographic surveys
have been systematically developed, the geologist avails himself of the
topographic map as a base work, and preliminary to his investigations in
the field, and upon which to delineate and publish in colors his theoretical
abstractions as to the several geological formations and their lines of
demarkation, according to the classification and nomenclature in vogue in
the several countries, but in no case known to me has the geologist had or
exercised jurisdiction or control over the more important and fundamental
operations upon which the trigonometric and topographic survey and its
results are based, nor even in connection with the mathematical construc-
tion of the detailed map, the functions of which, as will be seen, are
dominated by broad and general requirements pertaining to one of the
highest duties of government, the country's defense. When once the
natural features, with all means of communication, are determined, this
map can be developed in economic succession to meet all industrial wants,
national, state, municipal, and individual, and it can not be confined to the
comparatively narrow requirements of special branches of science.
These topographic maps are found indispensable, not alone to the war
departments of the several Governments for all general as well as special
military operations (strategic and otherwise), but of primal importance to
other departments as well, especially those organized to promote the indus-
tries of agriculture, commerce, and mining; to those engaged in public
works of interior improvements relating to means of communication, flow
of waters, establishment and perpetuation of harbors (in their conception
GOVERNMENT LAND AND MARINE SURVEYS. 421
and study), thereby, as in other like cases, saving long and expensive
researches; in the decision of claims: in selecting areas for cultivation;
also in works of irrigation ; arterial drainage of marsh and swamp lands,
as well as in prevention of inundation, and also as aids to artesian boring
and in the management of forests ; they are useful also in illustrating the
economic classification of the soil; for the recording of general geological
investigations, including the several formations and the distribution of
extinct as well as living fauna and flora; as an aid in the study of meteo-
rological phenomena and in scientific researches generally ; as prelimi-
naries to the projection of railways, canals, and other lines of communica-
tion ; to the hydrographic surveyor in his field of operations ; in the
establishment and marking of post routes, completed railroads, canals, and
telegraph lines, as well as reservations, administrative and other bounda-
ries ; also for the enlightenment of justice; the elucidation of questions
of history, ancient geography, ethnology, or archaeology in international
treaties, cessions of territory, and rectifications of frontiers. In Europe,
especially, the map, prepared in advance, or pari passu as a preliminary
to any of the above undertakings, is considered almost a sine qua non.
In addition to governmental uses, those for municipal and educational
purposes, and by the people general!}-, are too numerous for mention
here.
The principal Government maps now in use can be classified under
the heads of (1) topographic, (2) economic, (3) cadastral.
Since the vertical element of the topographic survey has reached a
greater degree of refinement, the map has frequently been designated as
orographic, chorographic, or hypsometric. The economic maps are sever-
ally known as those for land classification, agricultural statistics, routes,
post routes, drainage, forestry, sanitary purposes, railways, telegraphs, in-
terior communications and navigation, river and harbor improvements,
national roads, ports, for recording geologic, mineralogic, and meteorologic
results, etc.
The above (except engineering maps) are all based upon the original
or mother topographic map, with or without the orography, and varying
in amount of detail.
422 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TE MERIDIAN".
There are also special engineering, magnetic, natural history, ethno-
graphic, archseologic, historic, boundary ai d outline or planimetric maps
(generalized), the latter usually on a small scale.
By far the most important or paramount use to which the topographic
map has been applied is naturally that tor military purposes (in fact in this
connection the terms military and topographic are synonymous), since a
military establishment, with its varied functions, is necessary to every Gov-
ernment for the full and final protection of its citizens, and the defense of
its soil with the structures and improvements thereon, while the first neces-
sity of the strategist is a thorough knowledge of the physical conformation,
the obstacles and resources of a country in which operations are to be con-
ducted, and no military commander has ever in advance thoroughly and
successfully planned a campaign, or properly carried on the operations
thereupon consequent, or conducted armies in advance or retreat, protected
lines of communication and the forwarding of supplies, or has grasped the
situation as a whole in the numerous details required by the advanced state
of military science and art, except by a thorough and free use of a full
supply of accurate topographic maps, upon which are delineated all the
natural and economic or artificial features, and of the means of transit over
the territory to lie protected or the region embraced within the scope of
the military operations.*
Other than the topographic map of every scale, used by the war serv-
ice of Governments, are special maps for military uses, as of passes and
positions, camps, garrisons or posts, maneuver grounds, for tactics, war,
and fortification studies, of fortified, halting, and camping places, and
itineraries, prepared and published generally on scales from 1:500 to
1 : 12,500. Most of the above are held alone for confidential Government
uses.
All of these without exception, upon scales (large and small) depend-
ent upon either a study of actual theaters of war, or approaches thereto,
or intercommunication, are a true requirement of the strategist and com-
mander, and thus very properly through the centuries topography has
* Tbe great and increasing range and accuracy of artillery and small-arms are constantly ren-
dering a more intimate know ledge of the contour and accidents of constantly greater importance.
GOVERNMENT LAND AND MARINE SURVEYS. 423
grown up a permanent unvarying essential of the military profession, than
whom none other is ever to have the same need for the knowledge thus
made available
In Europe the possession of good maps has now become of recognized
importance to the citizen, be he a professional, manufacturer, agriculturist,
or merchant, as well as to the soldier or Government, while their use to all
classes of the public increases with each decade.
If the detail is carried to that required for revenue purposes (as for
instance to the scale of 1 : 2,500 employed in England), the whole based
on the trigonometric points needed for the topographic survey, the added
uses of the map are for purposes of registration, valuation, and transfer
of land.
In addition to the general topographic and cadastral survey special
surveys are required for the sites of fortifications and vicinities, defensive
field-works, and other Government constructions, upon which to base all
works for drainage and improvements in cities and large towns (the latter
cared for by the general governments in Europe); and, especially in the
United States and the colonies of Great Britain, the land-parceling surveys,
as an aid in securing and perfecting title.
There have been noted as employed on the topographic or base-work
series of maps of Europe names, conventional signs, and abbreviations to
the number approximately of 1,148, which may be divided as follows: (1)
Those representing natural features, or (2) pertaining to means of com-
munication, (3) agriculture, (4) commerce, (5) manufactures, (6) mining,
(7) miscellaneous, (8) special military, (9) special technical, and (10)
boundaries. Colors have been employed for representing more distinctly
a number of objects from each of the above classes.
One of the results of modern civilization in its quest after habitable
lands for their advantages to the multiple wants of man will naturally be
to gradually subject the temperate regions, at least, to the analysis of a
minute topographic survey, the value of such data having already become
so well fixed in the polity of the older civilized nations.
424 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF KinTII MERIDIAN.
The following 1 lists show the distribution of areas "undergoing-" and
"not undergoing" systematic topographic surveys:
Areas undergoing systematic instrumental, mathematical, topographic surreys (based on computed triangulation).
Note. — The " population is taken from Belim and Wagner's " Die Bevolkernn*; der Erile, VI," 1880.
Areas n
14,841,389
11,304,531
14,922,074
3,457,034
1.74".. 326
3,025,000
10, 8G4, 203
f)C3, 384, 400
202,811,374
98, 650, ntii)
4, 031, uoo
82, Dim
GO, 155, 783
Bosnia, Herzegovina, Luxembourg, Scrvia, Montenegro, Bulgaria,
Turkey, and Greece.
All except India and Java.
All except Algeria.
All except United States. (The latter proposed only.)
The entire area.
Do.
Proposed only. Special surveys in progress.
5. Oceanica
7. United States
Total
49,g:.i», 119
930, 233, 320
The foregoing shows that a little over 6,000,000 square miles have
been so surveyed, or arc undergoing such survey, "or about one-ninth of
the land portion of the globe, while the balance, or about eight-ninths,
inhabited by over 900,000,000 of people, is comparatively poorly known,
or, in part, a ffrra incognita from a true topographic standpoint.
The only principal works of Standard Interior Topographic Surveys
for the whole world (all directed by army officers) are nineteen, as follows:
(1) United Kingdom, (2) Germany (Prussia), (3) Saxon}', (4) Bavaria, (5)
Wurtemberg, (6) Baden, (7) Austria-Hungary, (8) France, including
Algeria, (0) Switzerland, (10) Holland,* (11) Spain, (12) Italy, (13)
* There is also a government topographic office at Batavia, Java (Dutch East Indies).
GOVERNMENT LAND AND MARTNE SURVEYS. 425
Sweden, (14) Russia, (15) Belgium, (16) Denmark, (17) Norway, (18)
Portugal, (19) India.
Hydrographic surveys of domestic and foreign coasts are being carried
on alone by the marine ministries or navy departments of the following
countries: (1) Great Britain, (2) France, (3) Germany, (4) Italy, (5)
Austria, (6) Japan, (7) Sweden, (8) Holland, (9) Chili. (10) British India,
(11) Portugal, (12) Denmark, (13) Spain, (14) Russia, (15) Belgium,*
(16) Norway, (17) Java (East Indies).
There are special organizations for geological examinations and inves-
tigations and allied research (systematic work and reconnaissance) in the
following states ; (1) Alsace-Lorraine, (2) Austria, (3) Bavaria, (4) Belgium,
(5) Finland, (<») France, (7) United Kingdom, (8) Hungary, (9) Hesse-
Darmstadt, (10) Italy, (11) Luxembourg, (12) Norway, (13). Prussia, (14)
Roumania, (15) Russia, (16) Saxony, (17) Spain, (18) Sweden, (19) Switz-
erland, (20) Algeria, (21) Cape Colony, (22) India, (23) The East India
Netherlands, (24) Japan, (25) New South Wales, (26) New Zealand, (27)
Queensland. (28) Victoria, (29) Canada, (30) Greenland, (31) United
States, (32) South Australia, (33) West Australia, (34) Servia, (35) Wur-
temburg; all within the jurisdiction of various civil departments of the
governments, such as the interior, public works, commerce, industry, pub-
lic instruction, etc.
These examinations and investigations usually embrace the branches
of minerology and paleontology, with chemical and microscopic analyses,
and are either general in their character, locating and defining the rock
and other formations, by means of surface examinations and those made in
mines, or by boring and cross-sections, using the togographic map as a
basis upon which to illustrate the former, with colored sections added, and
in some cases investigating the dynamic forces, past or present, in relation
to the development and present condition of the earth's crust, or economic,
as in examining for the causes surrounding the presence of the valuable
mineral constituents found in rocks and soils, and in analyzing soils and
pointing out their relative values for specified purposes.
"Tins work in Belgium (having no naval department) is found under civil administration ; in
Portugal, supervised and directed by naval officers, it is grouped under a bureau of geodetic works.
426 I". S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
The resultant geologic map, one of the most important practical ob-
jects and results of such an examination, while exceedingly valuable for
the student of geology and the miner, is less useful to the world at large,
and the governments more especially, than the purely topographic map upon
which the colors are superposed, the latter and the special geologic signs
tending somewhat to confuse the topographic detail proper.
In other words, the topographic or mother map of a country is the one
that all the world may use, while the geologic edition of the same is limited
in its utility to a by no means large class of specialists, and to specified
industrial wants.
Government geologic investigations seem first to have been begun in
France in 1825, followed by England in 1K32, Belgium in 1836, Russia in
1840, Austria and Spain in 1849, India in 1851, Holland in 1852, Portugal
in 1857, Sweden and Norway in 1858, Switzerland in 1859, Prussia in
1862, and Italy in 1868. Gr. W. Featherstonaugh, an English geologist,
was the first to conduct geologic work for the United States in 1834 and
1835, making reports to Colonel Abert, chief of the Corps of Topographical
Engineers in 183o and 1836. Similar examinations specifically authorized
continued until 1852, when they were stopped by law, after which geolo-
gists accompanied exploring parties, and geologic exploration itself was
revived in 1867, and the present Geological Survey afterward created by
statute in 1*79.
The work of these organizations is under the control of commissions
in Alsace-Lorraine, Belgium, France, Hesse-Darmstadt, Italy, Luxem-
bourg, Russia, Switzerland, Wurtemberg, which commissions are composed
of the director of the work, in certain cases of officers of the topographic
bureau, professors of geology, mining engineers, practical geologists, and
others.
They are directly under the administration of mines in Austria,
Bavaria, Finland, France, Italy, Prussia, Russia, Spain, Algeria, Java, New
South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria.
The operations are under the direction of the bureau of geodetic and
topographic works in Portugal, and under the topographic bureau in Wur-
temberg.
GOVERNMENT LAND AND MARINE SURVEYS. 427
Elsewhere the chiefs or directors appear to report directly to the head
of the departments severally known as of agriculture and mining-, public
works, letters, science, and fine arts, commerce, industry and agriculture,
home and interior departments, imperial domain (Russia), finance (Saxony),
revenue and agriculture (India), department of mines and water sup-
ply, etc.
It should be mentioned, however, that the several European Govern-
ment departments above enumerated enjoy legal jurisdiction over the sev-
eral industries specified, different from any of the grants of our own Con-
stitution or legislative acts thereunder. Many European Governments,
unlike the United States, either own or exercise a control over the mineral
resources of the state, which in some cases has been the direct cause of the
geologic examination.
The functions of the geologic works in the main may be stated to be
the prosecution and execution of a geologic examination of a given region,
at once useful to science and the economic interests of the country. This
entails the production (usually by direct superposition of colors, or by
compilation) and publication of general and special geologic maps, based
on the topographic map (a separate function in all the older nations), also
geologic profiles, sometimes with, as well as without, explanatory text.
Original topographic work, in areas selected by the geologist, has been
carried on pari passu with the geological examination in certain newer
countries where the topographic works have not been brought to a perma-
nently organized state, but in none of the cases observed has the geologist
undertaken the mathematical, instrumental, triangulation, or topographic
work.
Monographs and geological and paleontological reports usually form a
part of the duties of this office, as well as the collection and care of all
documentary evidence requisite, bearing upon the work in hand and of
objects of geologic and mineralogic interest, as rocks, fossils, etc.
These works, although yet young, are highly important and have been
conducted with great activity and zeal, often in the face of numerous
obstacles and with sometimes scanty funds, the latter elsewhere than in the
United States.
428 I'- S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN!
The methods of geological examination appeal- to be more individual
than following a formulated convention, the field observations being very
simple, especially where the geologist is equipped in advance with a com-
plete topographic map.
The cost per square mile it has been difficult to ascertain, if indeed it
has ever been strictly computed for any given class of geologic work, for
the reason that, independent of their unformulated condition inherent to
their very nature, the scope of the investigation, for reasons theoretic or
practical, may be varied and prolonged indefinitely.
Government topographic surveys will be referred to according to their
•• measure," " the men," and " the results."
THE MEASURE.
The general object or purpose for which a survey is to be made having been
decided upon, the measure comprises, (1) the grade or class; (2) the Department con-
trolling jurisdiction ; (3) the plan with estimate of aggregate cost; (4) the subsequent
annual projects with accompanying estimates; (.5) the methods employed with regula-
tions thereunder; (6) detailed field and office instructions; and (7) the limit as to time
lor the accomplishment of each class or kind of result pursuant to a definite plan,
with estimates, approved in advance by proper authority.* The above are to be
applied in each of the three great natural divisions of Government surveys, i. ., (1)
topographic (becoming geographic when accompanied by examinations in mineralogy,
geology, and other branches of natural history); (2) hydrographic or marine; (3) cadas-
tral or revenue, including all subdivisions of lands.
The term " topographic" (herein used in its most comprehensive sense) includes
a variety of methods, all requiring that the principles of geodesy shall be observed
in the measurements of bases and subsequent triangulation, with initial points astro-
i ically determined as original points of departure. The surveys that properly
come under this head are, (1) detailed topographic surveys looking to the "common
defense" (interior, along international boundaries and coastwise, especially including
* Before a survey is authorized, a plan including its scope, scale, accuracy, area embraced,
r .suits intended", and limit of duration with estimated total cost should be submitted, passing both the
administrative and legislative scrutiny before approval. In pursuance of the general plan, annual
projects should be submitted and receive administrative action whereby the progress of the work as
to time and cost can he readily compared with the original total estimate, which should not be
exceeded unless alter the express sanction of Congress in view of substantial reasons therefor. The
methods to be employed and regulations to be followed, prepared by officials specially designated for
this purpose, should be approved, issued as the guide and made imperative and mandatory.
Unless Congress should be guided by the annual estimates made pursuant to a general plan,
wherein total cost largely controls the organization intrusted with the expenditures, it is likely to
drift into the position of a permanent beneficiary requiring annual appropriations for the establish-
ment independent of tin: amount of survey work actually performed.
GOVERNMENT LAND AND MARINE SURVEYS. 429
all possible prospective theaters of war*) ; (2) of sites for fortifications ; (3) of localities
of river and harbor and other internal improvements that should include a network
of lines, trigonoinetrically based and carefully measured, covering the area of all the
navigable waters of the United States, establishing latitudes and longitudes with the
requisite number of altitudes resulting from levels of precision, with meanders and
cross-sections, and proper topographic and bydrographie details of all navigable coast
and stream lines upon which to base a complete connected and permanent system of
improvements (by a slight development of the belts of triangles thus requirid points
may be established in aid of State surveys, at least one for each county in each State,
and the trigonometric, extension serve as the initial basis of the great general topo-
graphic survey of the country); (4) of the, lengths of rail and common roads, canals,
and watercourses over which the United States transports its troops, mails, material,
and supplies ; (5) topographic surveys in detail of the public domain west of the Mis-
sissippi for military and other purposes, and incidentally the agricultural classifica-
tion of the public lands not yet subdivided, and to include where required additional
meanders of new routes, all finally to be availed of for, and merged into, a great gen-
eral topographic survey of the whole country. It is needless to add that no such
important works can be successfully prosecuted, with the highest attainable vigor and
precision, except under a rigorous military administration.
The preamble to the Constitution makes it one of the primal purposes of the Gov-
ernment to " provide for the common defense," and carries with it the authority there-
for, while a wise policy based on the axiom "in time of peace prepare for war" should
actuate the Government to systematically engage in the construction of permanent
works ot defense, and adopt all aids, accessories, and auxiliaries thereto.
The bydrographie surveys are in aid of navigation, and incidentally facilitate
and promote commerce. Surveys for the latter, however, are and ought to be made
by the engineers, who subsequently construct the improvement. Most of the original
general bydrographie work for our sea-coast has been accomplished.
The grade of the survey is to be largely determined by the accuracy and detail
of the results required, add while, the basis upon which the survey rests should be
attained by the best means of measurement, the devices employed for securing the
minuter portions of the data must vary within wide limits. Whatever the execu
tive organization for the survey parties, the administration of the work should be
intrusted to the Department having the most immediate, complete and permanent
use for the results, thus securing the most vigilant supervision. In eveut of foreign
war or domestic revolt, rebellion, or revolution, whether the invaders approach by
sea or laud, the original data upou which is based the special or general topographic
map should be under the control of the War Department, which then becomes at
once the most important brauch of the Government, necessarily planning and
directing the principal operations; and in case of approaches by sea the same applies
with equal force to the Navy Department, as regards the hydrographic data of the
coast and its approaches.
* The following appears in a memoir of Jobu Anderson and I. Roberdeau, military topographical
engineers, as early as 1816 : " The undersigned do not hesitate to recommend, \n ithout the apprehen-
sion of being mistaken, or of its being attributed to any other than public motives, the completion of
a frontier military survey of the whole interior and exterior of the United, States."
430 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TI1 MERIDIAN.
The nature of the requirements of the administrative departments appears in
the following table :
\0.
Name of
I •' pal tment.
Nature of survey.
State
War .
Treasury . . .
Justin 1 ...
Post-Office
Navy
Interior
[nternaiioual boundaries.
Detailed topographic surveys fur the common Heft-use (interior adjoining national hound
aries and coastwise), culminating in a general topographic survey. Sites for fortifica-
tions. Location of river and harbor improvements, including an analytical survey of
all national navigable waters. Revisionary surveys, where necessary, of the Great
Lakes and their harbors. Military, geographical, ami topographical survey of pub.
lie domain west of Mississippi, including reconnaissances, meander of routes, military
reservations, etc.
None, except preliminary survey of sites for light-houses.
None.
None. The distances along mail routes should be determined by the great general topo-
graphic sui vey.
Hvdrographtc or marine survey of the entire sea-coast, with bays, harbors, etc., ami ap-
proaches thereto International longitudes ami incidental bydrographic surveys of
foreign toasts.
Legal subdivision of the public lands. Lines of Indian reservations. Boundaries be-
tween States and Territories. Geological examination and classification of the mineral
lands.
Note.— For the Depat ttneut or Bureau of Agriculture no surveys are necessary.
THE MEN.
After the available number of seleeteil and trained officers of the Government
belonging to the military and naval services is exhausted, it is comparatively unimpor-
tant who shall be called upon to assist in making the Government surveys, and provided
means are taken to select individuals whose professional attainments are of a high order,
whose special training eminently fits them for the work. Numbers of tompetent men
are regularly educated and trained at the Government expense at the Military and
Maval Academies, from whom selections are and can be made, while those of the civil
list have usually been educated at the scientific or technical schools of the country,
or have had like elementary training in foreign lauds.
The military and naval services represent all quarters of the Union, and enjoy-
ing practically a life tenure, are more likely to hold the interests of the Government
equally if not more sacred than their own, and more aptly find that time for study
and reflection so necessary to the development of great schemes of survey. The
available number is, however, comparatively limited. Not a few competent civilians
have been trained in the practical schools of the Coast and Lake Surveys and the later
Geographical Surveys west of the Mississippi, while any deficiency can readily be
filled by the graduates of the civil scientific schools of the country.
The organized personnel so far regularly employed by the Government in its
mathematical surveys have been:
(1) The Corps of Engineers (and prior to the consolidation act of 1803, the Corps
of Topographical Engineers) regularly and also by detail upon the topographic parts of
the survey of the coast. (See Title 56, Rev. Stat.)
Note. — It appears to work admirably in Spain where nnthority exists to select trained officials,
specially qualified, wherever found, provided tlieir experience is adequate Examinations in geology
and other branches of natural history require specialists seleeteil lot their well-known attainments,
GOVERNMENT LAND AND MARINE SURVEYS. 431
(2) Officers by detail from the ordnance, artillery, cavalry, and infantry.
(3) Officers of tbe Navy as called upon and by detail upon tbe by drograpbic parts
of tbe survey of the coast.
(4) Astronomers and others of tbe Coast, Lake, and Geographical Survey.
(5) Surveyors general and their deputies, who are to be "skillful surveyors," and
contract surveyors of the Interior Department.
(6) Topographers of the Geological Survey engaged in the production of tbe
topographic base map used by the geologist in his field examinations.
The number available for selection from tbe above sources, excepting, perhaps,
tbe fifth, can readily be kept employed. The scope and intent of their duties should
be, however, defined with the utmost precision by law.
As the surveys of the inland portions of the United States are practically as yet
in their infancy, as compared with those of foreign nations, it is safe to expect that
they will be extended over continuous intervals following systematic plans, and hence
a personnel of skilled men will be required whose number will naturally increase and
whose tenure should be made as permanent as practicable.
THE RESULTS.
The results of the land surveys are accomplished when the approved plats of the
subdivisions reach tbe General Land Office and the patents in accordance therewith
are issued. These surveys have alone a practical mission to fulfill, and are not, nor
should they be, performed with any special pretense of great scientific accuracy. The
geographical and topographical surveys, to tbe contrary, should be carried out on a
connected scientific basis, with published results appearing in sketches, maps, and
reports of tbe highest order of merit, emanating through the administrative depart-
ment in control.
All the map data constitutes a substantial contribution to the great future gen-
eral topographic map of the United States that it will take generations to complete,
and the jurisdiction over which should be confined to a single branch of tbe Govern-
ment, instead of being distributed as at present. The final maps and systematic
reports, other than tbe annual reports of operations, should be published in depart-
mental editions of 2,000 copies each, with such additional number as Congress may
order in special instances.
Authority of law should be granted for tbe sale of the maps and reports at cost
price, and the bureau organization supervising tbe surveys should be directed to con-
tract with business establishments for their convenient sale. The same should apply-
to the published results of the hydrographic or marine surveys and the geological
investigations. The hydrographic surveys should likewise present their final results
in a series of systematically arranged coast charts upon a projection convenient for
navigators, with the usual reports devoted to such scientific investigations into
methods as long continued and reported experiments may develop. This is especially
applicable to the geographical and topographical surveys. There would thus result
three sets of scientific reports: (1) From the geographical and topographical survey,
in relation to admeasurements upon land; (2) from the hydrographic survey, in refer-
ence to measurements in and off shore and upon the adjacent coasts and in I lie deep
sea; and (3) the geological and mineralogical discussions resulting from the exam-
ination of the geological structure and mineral resources of the interior, In conuec-
432 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
tiou with all these operations there should be made as circumstances permit collec-
tions of paleontologies, zoc'ilogic, botanic, and archaeologic specimens, to be subse-
quently transferred to the National Museum for deposit, arrangement, examination,
classification, and report.
Tlie law should define the proper co-ordination and co-operation of and between
the several Departments of the Government in the prosecution of their works of
survey.
The great general survey of the country is both a practical and scientific meas-
ure, and belongs to the domain of exact science, and should be withdrawn entirely
from the field of theoretical science, or it can never be carried to a successful conclu-
sion. This view, while, absolutely correct as regards the interests of the Government,
is also in favor of the best and most permanent recognition of the true and earnest
workers in the theoretical branches of science.
The following table indicates the future surveys that will be required by the
Government of the United States:
Future surveys Unit will be required /»/ the Government of the United Stales.
Character of survey.
Department
that should
control juris-
diction.
Locus of
jurisdiction.
Bureau or
other organi-
zation that
may be
employed.
Remarks.
Subdivision of public lands
Interior
Whole public
General Land
This work to be kept separate and
domain.
Office,
distinct from all other Government
surveys.
Sites for and approaches to
Whole United
( lorps id' En-
Preliminary to and in connection with
fortifications.
States.
gineers.
the construction and use of perma-
*
nent works of defense.
River and harbor examinations,
to include geodetic connec-
War
Whole United
i 'mps of En
gineers.
To result in a trigonometric connec-
States.
tion and analytical hydrographic
tions and levels of precision,
survey of all navigable waters of
suiveyaof Mississippi River,
the United States and the establish-
etc.
ment of levels of precision, anil to
aid in State surveys
Genera] geographic and topo-
graphic, resting on a trigo-
War
Whole United
Corps of En-
gineers, as-
For detailed topographic surveys
necessary to the " common defense "
States.
nometric basis (west of M is-
sisted by
and those for the complete military
sissippi River), also interior
other otli-
topographic map of region west of
adjoining national boundaries
cers of the
Mississippi, and finally the entire
and coastwiseand incidentally
\ i my a n d
United States and maps for tin-
agricultural land classifica-
civilians.
Geological Bureau. (Land classifi-
tion and fur irrigation, and
cation to embrace areas in advance
finally to embrace the whole
of subdivision surveys t
country (The Great Genera]
Topographic Survey).
( loast, hydrographic or marine. .
Whole sea-
Coast Survey
To complete hydrographic survey of
coasts of
consolidated
Atlantic, Gulf. Pacific, and Alaskan
United
with the Hy-
coasts, with resurveys of prominent
States and
drograph ic
harbors, etc. Tidal and other hydro-
Alaska.
Office.
graphic observations, including in-
ternational longitudes, and incident
ally hydrographic surveys of tidal
and navigable waters of foreign
eoasts of nationalities not prose-
cuting marine surveys,
GOVERNMENT LAND AND MARINE SURVEYS.
433
Future survey* that will be required by the Government of Ike United States— Continued.
Character of Burvcy.
Department
that should
centre! .juris-
diction.
Luc us of
jurisdiction.
Bureau oi
other organi-
zation that
may be
employed .
Remarks.
Gcologu alexarainationaudmin- Interi<
(3), Interior
(4), a ii d
Treas in \
(5).
W here v e r
r equi re d
throughout
the United
States.
Officers of the
Corps of
Enginee ra
and 01 her
branches of
the Army,
naval offi-
cers, and
specially se-
lect ed ci-
vilians.
Geological examinations of the public
lands and their mineialogieal classi-
fication (special investigations con-
cerning distribution and mode of
occurrence of precious and economic
minerals within the States), includ-
ing general geological structure —
maps to be based on those executed
by the General Topographic Survey.
To be made as required by officers at
headquai ters military divisions and
departments, and by detail of offi-
cers aud surveyors to the depart-
ment where jurisdiction is lodged.
The works of survey first and most needed in the United States are
(1) military and naval: (2) economic ; (3) engineering- and other scientific.
Under the first head are those of sites for and approaches to fortifications ;
strategic frontier, coastwise, and interior belts;* all communications (nat-
ural or artificial); to he followed as required by a general detailed topo-
graphic survev of the whole country on a rigid mathematical basis (see
index map herewith) including general hypsometric work and precise level-
ings ; also the completion especially of the hydrographic features of the
survey of the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific coasts^ including off-shore hvdrog-
*The strategic belts first to be selected with reference to possible foreign invasion would be strips
of territory not less than 200 milts in w idtb along tbe Atlantic, Gulf, ami Pacific coasts and tin- Cana-
dian frontier as far as tbe western end of hake Superior. A like strip surveyed less „■ detail for the
present should follow the forty-ninth parallel to the Pacific, as also the whole Mexican boundary.
The entire Atlantic, Gulf, Pacific, Alaskan, and Lake coasts are comprised in this survey with all the
tidal waters of the bays, rivers, and an ocean and lake offshore belt reaching to deep water.
Looking to domestic rebellion or revolution, the natural lines of division tire those between the
north and souU., or substantially the line shown on the sketch-map as dividing the northern from the
southern tier of districts, and for the east and west the dividing line between the Atlantic and Missis-
sippi Valley districts, and between the districts of the Plains and those of the Pacific composed prin-
cipally of the divides or water-sheds of the Appalachian and Rocky Mountain regions. Belts ot not
.ess than 150 miles on either sideof the above boundaries should be surveyed m an amount ot detail
governed in a measure by the conditions of settlement of the regions thus covered, but sufficient tor
maps of a considerable scale.
38 WH— VOL 1
434 T. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
raphy, ti ocean navigation,
along navigating lands adjacent to these coasts, with revisionary surveys
when and where necessary, completion of the general hvdrographic recon-
naissance of the Alaskan coast, to be followed when necessary l>v its sys-
tematic hydrographic survey after the best and most approved methods.
Under the second, are the analytical surveys of all national water-
ways,* including completion of that in progress by the Mississippi River
Commission to be developed hydrographically to embrace the whole basin
with the detailed revisionary surveys of the Great Lakes and other nav-
igable watei-s when and where necessary; the systematic, agricultural, and
mineral classification of all improved and unimproved lands, with results
geographically delineated upon the topographic maps as a base.
Under the third should be included all the special engineering survevs
for projects and construction other than those for general works of internal
improvement of water-ways, the special survevs needed for the graphic
illustration of geology and mineralogy (the general illustration of the
former appearing on the general topographic maps as a base), with such
added data for paleontologic, zoologic, botanic, and archa>ologic illustra-
tions as these and other special branches of science shall demand from
time to time.
From a scientific standpoint should be added such practical researches
and developments in astronomy, geodesy, lineal measurements, terrestrial
magnetism, gravity determinations, refraction, and other atmospheric condi-
tions, the Gulf Stream, Japan current, ami deep-sea operations, as shall
benefit the accuracy, comprehensiveness, and completeness and fullest
utility of surveys which finally in their broadest sense are to aid in the
common defense, navigation, commerce, the other industries, science, and
statistics
DISTRIBUTION INTO DISTRICTS.
In event of carrying on proper mathematically based inland geo-
graphic and topographic surveys with geodetic connections, such as referred
to, it becomes convenient to divide the country into a number of districts.
* This should be developed finally into a thorough hydrographic Burvey for the whole interior
of tin 1 United Suns, as the groundwork of the utilization of the entire natural water supply feu- re-
gions wiili a surplus as well as those suffering from a deficit,
GOVERNMENT LAND AND MARINE SURVEYS. 435
The sketch chart of the United States herewith shows eight such divisions,
with 210 rectangles, each representing 1° 40' latitude and 2° 45' longitude,
described as follows: (1) Mountainous or Pacific district, north; (2)
Mountainous or Pacific district, south; (3) District of the plains, north;
(4) District of the plains, south ; (5) Mississippi Valley district (north) ;
((i) Mississippi Valley district, south; (7) Atlantic district, north; (8)
Atlantic district, south. The most easterly of these districts are obtained
by following approximately the water-shed between the Atlantic and the
interior from, approximately, latitude 42° north to latitude 32° 20' north.
From the first point the line of division extends to the head of the Niasrara
River, and from the latter to a point on the Gulf of Mexico a little east of
the mouth of the Ocilla River. Thus the two Atlantic districts are formed,
the junction between them being marked by the Potomac River from its
source to the sea. The Mississippi Valley districts are bounded on the
west by the western boundaries of Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi to
Kansas City on the Missouri ; thence along the river to Sioux City; thence
following Big Sioux River to the southwest corner of Minnesota; thence
via western boundary of this State to forty-ninth parallel. The most east-
erly point of the dividing line between the subdivisions north and south is
where the thirty-ninth parallel intersects the Atlantic water shed ; thence
following that parallel westerly to the Ohio ; thence along the Ohio to its
mouth; thence following the Mississippi to St. Louis; thence to Kansas
City via St. Louis, Kansas City and Northern Railroad.
The western limits of the plains districts begins at the mouth of the
Pecos, and thence by its eastern water-shed to its junction with the Atchison,
Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad near Las Vegas, N. Mex. ; thence to Den-
ver via the above and the Denver and Rio Grande Railroads; and thence
to Cheyenne by the Colorado Central ; thence northwardly to Fort Laramie;
thence to intersection of South Fork of Big Cheyenne by the 104th
meridian of longitude; thence in a northwesterly direction to forty-ninth
parallel. The latitudinal dividing line is from Kansas City, Kans., to
Pueblo, Colo., via Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad.
The Pacific districts embrace all of the mountainous region from the
Great Plains to the Pacific, and are divided laterally by the Union Pacific
436 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
and Central Pacific Railroads. Accidentally the aggregate of the northern
and southern districts vary but little in area, the former being 1,524,700,
and the latter 1,534,060 .square miles. (For areas see sketch-map here-
with.) At least one central point can be selected in each of the eight areas
from which to direct the operations of a survey and most convenient of
access to all prominent points. Independent of the land subdivisions, belts
of detailed topography are needed for the common defense, and the com-
prehensive detailed survey of all the navigable waters of the United States,
those suggested for the several districts, is as follows: In the Atlantic dis-
tricts the final establishment of geodetic points in each county, the belts of
triangles to be checked by necessary astronomic points and the measure of
all water and land routes of transportation. The same applies to the Mis-
sissippi districts. The districts of the plains first require detailed meander
surveys of all the routes and streams checked by astronomic stations with
geodetic connections to follow as the country becomes more thickly settled
and the States take up the more detailed topographic and geologic sur-
veys. The Pacific districts should first be covered entirely by a topo-
graphic survey similar to that prosecuted for the ten years ending June 30,
1879, by the War Department, and an estimate of the cost of completing
which is given in inclosures No. 3 to Senate Ex. Doc. No. 21, Forty -fifth
Congress, third session, while for the more thickly settled portions topo-
graphic works resting on first-class geodetic basis are the only ones that
should be prosecuted.
To secure uniformity and simplicity in the map the modified secant conic
projection is suggested that has been employed successfully upon the geo-
graphic surveys of this office. The number of rectangles of the same size
as those into which the area west of the 100th meridian was divided in
1872 is 210. The approximate size of a rectangular area for the middle
latitudes is 150 miles east and west by 12o north and south, or 18,000
square miles or 11,520,000 acres. The size of each printed sheet is 19 by
2 1 inches. The projection admits of the conjoining of sheets. When
parts only of an entire rectangular subdivision are to be mapped the same
projection can be applied upon different scales and the size of the sheets
varied at will. The limit of the Government surveys in the older States
r.vi xinvns
l si Liciii-Gen MWiHcr.l'ofpsol EmSiueers.USJVnny in Oiaite
GOVERNMENT LAND AND MARINE SURVEYS.
437
being to the establishment of latitudes, longitudes, and altitudes and meas-
urement of railroad, canal, and other routes of communication, and the first
topographic survey, the resulting sheets may be turned over as produced
to the States about to prosecute a more detailed topographic survey or the
continued examination of its geological structure and mineral products.
Upon a scale not less than 1 inch to 4 miles for territory east of the
Mississippi, nor less than 1 inch to 8 miles west of that line, the projections
of the number of sheets required for the whole United States should be
begun, upon which should be compiled and delineated all known longitudes
and latitudes of importance, and sufficiently accurate geographical material
resulting from original surveys heretofore and hereafter to be made should
be added at a permanent office of the War Department to be designated
by law for all time. These sheets when completed and conjoined would
constitute the great final topographic map of the union of States.*
The area, populatiou, etc., of the districts is as follows:
Name.
Mountainous or Pacific district (north)
Mono ainous or Pacific district (south)
District of the plains (north)
District of the plains (south)
Mississippi Valley district (north)
Mississippi Valley district (south)
Atlantic district (north) ..
Atlantic district (south)
31
93
g
to
S
33
u
a
IB
CO
CO
Area.
Population
1870.
cd c-
S °°
en
u
b
-
Population
1880.
s .
500
5 30
DO
U
-
a
CO
■*-
6
■A
CD £
6
1
Sq. m'
515,239
595, 769
1.2
636, 994
1.23
4
3
7
584, 938
563, 244
1.0
1,045,924
1.8
4
6
10
347, 337
495,316
1.4
1,150,973
3.:;
3
7
10
358, 323
922, 536
2.6
2, 111:1. 230
2.3
3
14
17
479, 433
13, 275, 062
32.3
15, 482. 879
32.3
17
102
111)
381, 105
7,221,087
18.9
10,177, 105
26.7
13
65
78
166,70*
12, 030, 489
72.2
14, 695, 859
88.1
22
94
110
192, 461
3, 454, 868
17.9
4,861,819
25.3
10
33
43
3, 025, 600
38,558,371
12.7
50, 153, 783
16.6
70
324
400
Note. —The approximate area given by the tenth census of the States and Territories excluding area of water surface
(approximately 55,000 square miles) is 3,025,600 square miles, or 2,970.000 square miles of land surface. The total length oi
sea-coast line from headland to headland is approximately, Atlantic, 15.600 miles: Gulf, 2. SOS miles; Pacitir. 1,905 miles;
Alaskan, with the larger souuds and bays, but exclusive of the Aleutian Islands. 7,800 miles, independent of hays, sounds,
etc., that aggregate 4,980 miles foi the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific. The coast within the United States of Lakes Superior,
Michigan. Huron, Eiie, and Ontario aggiegatc 4.230 miles iu length.
The total population as given by the census of 1880, exclusive of Alaska (33,4:6), was 50,155,783, or an average of
17.29 per square mile, excluding the Indian Territory, and of the area of settlement estimated at 1,569,570 square miles, an
average of 32 per square mile. The largest average per square mile in any State in 1880 was 254.9 for Rhode Island, with
Massachusetts next at 221.8, and the least, .20 per square mile, for Wyoming, while the Territory of Utah shows 1.03,
those of Arizona and Idaho .04, and Dakota .09 per square mile.
* This mother map sbotild then, be developed specifically to meet all economic and industrial
requirements, the latter particularly by the States, after a geueral examination of the structure and
resources of the whole country.
If we are to have these maps (military, economic, and scientific), as have them we must, they
438 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
The cost of a geographic and topographic survey of any part of
this area ran be made to vary from Si to Si, 000, or even a much greater
sum, per square mile. Estimates of the ordnance survey of England, still
incomplete, show its cost to be more than $200 per square mile. The cost
of our own coast and lake surveys has reached considerable amounts that
are, however, no absolute criterion, as the elaborate bases and networks of
triangulation established for a narrow belt of hydrography and topograph)
would answer in the interior for a much greater area, and the details
required in reference to inland topography may be varied indefinitely.
The cost per capita of an elaborate survey of the entire country com-
parable with that of the home Government of England would lie great,
and if conducted with ill-deiined powers and bad management might easily
exceed the value of the entire landed properties of the Union, and without
results in the least degree commensurate.
It is plain when the great area of the country is considered in connec-
tion with the comparatively small average of population, and coupled with
the fact that a great part in the West is still substantially an unoccupied
mountainous wilderness, that the Government is not yet prepared to com-
mence, except for selected areas, interior surveys after the elaborate detailed
and costly plans of Great Britain and the older and more populous nations.
TOPOGRAPHIC.
ORIGIN.
In England the great general or topographic survey may be said to
have commenced with the measurement of the Hounslow Heath base, under
will result IV a practical application of all known scientific principles and methods. to the work in
hand while constantly consulting the current and permanent wants of the Government and people.
The preserving, protecting, and defending functions of the war branch of the public service
have- no single better field of operations iu an interval of peace than in collecting all known informa-
tion bearing on military operations in detail for our own country, and generally for that of our neigh-
burs.
From all survey works in the past, from those of the present, as well as the future, wherever
lodged as to administration or execution, every particle of critical data bearing on latitudes, longi-
tudes, and altitudes should be. constantly availed of by the War Department and compiled into a sys-
tematic descriptive list or tabulation id' this data for the whole United states, including description
of monuments and bench-marks, which should then he entered on skeleton map-sheets, the ground-
work of a permanent military topographic atlas of the whole country .such as heretofore mentioned.
GOVERNMENT LAND AND MARINE SURVEYS. 439
General Roy, Royal Military Engineers, in 17X4, the triangulation for the
(military) topographic map dating from 1791.
Prior to the organization of the several German states into the present
Empire the general land or topographic surveys were prosecuted inde-
pendently. In Prussia, prior to 1816, there existed only the desultory
works of a few administrative departments of the Governments and indi-
viduals, at which date these map works were transferred from the sta-
tistical bureau of the finance department to the general staff of the army,
where they have since remained. In 18G4 the more systematic topo-
graphic survey of the six eastern provinces of Prussia was established,
and in 1870 the new general map, scale 1:100,000 — 674 sheets— was pro-
jected.
Triangulation was begun in 1781, followed by detailed topography in
1785.
The oldest manuscript map found mentioned of .Saxony dates from
1531. The survey of the country was first encouraged by August, the ,
Elector, and conducted by members of the Oder family from 1550 to 1600,
publications therefrom being prevented. The first map seems to have been
printed in 1568, and to have been used with revisions for over two hundred
years.
The Aventine map of Upper and Lower Bavaria, 1523, that by Apian,
1536, are the first known, and were used for over two hundred years.
The first Bavarian atlas was projected by Bonne (in 1801), an officer of
the French general staff (etat-major), detached for this purpose. The
general staff of the Bavarian army has systematized and prosecuted this
work without intermission since 1817.
The first known map of Wurtemburg is one by Stoffler (1542, unpub-
lished), which was accidentally burned in 1534. • The oldest known pub-
lished map was issued at Tubingen in 1559. The first trigonometric
observations began in 1793. Systematic triangulation dates from 1818.
Trigonometric and topographic works in Baden began in 1812— '14,
under Colonel Tulla, chief of the corps of military engineers.
International < 'ommission. — General Baeyer's project, "the degrees meas-
urements of Central Europe," was sanctioned by the Prussian Government
440 1 • S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
June 20, 1861, and a central bureau was established at Berlin in connection
with the Geodetic Institute, with General Baeyer at its head.*
The earliest known atlas of the Austrian domain consists of eleven
wood-cuts, dated 1561. The oldest geometric maps of Austria date from
the seventeenth century. Triangulation began in 17(i2.
The military topographic bureau of France dates from 1688, and has
been in continuous existence ever since.
The Dufour military survey of Switzerland commenced in 1830.
Astronomic and trigonometric observations for a general topographic
map of Holland were begun in 1X02 by General Krayenhoff, inspector-
general of fortifications and of the corps of engineers.
Systematic topographic surveys as an aid in defense against all invaders
were only begun in the Dutch East Indies in 1849, in the territory between
Batavia and Buitenzorg, prior to which there were none but defective maps.
Triangulation seems to have begun in Spain in 1855.
In Italy, prior to the consolidation in 18fil, the Italian state govern-
ments prosecuted separate surveys dating from about 1815. Austria con-
trolled in the northern part of Italy till 1866.
The first map of Sweden appears to have been executed in 1539, and
the first engraved map in 1(12(1. Surveys of different grades have been
going on for over two hundred years. The first complete ma]) was issued
about the year 1800. The oldest known triangulation is 1758.
A map of the Inlet of Ide, in Norway (scale approximately 1 : 50,000),
appeared in 1661. A description of parishes was begun in 1706, and a
general map of Norway appeared in 1761. The military topographic sur-
vey was ordered in 1773.
The oldest geographical knowledge of Russia, consisting of descrip-
tions of real estate by the fiscal agents of the Mongolian occupation, dates
from the middle of the thirteenth century.
The first general map of Russian territory, now lost, was made about
the middle of the sixteenth century, and called "The Great Drawing." A
printed map of Russia, published 1614 at Amsterdam, with Latin inscrip-
•After General Baeyer's death (1886) it was no longer connected with the Geodetic Institute, but
is maintained at the cost of the several states as an international association, consisting of a president,
nine associates, also the director of the central bureau and Geodetic Institute.
GOVERNMENT LAND AND MARINE SURVEYS. 441
tion, is found in the scientific military archives of the general staff bureau
at St. Petersburg. Peter the Great was the first to fully realize the neces-
sity of an accurate geographic knowledge of the Empire. He ordered
the execution of surveys, preparation of maps, description of territory by
districts in 1720, and made it a part of the duties of the office of the quar-
termaster-general to collect all needful information in regard to military
topography and roads over which to move armies. Triangulation scien-
tifically conducted began in 1816 in Russia.
The trigonometric operations for a topographic survey of Belgium
date from IS 44.
The oldest noted map of Denmark bears date of 1550 ; another one
was issued between 1038 and 1652. Triangulation commenced in 1762.
The organized military survey dates from 1809.
Geographic works have long been fostered by the Government of
Portugal" and topographic works resting on a trigonometric basis were
beo-un at the close of the eighteenth century.
Surveys on the coast of what is now called British India began about
1600. The first map mentioned is the one by D'Anville in 1754. Route
surveys began in 1763. Triangulation was introduced about 1800.
Instrumental topography may be said first to have been undertaken
for the Government of the United States shortly after the Louisiana pur-
chase by the expedition of the army officers, Lewis and Clarke, from the
Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean, set on foot by President Jefferson,
in pursuance of a specific confidential grant of money by Congress.
ADMINISTRATION.
The administration is that of the war department for Germany, Aus-
tria, France, Switzerland, Holland, Dutch East Indies, Italy, Sweden, Bel-
gium, Denmark, ami Norway ; office of works in Great Britain, with a
mixed personnel of military and civilians, with a major-general in charge ;
in Spain under the department of public works, with a field-marshal gen-
eral in charge ; in Portugal under the department of public works, with a
brigadier-general at the head; in British India as a branch of the depart-
ment of revenue and agriculture, with a lieutenant-general in charge.
442 I • S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
ORGANIZATION.
Much correspondence with foreign government offices and search at
many important libraries sufficed to find only twenty distinct topographic
survey organizations, distributed as follows: (1) United Kingdom, at
Southhampton, England (under a major-general until 1883, the present
director-general being Col. R. II. Stotherd, royal military engineers):
(•_') Prussia, at Berlin (in charge of Major-General Regely, of the general
staff) ; Saxony, at Dresden (in charge of Colonel von der Planitz, chief
of the general staff); (4) Bavaria, at Munich (in charge of Colonel von
Orff, of the general staff); (.">) Wurtemberg, at Stuttgart (in charge of
President Von Schneider, of the statistical topographic bureau); with
Col. II. Bach as chief of the topographic branch: (6) Baden, at Carlsruhe
(in charge of Lieutenant-Colonel Schneider, of the Prussian general staff);
(7) Austria, at Vienna (Maj.-Gen. Joseph Baron Wanka von Lenzenheim,
director); (8) France, at Paris (in charge of Colonel Perrier, of the gen-
eral staff: (9) Switzerland, at Berne (in charge of Col. J. J. Lochman,
corps of engineers); (10) Holland, at The Hague (office, only, in charge
of C. A. Eckstein, director, under the chief of the general staff, a major-
general); (11) Dutch East Indies, at Batavia (in charge of Major Meyer) ;
(12) Spain, at Madrid (in charge of Field Marshal Charles Ibanez de
Iliero, corps of engineers); (13) Italy, at Florence (in charge of General
Charles Gene); (14) Sweden, at Stockholm (in charge of Col. Victor von
Vegesack, of the general staff) ; (1:")) Norway, at Christiana (in charge of
Col. C. G. With, chief of the general staff); (16) Russia, at St Peters-
burg (in charge of Major General de Forsch, general staff); (17) Bel-
gium, at Brussels (temporarily in charge of Maj E. Hennequin, of the
general staff); (18) Denmark at Copenhagen (in charge of Maj. Gen. L.
E. Fog, chief of the general staff); (19) Portugal, at Lisbon (in charge
of Brig. Gen. Carlos Ernesto de Arbues Moreira) ; and (20) India, at Cal-
cutta (in charge of Lieut. Gen. J. T. Walker, royal military engineers, as
surveyor-general).
With the exceptions of the Topographical Institute at The Hague (the
functions of which are confined to the office, and are more or less technical
and connected with reproduction of maps), and the statistical topographic
GOVERNMENT LAND AND MARINE SURVEYS. 443
bureau at Stuttgart (the duties of which are more statistical than topo-
graphic, the latter branch having, however, an officer of the army as chief)
the field and office operations are in charge of and directed by officers of
military engineers, or of the general staff of the army of the several ranks
of major, colonel, brigadier, major, and lieutenant general and field-marshal.*
In England the organization has from the first been known as the
"ordnance survey," with an officer of the royal military engineers as
director-general, with the rank of lieutenant-general or major-general, until
1883, when a colonel was placed in charge. It now consists (1885) of
30 officers, 128 non-commissioned officers, and 229 soldiers of the royal
engineers, 1,962 civilian assistants of various grades, and !>34 laborers,
numbering 3,283 in all.
The main office at Southampton, in charge of the director-general, has
the following divisions:
(1) Administration, correspondence, and accounts.
(2) Examination of manuscript plans, reduction and drawing of maps for engrav-
ing, photozincography, letter-press printing, and electrotypiug.
(3) Trigonometric branch.
(4) Engraving general topographic maps on copper, plate-printing, and coloring
maiis.
A special boundary office is found at London and ten snb-offices
throughout England; also one at Edinburgh for Scotland; another at
Dublin for Ireland ; the latter for publication, engraving, and revision.
In Prussia the state land survey (Landes-Aufnahme) is in the charge
of a special chief (a major-general), under the chief of the great general
staff (etat major-general) of the army at Berlin. It consisted July, 1885,
of 93 officers of the general staff, engineers, and of the army, 408
technical officials, and 39 clerks, messengers, etc., or 540 persons in all.
There is a central (deliberative and consultative) commission of sur-
veys in Prussia, presided over by the chief of the great general staff, now
Field Marshal Count von Moltke.
•There have existed for tin' prosecutiou ol topographic works, at least, the following specially
selected corps of officers, known in France as "engineer geographers" and "military geographical
engineers" (1696 to 1831), as "military engineer geographers" in Austria (1851 to 1861), and "mili-
tary topographical engineers" in Russia (1822 to date), and the Corps of Topographical Engineers in
tin- United States fr March :!, 1813, to March '.i, 1863.
444 I '• S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH .MERIDIAN.
This commission is composed of representatives from the following
bureaus of the several ministries:
Treasury: Public domain, forests, and forestry; direct taxes.
Commerce: Administration of railways, land and water improvements, and com-
munications.
Agriculture: Communal division and amelioration of land.
Public instruction : Geodetic Institute.
War and general staff : State survey and geographic statistical division of the
general stall'.
Marine: Hydrograpbie office and survey of the coast.
The minister of the interior, in addition to the above, is entitled to a
representative on this commission.*
The general state land survey, with its main office at Berlin, has four
principal divisions, as follows:
The general office (semi-administrative and executive in its control),
consisting of 47 officers of the army, 208 technical officials, 30 clerks,
messengers, etc, and subdivided as follows:
(1) Trigonometric division. — Section I : Office of the chief, repair and supervision
of instruments and means of transportation, correspondence, purchase of ground for
i iments. Section II: Principal triangulation. Section III: Triangulatiou of sec-
ond class. Section IV: Detailed triangulation. Section V: Leveling and altitudes.
Section VI: Publication, archives and library.
(•J) Topographic division. — Section I: Office of chief. Section II: Preparation
for field operations, care, and repair of instruments, archives and library. Section
III: Reconnaissances. Section IV: Field survey sections.
(3) Cartographic division. — Section I: Office of chief, archives ami library. Sec-
tion II: Drawing of map 1:100,000. Section III: Publication of map 1:25,000.
Section IV: Revision of original maps. Section V: Revision on stone. Section VI:
Copper engraving. Section VII: Printing. Section VIII: Photographic, institute.
Section IX: For general and staff purposes.
The triangulation work required by this most systematic of surveys
is the first duty of the organization, and proceeds independently, although
adopting, when convenient, any of the lately verified triangulation, con-
ducted by the Prussian members of the international commission for
" European degrees measurements," under General Bayer, a retired officer
of the general staff, and formerly chief of the "Landes-Aufnahme."f
" Tlic bureaus <>t' mines and mining and of the geological examination of Prussia are not rep-
resented on this commission.
t Tin- great general start' of the Prussian army, traces of which date hack as far as the Branden-
hnigarmy under the great Elector, consisted in lS7. r > of 147 officers of all grades, with 40 other officers
GOVERNMENT LAND AND MARINE SURVEYS. 445
In Saxony the topographic work is carried on by the general staff of
the army, with a colonel of the general staff (flat-major) in charge.
In Bavaria the topographic survey has been conducted continuously
by the army general staff since 1817. The present director has the rank
of colonel.
The statistical topographic bureau of Wurtemberg, with a small topo-
graphic office at Stuttgart, consists of 1 director, 1 honorary, 9 ordinary,
and 2 extraordinary members, with 17 assistants, with a civil head, only a
small number of whom, under the direction of an army officer, are engaged
on topography. A consultative commission, with delegates from the minis-
tries of "justice, the interior, education, and war, are superior functionaries
of this bureau. The trigonometric and topographic works of Baden (with
main office at Carlsruhe) are conducted by a lieutenant-colonel of the
Prussian general staff
In Austria-Hungary the present organization of the Military Geo-
graphical Institute, a branch of the general staff of the army, at Vienna,
consisted in 1881 of 296 officers, 190 technical officials, and 300 non-
commissioned officers, soldiers, and day workmen, 786 in all, with a major-
general at its head. The military surveys in Austria during the last half
attached for one year's duty. This body has had since 1821 .an independent P"i«on, .ujject - JL oneto
the control of the commander-in-chief (now the Emperor of Germany). General Field Marshal Count
von Moltke has held the position of chief since October 29, 1857.
duties are the management of all questions concerning its personnel and arrangement of
duties therefor, the continual development of military knowledge concerning both Germany and other
countries^ the use of railways, the compilation of military history, the promotion ot m.l.tary science,
mans the ereat topographic survey of the country, etc.
1 For Strategic purposes there are three seetions, to each of which are allotted a given number .,
countr.es, the duties of each of which are to attentively follow all military innovations at home and
abroad, keeping informed of all matters concerning military organizations, reserves, the armament and
equipment of armies, the military geography of countries, the construction or removal ot permanent
fortifications, the development of railways, roads, canals, etc. «,:„„+»,.♦
The fourth section is that for railroads. Its special duty is to keep informed o ever thing ha
affects the subject of military transport, and to possess and maintain an accurate knowledge ot all
railway systems both at home and abroad, together with their capacity for traffic, and to plan large
military transport arra' gements, etc. .
The military history section has charge of the records and the library. A geographic sta ist.cal
section is charged with the preparation of foreign military maps, and a special and mdependent branch
has cha. of everything connected with the great general survey. There ,s no army of Continental
Eur0 pe without it general staff, engaged in specific duties and with a selected personnel "-w-ifrom
the most able and meritorious officers of the army at large. (See "The Duties of the General Staff bj
Maj. Gen. Von Schejlendorf," translated by W. A. H. Hare, lieutenant of royal engineers, London,
1877.)
44G V. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
of the eighteenth century were conducted under the quartermaster-general,
and the land survey has been exclusively executed by officers of the army,
who had also hitherto been detailed for geodetic operations.
The following, taken from the year-book of 1881, shows the divisions
of the organization.*
Group 1. — Direction of the institute.
Group 2. — Astronomic geodetic division.
Group ,".. — Mapping: (a) military land surveys; {b) military drawing division. t
Group 4. — Topography : (a) chief; (b) topography; (<•) special map drawing
division; (il) lithography; (e) copper engraving; (/) correction and revision of maps.
Group 5. — Technical: (a) chief; (b) photography and chemigraphy ; (c) helio-
gravure; (<1) photolithography ; (e) presses, bookbinding.
Group C. — Administration: (a) chief; (b) archives; (c) accounts; (d) non-com-
missioned officers.
Group 7. — Cadastral division.!
The military topographic bureau of the war department of France
was established in Paris 1688, where it has since continuously existed. A
corps known as "engineers of camps and armies" was established in 1696,
which was changed to the designation of "engineer geographers of camps
and armies" in 17'2li, and to which a more stable status was given in 1744.
In 1760 the engineer geographers were separated from the bureau of fortifi-
cations, and in 17(11 consolidated with the "depot des cartes et plans." By
ordinance of 1 7 7 (> the above body was associated in service with the mili-
tary engineers, and in 1777 the title of "military geographical engineers"
was conferred. In 1791 the functions of the latter were merged with those
of the military engineers. A final reorganization was effected in 179!). with
a special bureau directly under the First Consul. Topographic surveys
were carried on by the "engineer geographers" until their disbandment in
1831, when they were taken up and carried to completeness by the " Etat-
Majo'r." The name of the central office in Paris has been "depot de la
' The total personnel of this institute in 1876 was 1,'2.">8. (See Comstock, "Notes on European
Surveys," p. 1-. > There existed in Austria from 1851 to lrtijl a specially selected corps of "military
engineer geographers," disbanded, however, upon the reorganization of the general staff in l-t'.l.
t This includes a military drawing school for selected oftieers and non-commissioned officers.
t The a hove establishment is a direct outgrowth of the " Deposito del la Guerra " of the ( lisalpine
Republic, created at .Milan about the year 1800, when a military topographic corps, called "engineer
geographers," was formed, to which were attached officers of the engineer corps (Corps du Genie) of
the Franco-Italian army. After the Austrian occupation of 1814 the above was continued under the
name of "Instituto Geographico Militare." This office was transferred in 1839 to Vienna, and per-
petuated substantially under its present form.
GOVERNMENT LAND AND MARINE SURVEYS. 447
guerre," and for which the title "service geograpbique " has been given to
the new surveys and revisions of the mother topographic map. The pres-
ent head of this branch of the service has the rank of colonel.
The organization having charge of the topographic work in Switzer-
land is located at Berne, and is known as the "federal topographic bureau
of the general staff,'' with a colonel" of military engineers in charge. It
consisted in 1875 of engineers, engineer topographers, draughtsmen, en-
havers, lithographers, and printers, the number varying according to the
means annually at disposal.
In Holland a number of officers of the general staff of the army, under
the head of that bureau, conduct the topographic work in the held and
prepare the result for publication, while the Topographic Institute, with
Mr. Eckstein as director, under the same authority, has charge of the re-
production of all maps for the war and other ministries of the Government.
The topographic bureau of the Dutch East Indies at Batavia is under
the charge of an officer ranking as a lieutenant-colonel or a major of the
army* °The service consists of (A) the "direction," embracing the chief,
one captain, oner two first or second lieutenants (adjutants)— the lieu-
tenants do not belong to the general staff, but may be drawn from all
branches of the army; (B) the "survey brigades," four captains (chiefs),
four first or second lieutenants, six adjutants, eight sergeant-majors, twelve
European sergeants, eight European corporals, eight European apprentices
(soldiers); a " triangulation division," with one major or captain (chief ),
two captains, two first or second lieutenants, one military surveyor (each of
first, second, and third class), one adjutant, two sergeant-majors, and three
serjeants; (C) the "topographic office," thirteen adjutants, sergeant-
majors, European sergeants, corporals, apprentices (soldiers), draughtsmen,
a „d eighteen native draughtsmen (first, second, and third class); (D) the
" photographic division," one photographer and two assistant photographers
(military surveyors and soldiers) ; (E) a "lithographic division and instru-
ment workshop." Civilians are eligible alone to the photographic, litho-
graphic, ami instrument workshop divisions.
•Examinations are held for officers and assistants, which mnst be satisfactorily passed before
admission to this service. I.. 1-73 tl,.- topographic service vras transferred from the engmeer depart-
ment i for purely geological purposes, with the following words of
an appropriation act as authority, "to continue the preparation of a geolog-
ical map of the United States," is carrying on topographic field operations
at widely divergent localities in the older as well as the newer States, from
a geologic standpoint, i. e., based on triangulation "sufficiently correct"
only for the scale of the map employed, and with undue weight attached to
the topographic relief of the natural features as compared with the details
of communication and artificial and economic features of the ground.
GOVERNMENT LAND AND MARINE SURVEYS. 451
The Coast Survey has executed a narrow strip of topography along
the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific coast lines, where its surveys are complete,
usually to the first crest-line within view of the nearest navigable channel
of approach, and the same may be said, in a general way, of the Lake
Survey of the great northern lakes, as regards their lines of coast. By a
special grant the Coast Survey is carrying on triangulation near and along
the thirty-ninth parallel to connect its trigonometric belts along the Atlantic
and Pacific coasts. .
The Mississippi River Commission adds a strip of topography, includ-
ing the stream and its banks.
Prior to the establishment of the Geological Survey various temporary
organizations under the Interior Department had been operating at different
times since the war of the rebellion in the regions west of the Mississippi
River known as the "Geological and Geographical Survey of the Terri-
tories'" and of the "Rocky Mountain Region," and the "Geological Explora-
tion of the Black Hills," all controlled by the theoretical considerations ot
the geologist. The "geological exploration of the 40th parallel," under
the engineer department, conducted its labors on a similar basis, while
the "geographical survey of the territory west of the 100th meridian,'
under the' same department, proceeded from almost a diametrically opposite
standpoint, giving due weight to the astronomic, geodetic, and topographic
observations, with map delineations of all natural objects, means of com-
munication,. artificial and economic features, the geologic and natural history
branches being treated as incidental to the main purpose.
The latter may be considered as the only organized systematic general
geographic and topographic work (both scientific and practical) ever begun
by the General Government in the interior of the country.
Just as its organization (consisting of officers of engineers of the Army,
selected general service and other enlisted men, civilian assistants, clerks,
messengers, etc.) was brought to a high state of efficiency (through training
and experience)' the appropriations were suspended. Geology in organic
form was established in the Interior Department, the vastly more important
work of topography was disregarded and left unprovided for, and the
services of practical and experienced Government engineer officers thus
452 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
lost for this latter duty, resulting in a direct and positive step backward,
without precedent throughout the civilized world.*
FUNCTIONS.
Since general relief surveys of the land were instituted in England
the ordnance survey has had sole and undisputed charge of the astronomic,
base measuring, trigonometric, topographic, hypsometric, and cartographic
operations therefor.
The following are the principal works at present in progress :
(1) The flual preparation and publication of the new topographic map series for
the whole United Kingdom, scale 1 inch to 1 mile, in 696 sheets.
(2) Surveys for and the final preparation and publication of the 6-inch scale or
county maps for the United Kingdom in, approximately, 13,391 sheets.
(3) Surveys for and the preparation and publication of the cadastral or parish
maps for the entire United Kingdom (25 inch), scale 1 : 2,500. Sixteen of these sheets
make one of the 6-inch engraved maps. The approximate Dumber is 51,488 sheets for
England when complete, and for Scotland 12,:>1(> sheets.
(4) Survey for and the preparation and publication of (scale 1 : 500) plans of
cities and all towns over 4,000 inhabitants, except Loudon and environs, which latter
is at the scale of 60 inches to the mile.
The duties imposed upon the office for the great general survey of
Prussia (Germany') comprise the field and office operations necessary to
the successful prosecution of the astronomic, base measuring, trigonometric,
topographic, hypsometric, and cartographic works required by the war and
all other departments of the Government, except for the cadastre.
The principal works now in progress are the following:
(1) The plane table and station work necessary for the topographic sheets, with
their final preparation and publication on scale 1 : 25,000 (3,608 sheets) for all of Ger-
many, except Saxony, Bavaria. Wurtemberg, and Baden, the yearly area to be surveyed
beiDg fixed at 200 German square miles (approximately 4,400 square English statute
miles), the trigonometric, topographic, and cartographic results following each other
* The subject of scientific surveys was examined by a joint Congressional commission during
the 48th and 49th ( 'ongresses, and their report, after bearing voluminous evidence, forms Senate Report
No. 1285, Part 1 and Part 2, 49th Congress, tirst session. The majority report leaves the Coast survey
and Hydrographic Office subtantially in statu quo, and sustains the extension of the Geologic Survej
with certain restrictions, and dues not favor the establishment of a scientific commission to take
charge of the general direction of all scientific work under the Government, whereas the minority
report recommends the transfer of the (.'oast Survey proper to the Hydrographic Office of the Navy,
and the restriction of the Geologic Survey in field, office, and publication work. The result of this
commission had no bearing on legislation, except to regulate Geological Survey publications, and
indirectly upon appropriations. The whole subject remains in tin inchoate and unsettled state.
GOVERNMENT LAND AND MARINE SURVEYS. 453
ti„. .,„.,•.,] scale of 1 ■ 12,500 is used for the vicinity of garrisons
in quick succession, rhe special scan oi j-,
; '"" "e^plSo. I 1»™»«™ »' «» <* "» «" ""*" "' "'" """' t0 '""
,„„ s ,S t ;,!:: .!;■ i^l ■„»,«, „,,<, —i™ * «*«. <>»™™< -««, >-* - »
"""' ^C^p7^:l°ZL^, of ,„»ae„, acient.Sc warfare, .he c„„,
required for industrial purposes.
The topographic survey of Saxony (with its trigonometric, topographic,
1( . vt , lin( „ and cartographic divisions) is at present specially charged with
the surveys for the preparation and publication of a map (from plane table
sh eets) of Saxon territory, scale 1 : 25,000, in 156 sheets.
Likewise Bavaria and Wurtemberg make similar maps of same scale,
after a plan for all Germany somewhat uniform with 990 and 192 sheets,
respectively. -,
The above countries contribute to the general map of Germany scale
1 • 100,000, Saxony 30, Bavaria 80, and Wurtemberg 20 sheets, and issue
various topographic maps, generally on minor scales^
In Baden there is a special topographic survey for a map 1 : 25,000 in
170 sheets in progress, which contributes to form a part of the general
map 1 • 100 000 of Baden's territory constructed at Berlin.
The Military Geographical Institute at Vienna has had full and unin-
terrupted control of all the topographic works of Austria-Hungary resting
on a trigonometric basis with precise leveling operations, of winch the
principal ones now are —
(1) Field work for plane table sheets of the whole territory, scale 1 : 2o,000,
^Z I6 ^^X™«o», and publication of a new topographic map
^^fCcadJS^ey (based upon a number of trigonometric points) of
^"^ and enlarging the map (1, 750,00.) to ^*£%£
rinm Holland Eastern France, Western Italy, revision ot map of Genual Europe
ScS 1 Si), preparation of recruiting maps (scale 1 : 1,000,000), correction and
revision of all special maps.
In France the " depot de la guerre" (geographical service) of the war
department has exclusive jurisdiction and control of the fundamental opera-
454 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
tions demanded for the principal or mother topographic map of the country,
its main works being as follows :
(1) Revision, once in each five years, of the topographic map of France, scale
1 : 80,(100, 273 sheets.
(2) Field and office operations necessary for the preparation and publication of
the new topographic map-of Fiance, scale 1 : 50,000, 1,092 sheets (original field ann-
ates, seal.' 1 : 40.000).
(3) The new surveys required for the construction and publication of the topo-
graphic map of Algeria, scale 1 : 50,000, approximately 327 sheets.
(4) Reduction of the map of 1 : 50,000 to the scale of 1 : 200,000 for the topo-
graphic map of France, scale 1 : 200,000, 81 sheets.
(5) Corrections and revision of the great variety of plani metric and topographic
maps of France issued by this branch of the war department.
The fortification branch issues its separate map (scale 1 : 500,000), and
also maps on scales 1 : 1,000 and 1 : 2,000 for more exact studies, making,
however, nothing further than local surveys, while the ministry of public
works issues a compiled map for specific purposes, scale 1 : 200,000, and
the ministry of the interior also another compilation on scale 1 : 100,000
(each taking advantage of local surveys under its own direction).
The Federal Topographic Bureau of Switzerland is charged with all
the field and office operations (astronomic, trigonometric, leveling, topo-
graphic, and cartographic) necessary and incident to the full measure of
the topographic survey, its main duties at present being —
(1) The constant revision and reissue, as required of the Dufour topographic
map of Switzerland, scale 1 : 100,000, 25 sheets.
(2) The field surveys and office reductions necessary for the new detailed topo-
graphic map of Switzerland, scales 1 : 50,000 and 1 : 25,000, of 119 and 442 sheets,
respectively (10 sheets, scale 1 : 50,000, and 04 sheets, scale 1 : 25,000, each, make one
sheet of Dufour map, scale 1 : 100,000).
(3) Preparation and publication of a general map of Switzerland in 4 sheets,
scale 1 : 250,000, as well as corrections and revision for a number of standard Govern-
ment maps.
The Topographic Institute of Holland, under a director subordinate
to the chief of the general staff, has charge of the reproduction of all the
general topographic maps of the country, the latter having direct charge of
the field surveys, including the usual main and minor operations therefor.
The present duties of the general staff include —
(1) The correction and revision incident to the new editions of the topographic
map of Holland, scale 1 : 50,000, 02 sheets.
GOVERNMENT LAND AND MARINE SURVEYS. 455
(2) Revision of the chromo-lithographic map of tbe "Pouts et Chaussees," scale
1 : 50,000.
(3) New chromo-lithographic map of Holland, scale, 1:25,000, in 770 sheets
(confidential publication).
(4) Map of the principal rivers of Holland, scale 1 : 10,000.
(5) Chromo-lithographic atlas of the residences of Java, scale 1 : 100,000.
(6) Atlas of the Dutch East Indies, 14 sheets.
The field work of the survey and office reductions, including con-
struction of maps for the Dutch East Indies, take place under the officer
in charge of theBatavia office, while the field observations for the new topo-
graphic map of Holland are made entirely by selected officers of the army.
The current works of detailed survey now being prosecuted are —
(1) Residence of Baujoewangi, scale 1:40,000, title, index, and 4 other sheets
(photo-autography).
(2) Residence of Preanger Regency, scale 1 : 20,000, title, index, and 4 other
sheets (photo-autography).
(3) Above in 1 sheet, scale 1 : 50,000.
(4) Division of Deli, residences east coast of Sumatra, scale 1 : 100,000,7 sheets.
(5) General map of Madura, iu colors, scale 1 : 100.000.
(6) Various residences, scale 1 : 20,000.
(7) General maps, etc., scale 1 : 100,000.
(8) Various residences, Preanger Regency, 2 sheets, scale 1 : 300,000.
The Geographical Statistical Institute of Spain comprehends all the
fundamental operations, which are of a high order, of the several classes
requisite for the final detailed topographic map of the kingdom.
Its principal duties at present are —
(1) The field observations (scale 1 : 25,000) necessary and incident to the con-
struction and publication of the topographic map of Spain, scale 1 : 50,000, in 1,080
sheets.
A general itinerary map of Spain is issued by the general staff of the
army.
Italy conducts all its topographic operations through its military
geographic institute, which has jurisdiction over all the operations (astro-
nomic, trigonometric, topographic, and cartographic) necessary to such an
object,
The principal works now being carried forward are —
(1) Field and office labors necessary and incident to the construction and pub-
lication of the new general topographic map of the kingdom, scale 1 : 100,000, iu 277
sheets, which absorbs all others.
456 C S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
(2) Preparation and publication of the field minute plots at scales of 1 : 50,000
and 1 : 25.000.
(3) Special maps for war studies, scales 1 : 5,000 and 1 : 10,000, and of vicinities
of Rome, Florence, etc., scales 1 : 10,000 and 1 : 25,000.
(4) General maps of the kingdom on various scales, and the constant and neces-
sary revision of all maps issued by this bureau, other than the regular series, scales
1 : 100,000, 1 : 50,000, and 1 : 25,000. (See lists of maps.)
In Sweden the topographic bureau is charged with all the surveys
required for military and economic purposes, with the fundamental initial
base-measuring, trigonometric, topographic, leveling, and cartographic oper-
ations therefor.
At present the works carried on are —
(1) The field and office work necessary for and incident to the construction and
publication of the main topographic map, scale 1 : 100,000, in 232 sheets (field-notes
on scale 1 : 20,000 for southern and 1 : 50,000 for northern parts).
(2) The survey for construction and publication of the economic map of Sweden,
scale 1 : 20,000.
(3) The topographic " Lan " or county map for Sweden, scale 1 : 200,000.
(4) Topographic map of passes and positions, scales 1 : 10,000 and 1 : 20,000, and
of Stockholm, scale 1 : 20,000.
(5) A general map of the kingdom, small scale, with revisions and changes
required for all maps.
(G) Maps specially for war studies, in scales of 1 : 1,000 and 1 : 5,000.
The geographical service of Norway has charge of all the usual
fundamental operations which .such offices have been called upon to per-
form in Europe.
Its principal works at present are —
(1) All field and office work necessary for the principal topographic map of
Norway, scale 1 : 100,000, in 54 sheets.
(2) The "Amt " map of Norway, scale 1 : 200,000, with large cities shown thereon
at scales of 1 : 20,000.
(3) General map of Norway, scale 1 : 400,000, and the necessary revisions and
changes for all maps.
Russia confides all its topographic work to the topographical section of
the general staff, which includes all the preliminary main linear and angular
measurements for fixing the initial geographic co-ordinates upon which
the detailed topography is based.
The principal works now being prosecuted are —
(1) The field and office work necessary to the construction and publication of
tlir great map of Russia in Europe, scale 1 : 120,000, in 792 sheets, which includes the
topographic map of Poland, 59 sheets, same scale.
GOVERNMENT LAND AND MARINE SURVEYS. 457
(Original field minutes of the above are taken at the scales of 1 : 21,000 and
1 • 42 000 and it is believed are published in specified instances, but not yet as a whole.)
'(2) Topographic map of the Caucasus, scale 1 : 210,000, 77 sheets; topographic
map of European Russia, scale 1 : 420,000, 154 sheets; topographic map of Asiatic
Turkey, scale 1:840,000; topographic map of military districts in Turkestan scale
1 1 680.000; topographic map of Western Siberia, scale 1 : 210,000; map of Central
Asia, scale 1:4,200,000; and various others, with all the changes and revisions
currently required.
Belgium carries on the astronomic, trigonometric, topographic, and
cartographic works necessary for the resultant topographic map through
its Military Cartographic Institute.
Its principal works at present are—
(1) Field and office operations necessary for construction of the topographic
map of Belgium, scale 1:40,000, in 72 sheets. (Original field-minutes at scales
1 : 10 ?2 )°The topographic map of Belgium, scale 1 : 20,000, in 450 sheets, now com-
pteto. (The publication of special plane-table sheets, scale 1 : 10,000, Las also been
begun.
(3) Various older maps. (See lists of maps.)
(4) Current changes and revisions receive constant attention.
In Denmark all the topographic duties devolve upon the single organi-
zation constituted for that purpose.
The main works at present are —
(1) The topographic map of Jutland, scale 1 : 40,000, in 131 sheets.
2) The same for the islands, scale 1:80,000, in 29 sheets
(3) The field-minute sheets (construction and publication), scale 1 : 20,000-681
sheets for Jutland aud 437 sheets for the islands.
(4) Topographic map of Zealand, scale 1 : 160,000.
(5) The constant correction aud revision of maps.
Portugal carries on under one direction the following principal works
on a trigonometric basis:
,1) The principal topographic map of Portugal, scale 1 : 100,000, in 37 sheets
2 ^orographic maps if Portugal, scales 1:500,000 and 1 : 1,000,000 ; also
maps of Lisbon, scales 1 : 8,000 and 1 : 10,000, with all needed revision work.
The surveys of India (topographic and revenue) are carried on under
one direction, with principal work in progress as follows:
( 1) Field and office work necessary to the completion of the main topographic
atlas of India, scale 1 : 255,561, in 177 sheets.
(2) Plans of towns, military stations, forts, etc., scales 1 : o00, 1 : 2,040, etc.
458 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
(3) Surveys of estates, military districts, presidencies, provinces, frontiers, etc.,
scales 1 : 3,168 to 1 : 2,027,520.
(4) Revenue surveys at scale of 1 : 15,840.
(5) Various general charts on inconsiderable scales, together with all correction
and revision work.
There never having been defined by law a general topographic survey
of the United States, all such works have but followed the specific money
grants therefor. As lias been stated, appropriations for the geographical
surveys of the War Department have been dropped from the annual acts,
and that Department for the time being but compiles and issues the best
maps it is practicable to prepare with scanty funds. The Coast Survey
continues as heretofore its narrow shore strip of topography of the land
that first meets the eye of the navigator and establishes a central geodetic
belt, while the survey of the Mississippi River Commission adds also its
quota of topography. The Geological Survey is also producing such
restricted topography upon which to base its general geologic map as the
geologist requires.
GOVERNMENT LAND AND MARINE SURVEYS. 459
PROGRESS.
The summary tables herewith afford a resume of the progress in the
several countries conducting systematic topographic works:
4(50 T. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TE MERIDIAN.
Summary table of ihitu concerning tin general govern
Area
Name of country. in square
miles.
Great Britain and
Ireland (United
Kingdom).
Germany .
3 Austria-Hungary,. 241,553 37,869,954
Total
population
35, 246, 562
208, 368 45, 194, 172
4 France, including
Algeria.
5 Switzerland
6 Holland
Spain .
Il;ih .
Sweden
Russia including
Poland.
11 Belgium .
205, 976
166, 023
37, 6T2, 048
3,310,412
2, 846, 102
4,323,647
193, 286 16, 902, 621
111,405 28,459,451
173, '.107 4,603,595
2 129, 2ol
Denmark (Jutland, ]
including Horn- {
holm Island).
Denmark | Islands) . I
Norway
it Portugal.
15 India ...
125,646
34,418
I, 157,244
83, 909, 945
5, 655, 197
1, 806, 900
4, 708, 178
252.541,210
I - In year.
8 ■
Scales.
1881
1881
1881
136
173
I 7
1 50,000
1 : 50, 1100
1883 1 : 50, 000
1881
1 ; 100,000
a-. ~
- =
Wllen hegiio
When to In
ended.
210 1791
7211 391 1872
1,092
327
277
240 1880.
1. 291 1830.
625
1883 1 100,1
1882 1 120. ooo
IS,-: 2
1875
1881
1881
1 40,000
1 : 40, 000
1 : 80, 000
1 : ,000
1 : 100, 000
1 : 253, 440
232 1 , 008
11972 1, 694
72
37
177
106
394.
030
1,550
4, 504
1886
In progress.
1864
Prior to 1850 . 1864
1802.
In progress
1892
In progress
1857 In progress
1844.
1828.
1852.
1800.
Complete . . .
In progress
Iti progress.
In progress.
In progress
NOTE. -1 lie following are the authorities for the areas adopted: "Superficies de l'Europe " for Austria France
Switzerland. Holland. Portugal, Norway, Belgium, Russia, Spain, Italy, and Sweden; the "Ordnance Survey" for Great
l-iit.nn the I, nodes Autnaliine." or (Jreat General Staff Survey at Berlin, for Germany and its subdivisions and the
i.otba Almanac for 1SR3 for Algeria, Denmark, and India. The populations are taken f om'ilie (Jotha Mm ion t,„ is. 3
•England and Wale. 360; So,, Hand, 131; and Ireland 20.islieels
GOVERNMENT
nt topographic survey* in Europe and of India
LAND AND MARINE SURVEYS.
461
office of works
(organization
unchanged).
♦342, 358. Oi) : War . .
319,200.00
War
[36,960.00 War..
25,000.00 War..
27,r»i)U.ii0 War.
• Laudes Aufnatoe," General
Stall Topographic Bureau
(Berlin).
■ K K Militar Geografiacbes In-
rtitufe" Military Geographical
Institute (Vienna).
.■DepotdelaGuerre." ," s «"^
(Tans).
"Bureau Topographique Fed-
6 vat" FekeFal Topographic
Bureau (Berne).
• Inatitut Topographique." To-
poaraphical Institute (The
Hague).
iic7i published with hills
inhaehuieawithoutconrouis, .. 216 3 quare
e°»^ u '- 8 ( aUi " t ^fareaofireet S forEng>nd.
miles represents the area oi (Scotland)
, 1:; B i )t .ets England and «•':,,. 31 18s ,.
SOSs^isauedh^ua^eh^aria,^
so and Wurtemberg 20; copp,
£ZS- »*^ £Stt 1, 5r , ffi5S5
^"y^osnla 3i &ovina ia, appro*,
mat ely, S170.879.
I • j f„, Trance in 1885 ; zincographed
I 20 t^Srs 3 23 Se a e.s 6 fo? Algeria in 1885.
Public work,. '•^S* B .^S5Spj|!«S
Statistical Institute (Madrid).^
I ..t *i*,,tn Reoerafico Mililare."
War 'Sgg* -Geographic Institute
(Florence).
War -I General St ^ 7°? 0EraPM ° B ""
War reau (Stockholm).
" Section Topographique d l'Etat
- SJS?. ^ogVical Sect™
of the General btafl (bt. meters
burg),
"lnstitut Cartograpbique Mill
— I tal"" Military Cartographic
Institute (Brussels'
„ c.eneralstabens ToPfE™**
Afdeling." General Staff,
War Topographic Bureau (Coppn
hagen).
• Norges Geografiske Oproaalvn
Norwegian Geographical Inati
tute (Christiania).
Public wmks
Revenue and
agriculture.
Trabalhos Geodesic.os." Geo
graphical Institute (Lisl I.
S.irvey of India (Calcutta)
'publication complete: copper engraved , hectares
^^t^raTlcosras^ean^ldand
Pubtation complete £» "P^J ^S
work and held wo k n, * • > (G eneraltopi
map). Litbog.a,,l,e,l . b. . n h e8
graphic map of Ja\ ■ • ' ' l ,,„,,! a t military
|nd colors! scale '; 10 " ' l ' . .,' Hasue, as also
w „ h 20,,, contours. Tb . ama
1 ttt"ro^e^u-. 1 , a:-!.u^ , .».l contours.
505sb,e,s.ss l , ; . ; l^,8^ r ,ng | ra ;1 w,vs.^ r| -^
^^VSd n-'-.'u.uple.e, was commenced
Kr,, scale 1 : 126.000.
,u 18,5, sea en „ r aved on atone; con-
72 sheets issued to 1^85 engra fl hotograp hy
^ 8 «atol°20M0 Printed in blact
,rom scale 1 -0 oo . n lgf . ^ 29
[69 sheets isaned 1 at seal. contour* 10 j
saeeta issued at s. ale i . e, . p hoto graphy
Danish '/fod apart. ^«'\ U . IKW(I \ copper en-
from original plats, scare
SraVed ' f , 18"5 '76 43 quarter sheets issued
This sum is for 1875- 76. w a colm8 . cont ours
to January 1,18";, V™} , m ., t .,>l.
at intervals of 100 too t
,, BnePta published in 1885; printed in black,
,lf "' h " re9 ' ■ , I •„ 1885 also 152 quarter sheets;
67 sheets finished >> J h ;' ,' ^ ,,- ]n ,iia. Koya 1 m.li-
hac.hures. The new attes n ^ ci v,l,a..s.
R^u^r-r^^'As of, Utlcrent scales.^
Appropriated forth
~ e8r previous $1,357,539.25, expended princi-
II A pprnximate.
462 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
Summary table relating to special gov
Xanie of country.
Great Britain
Prussia
S:i \"1IV
Bavaria
Wurtemberg
Baden
Switzerland
Holland
Italy
Belgium
Denmark, (1) Jutland ....
(2) Islands
* Approximate,
Area in
square miles
Total
population.
123, 185 35, --'46, 502
29, 283
7,528
5,271,516
1,970, 132
1,570,189
15,978 2,846,102
,2 £ In year.
Scales.
286 1881
09 1880
:.i:: 1880
13,740 4,323,647 JI5
28,459,451 255
11,375 5.655,197 497
1,909,039 133
1880
I : 25, 000
13,391 24
::, 698 50
156 50
1 : 25, 000 192
1 : 25, 000 170
50
1 : 50, 000
1 : 25, 000
1 : 25, 000
5 1 : 50, 000
\ 1 : 25, 000
1 : 20. 000
tccn ! 1:20,000
1 } 1 : 2
119
442
122
28
1817
646
409
156
39
30. 38
500
60
When
begun.
1841
1872
1867
1820
1868
1S44
f Only so far as yet shown on index (incomplete).
GOVERNMENT LAND AND MARINE SURVEYS.
463
emment topographic surveys in Europe.
When to be
ended.
About 1890.
1900.
In progress.
In progress.
In progress Commercu
Administration.
War department
until 1870, now
office of works
(organi zati on
unchanged).
War
Title of Burvev.
War
War
In progress
1892
Complete .
In progress
War .
War .
War.
War .
Ordnance Survey (Southampton,
England).
Remarks.
General Stan" Topographic Bu-
reau. " Landes Autnahme"
(Berlin),
" Genera lstal is Topographisches
Bureau." General Staff Topo-
graphical Bureau ( Dresden).
"Generalstalis Top"i;r.iphisehes
Bureau." GeDera] Staff Topo-
graphic Bureau (Munich).
" Statist iseh-topo£raphisrbes Bn-
reau." Stal i^t i< j* I Topographic
Bureau (Stuttgart).
'Topographisches Bureau."
Topographical Bureau (Carls-
rube).
' B u r ea u Topograph 'que Fed-
eral." Federal Military Topo-
graphic Bureau (Berne).
'Institut Topograph i que."
Military Topo raphic Institute
(The Hague)."
' Istituto Geografieo Militare."
Military (Geographical Institute
(Florence).
' Institut Cartographique Mili-
taire." Military Cartographic
Institute (Brussels).
' Generalstabens Topoera fi ske
Afdeiing." GeneTalStafF Topo-
graphic Bureau (Copenhagen).
Called county maps. Published with contours;
fortifications, etc., added for confidential uses of
war department. Therewere 1.552 full ami 1,861
quarter sheets (England and Wales), 2,036 (Scot-
land), and 1,907 (Ireland) issued to April 30, 1885.
931 published in 1S85. To he reduced and included
in map of German Empire; Bcale 1 . lOo.OUO.
126 sheets publish d to 1885. Contours 10 tn. inter-
val, forming part of map of German Empire;
scale 1: 100,000.
Publication commenced in 1875. Photolitko-
graphed 200 sheets published in 1885. Con-
tours 10 m. interval. Forms part of Geiman
Empire map; sealo 1 : 100,000.
Estimated and appropriated, $128,559. No sheets
yet issued. Chromolithographed. Contours 5m.
interval. Contributes to German Empire map;
scale 1 : 100,000.
r37 sheets issued in 1885, printed in colors. Con-
tributes towards new general map of Germany;
scale 1: 100,000, in 674 sheets. Contoms.
95 sheets issued, scale 1 : 50,000; 355 sheets issued,
scale 1 : 25.000, in 1885. Chromolithographed in
thiee colors; cultivated in bister; water, blue;
balance black , seal.- l : 50,0(0 for Alps ami foot-
hilts, with contours at 30 meters and hichures
near summits; elsewhere scale 1 : 25,0(Hi (copper
engraved), with contours 10 m. and hachures
about summits.
Engrared on stone and printed in colors,
deutial military map. Not for sale.
Confi-
There were 456 sheets, scale 1 : 50.ono, and 427 at
scale 1:25,000, issued in 1885. In hachures and
contours.
Publication c mpletein black, ended 1880. Photo-
lithographed ; one meter contours. Published
in black, also in black and three colors. Piinci-
pal mads and localities, red ; forest and meadows,
green; cultivation, yellow.
(1) 500 sheets issued to 1883 ; (2) 80 sheets iisued to
lHs;j. Direct reproduction by photolithography
from plane table sheets.
464 IT. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
COST.
While an average cost per square mile of a topographic or other sur-
vey does not convey an absolutely accurate idea of intrinsic merit, yet as
an approximate guide to governments prosecuting or about to prosecute
such surveys over large areas, estimates of cost, upon the various scales,
based upon actual expenditures, can not but be of value.
In most instances these are naturally difficult to obtain. First, because
apparently the executive branches carrying on the works have not, as a rule,
been called upon to compile the data; again, since in any one of these
undertakings from which has resulted a final, complete, and connected
detailed topographic map of an entire state, the scale upon which the
field minutes have been taken has often varied duflng the prosecution, as
well as that of the published map. Of far more importance, however, is
the variation due to configuration of ground and facility and means of
communication over it.
The official reports of the survey of India give certain details from
actual expenditures concerning cost, as follows:
1. For the general topographic survey (scale 1 inch to 1 mile) based upon the
primary triangulation, an average (for 10 years) of approximately $11 per square mile.
2. For the village survey (scale 4 inches to 1 mile) based on main triangulation,
an average (for 10 jears) of $26.50 per square mile.
3. The cadastral survey (scale 10 inches to 1 mile), the average rate of $82
(approximately) per square mile, for a period of 15 years.
To obtain the total cost in any of the above cases, to each must be
added the cost of the astronomic and principal triangulation work and that
of leveling. The cost of the latter along main lines has been estimated at
$35 per linear mile.
The actual total cost of the ordnance survey of England from its first
organization to December 31, 1881, as given by the officer in charge of
accounts, was t'4,544,0r>0 (estimating only for the years 1871 and 1872),
or $22,725,250. The average cost per square mile to that date would have
then been $186.
On the assumption that the cadastral survey can be completed in 1800,
and allowing the present annual cost up to that date, the then cost per
square mile would be §244.
GOVERNMENT LAND AND MARINE SURVEYS. 465
The result will then be a map on the scale of 1 : 2,500 for all England,
the same for the cultivated parts of Scotland and the 6-inch scale for the
uncultivated portions, and the latter scale for Ireland entire.
The above cost is independent of the regimental pay of officers and
enlisted men, which has been estimated would cause an increase of about
one-eighth. The average cost of the present plane-table survey of the
German Empire (scale 1 : 25,000), as given at the Berlin office (by an officer
deputed for that purpose), assuming 200 German square miles as the
annual amount, at a cost of 1,200,000 marks for field and office work, gives
(approximately) $79 per square English statute mile. This sum is in addi-
tion to the cost of the earlier surveys, mostly on the 1 : 50,000 scale, for the
separate German states. The estimated cost of field and office work by the
Geographical Institute of Vienna (field plot 1 : 25,000) has been estimated
at about 1,000 florins, a pretty large sum, reaching, approximately, $400
per square mile. The extremely detailed survey of the city of Bombay
for municipal purposes of an area of 22 square miles and 149 acres on the
scale of 1 inch to 100 feet for the city proper and 1 inch to 40 feet for the
suburbs, was found to cost at an average approximate rate of 87,040 per
square mile.
All the above estimates are based on actual expenditures, and do not
include the cost of the production of the printed map from the original
drawing.
Reference to details of cost may be found in House Ex. Doc. No. 270,
48th Congress, second session, under the headings of the several countries
reported upon.
The following amounts appropriated for the purposes below, stated to
the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1*88, have been taken from
the Statutes at Large :
Interior Department :
Subdivision surveys of public lands (1802-1887) $25, 795, 195. 09
Surveys for State and Territorial boundaries (1802-1885) 517, 8 16. 59
Surveys of Indian reservations, including allotted lauds (1789-1887). 1, 914, 913. 16
War Department:
Surveys for military defenses ( 1823-1875) 2, 144, 907. 17
Military and geographical surveys west of Mississippi (1841-1880). . . 3 12. •>!!». ->0
30 wh — VOL 1
4(il5 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH .MERIDIAN.
Pacific Railroad surreys (1853-1856) $389, 200. 00
Geographical surveys west of 100th meridian (1672-1879)* 340, 000. 00
Examinations and surveys (roads and canals) (1S1 1-1864) 855, 435. 57
Examinations aud surveys (rivers and harbors) (1819-1880) 2, 549, 574. 05
Survey of the uortheru lakes (1841-1885) 2, 951, 379. 00
Survey by Mississippi River Commission (since 1879) 775,000. 00
Treasury Department :
Coast and Geodetic Survey (1806-1818, 1832-1887) 21, 038, 810. 38
Interior Department :
Geological aud miueralogical examinations (mostly west of Missis-
sippi) (1834-1852) 337, 388. 85
Geological and miueralogical examinations of the Territories (LS67-
1879) 713, 825. 00
Geological and mineralogical examinations of the Rocky Mountain
region (1870-1879) 279, 000. 00
Geological exploration of the Black Hills (187G-1878) 26, 588. 62
Geological Survey (1S79-1SS7) 3, 038. 840. 00
State ami Interior Departments ;
Surveys of international boundaries (1798-1885) 2, 993, 689. 20
Navy Department-
Exterior exploring expeditions (1836-1875) 1, 351, 708. 86
Isthmian surveys (1857-1872) 126, 500. 00
Interior Department:
Collections in Smithsonian Institution and National Museum (1856-
1887) ' 1,621,891.42
Ethnology (1879-1887) 300, 000. 00
Various:
Miscellaneous (1818-1885) 338, 331. 60
Total 70, 755, 095. 12
RECAPITULATION.
Appropriations to June 30, 1888.
Public lands, including boundaries of States and Territories aud ludian
reservations $28, 227, 954. 84
Geographical and topographical (west of the Mississippi River, includ-
ing Pacific Railroad surveys) 1, 473, 677. 73
Examinations and surveys (roads and cauals, rivers aud harbors), lake
survey, Mississippi River Commission surveys, including incidental
repairs, contingencies, etc 7, 131, 38S. 62
• This does not include $30,000 appropriated ($20,000 in 1875 and 810,000 in 1876) for illustrations
and publications. The sums in this table are independent of these latter items of rust, including all
Held expenses and the preparation of office results, as manuscript text, maps, plates, etc.
GOVERNMENT LAND AND MARINE SURVEYS. 467
Eydrographic or marine (Coast Survey)* $21, 038, 810. 38
Geological examinations (mostly west of the Mississippi River, and all
prior to present Geological Survey) 1, 750, 813. 47
Geological Survey (present organization) t 3, 03S, 840. 00
International boundaries 2, 903, G89. 20
Surreys for military defenses (fortifications, field works, geological ex-
ploration fort ieth parallel, etc) 1, 348, 989. 00
Exterior exploring expeditions 1, 351, 708. 8G
Smithsonian and, National Museum collections (including ethnology). . . 1,021, 891. 42
Miscellaneous (including isthmian surveys) 477, 331. 60
Total 70, 755,095. 12
The above appropriations, arranged according to Departments charged
with the present control of the work, are as follows :
Interior Department (public lands, surveys of State and Territorial
boundaries, geologic and iniueralogic examinations, Smithsonian
and National Museum collections, ethnology, etc $35, 047, 947. 99
Treasury Department (Coast Survey) 21, 168, 310. 38
War Department (military defenses, roads and canals, rivers and
harbors, northern lakes, military and geographical surveys west of
the Mississippi, Pacific railroads, geographical survey west of 100th
meridian, Mississippi River Commission) 10, 549, 397. 95
State Department (international boundaries) 1, 911, 229. 94
Navy Department (exterior exploring expeditions) 1, 478, 20S. 86
Total 70,755,095.12
The above total sum uniformly expended throughout the United States
would have been at an approximate rate of $23.50 per square mile, and
yet the great general topographic survey has not been even begun. The
results so far have been of a specific character, the purposes and objects of
this class of works as a great public measure not having yet been seriously
considered.
The entire amount appropriated has not in all cases been fully expended,'
but it is safe to assume that the cost of the service of the public surveys in
* There have also been expended from the appropriations of the War and Navy Departments sums
including pay, rations, per diem, etc., of officers and enlisted men, authorized and actually employed
on this work. The Secretary of the Navy states in his annual report for 1882 actual expenditures of
$260,870.63, $229,969.32, and $220,931.64 as the sums, respectively, for the years 1879, 1880, and 1881.
The cost to the War Department is unknown.
t The Director estimates $200,000 as the current cost of engraving and printing for the fiscal year
ending June 30, 1885, which is defrayed from appropriations for public printing. (See American
Journal, 3d series, p. 102.)
468 U- S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF LOOTH MERIDIAN.
the United States to June 30, 1888, including the aid and supplies from
more general appropriations, and excluding all costs of publication and
reproduction of original manuscript, maps, and plates, will have exceeded
seventy-five millions of dollars.
HYDROGRAPHIC SURVEYS.
INTRODUCTION.
Hydrographic surve} r s of domestic and foreign coasts are carried on
under naval administration in eighteen countries, shown in the following
list:
While the administration is naval in all cases, the navy department
itself is under the department of railways, post-offices, and telegraphs
(with a civilian personnel) in Belgium. In Austria it forms a part of the
war department. In Norway the war and navy administrations together
form the department of defense. In Portugal the office is under the depart-
ment of public works, wherein the topographic, geologic, and hydrographic
surveys are all combined under a single head.
In the United States there is found a hydrographic service attached to
the Coast and Geodetic Survey under the Treasury Department.
There is also a hydrographic office in the naval establishment, but
its sphere is restricted in the main to office duties, reconnaissance of foreign
coasts, and the publication of compiled maps, while the systematic hydro-
graphic survey of the ocean and Gulf coasts of the United States lias been
carried on by what is known as the Coast and ( leodetic Survey of the
Treasury Department.* Herewith follows a tabulated list of government
works of hydrographic surveys:
'Certain meagre and incomplete data concerning Government marine surveys will be found on
pp. 497-538, House Ex. Doc. No. 'J70, 4Sth Congress, second session. This lias been availed id' in pre-
paring the summary herewith, as also further original information since gathered by Commander J. R.
Bartlett, I*. S. Hydrographer, by official correspondence with the several foreign offices, freely fur-
nished, and to some extent used herein.
GOVERNMENT LAND AND MARINE SURVEYS. 46i)
TAst of government hydrographic surveys.
Nam.- of coulltr}
Title of work.
Present Director or So- j.du.jnistrai'iou.
perintendent i!88a).
Remarks.
(1) En
(3] Austria-Hun
gai i
(4) France
Holland
Hydrographic Office \.l
miralty.
n , drngraphii I Iffice, Ail
miralty (Hydrograph-
isches A nit der Ailmi-
ralitat).
Hydrographic Office (Hy-
drographiscbea Amti.
Capt.\Y.J. L Wharton,
K. X. Hydrographer.
Admiral F. Win
Schlenitz, Director
of tbe Hydrographic
Department.
K. Miiller, Director. . .
(6) Dutch E a - 1
Indies.
(7) Spain
(8) Italy
,9 su eden
LO) Russia
(11) Belgium ....
(12) Denmark
<13) Norway
(HI Portugal
fiat Maim i reneraL Serv-
ice Hydrographique.
Hydrographic Burea n
i A fdeeling Hydro-
graphie).
Hydrographic OHiee iHy-
diographisches Bureau).
Hydrographic Offici
iina Hidrografica).
II yd in gra p h i i ' Iffice
(Ufficio Idrografico)
Hydrographic Office (K.
Sjokarteverket).
Hydrographii Depart-
ment (Depart emenl
Hydrographique).
Hydrographic Depart-
ment (Depa i tement
Hydrographique).
M. Boqnel de la Gyre,
Hydrographic Engi
neer-in-chief.
Capt. Van den Broecke
Chief Hydrograplier.
Lieut. A. C. -I. Edeling
Chief Hydrograpbei
Capt. Luis Martinez de
An Director.
i ipt G. B. Magnaghi,
Director.
Captain "t tbe Navy,
Director.
Lieut. Gen. Tli. V7efi
pelago Director.
Mr. Vamlenpeereborni,
Engineer-in-chief.
Navy See its Catalogue Office
at London
Navy See its Catalogue. Forms
a department of the Im
peral Admiraltj Of
flee at Hamburg
Imperial Wat See its Catalogue. Office
Depart men I at Pola
Marine Section
(K. K. Krii igs
Marine).
Matin.- and Colo
nies.
Vi\\ (Miriisterie
van "Marine i
See its Catalogue. C
at Paris.
Office at The Hague.
Marine Officeat Batavia
Navy
Navy (R. Minis-
tero della Ma-
rina).
Navy
(15) India.
(16) Brazil
(17) Chili .
Hydrographic Office
(Sekaarf An ■hivet).
Hydrographic Section of
the Geographical Insti
rati- (Geografisko Op-
maaling I.
Hydrographic Section of
Geodetic Wotks. (Di-
reccaoGeraldosTrabal-
hosGeodesicos. Seccao
Hydrographica).
Marine Survey Depart-
ment.
Hydrographic bureau
(Reparticao Hydro
graphica).
Hydrographic Office (OCR-
< ina Hidrografli a)
Commodore H. P. Rotlie,
R. D. N.. Director
General.
Hydrographer to the
Admiralty, a selected
n ival officer.
Rear- Admiral F. M P.
de Silva.
Commander Alfred Car-
penter, R. N.
Dr. Jose Rodrignes de
Leria Quarte.
tgnacio Garcia Tndelos,
Directot
Navy (Ministere
de la Marine
Lmperiale).
Marine Branch of
Department of
Railroads, etc
(Administration
de la Marine i.
Navy
See its Catalogue. Office
at Madrid.
See its Catalogue, (ittin-
at Genoa.
See its Catalogue. Office
at Stockholm,
officeat St. Petersburg.
Office at Brussels.
( Iftice at Copenhagen.
Defense The war and navy ad-
ministrations are com-
bined at Christiania.
See Catalogue.
Public W oiks Office at Lisbon.
(Travaui Pub
liques).
Marine
Navy (Minis! to
da Marina).
Office at Calcutta (maps
now produced through
Admiralty, London).
Office at Rio Janeiro
Navy (Ministro Office at Santiago.
da Manna i
470 C. S. GEOGKAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
hist of government hydrographic surveys — Continued.
Name of country .
Title of work.
Piesenl Direi tor or Su-
perintendent (1885.)
Administration.
Remarks
(18) Japan
(19) United States
(20) United States
11. I.J. M.'s Hydrographic
Office.
Coast and Geodetic Survey
Rear-Admiral N. Yana-
gi, Hydrographer.
Mi. F. M. Thorne, It 1
" ing Superintendent.
Commander J. H. Bart-
lett, F.S Navy.
NaT v
Office al Tokio.
See its Catalogue.
at Washington.
See its Catalogue.
ai Washington,
oiti, e
Navy
Office
Information regarding theabove table andutber assistance touching hydrographic matters has been kindly furnished
t the V. S. Hydrograpbic Office, Navy Department, especially by Commander Bartlett and Lieutenants Oyer and Emmerich.
HYDROGRAPHIC SURVEYS.
ORIGIN.
Germany. — The German hydrographic bureau was established in 1866,
after the North German confederation.
Spain. — The hydrographic office of Spain was established in the six-
teenth century. (See letter from Juan Romero.)
Italy. — The hydrographic office of the royal navy was founded by
royal decree in the year 1874.
Denmark. — The central institution for hydrographic works in Denmark
and its colonies (S^kaart Archivet) at Copenhagen was established in 1784.
The survey of the Danish waters was commenced in the seventeenth
century, occasionally continued from and during the eighteenth, and has
been continued without interruption, especially since 1825.
India. — Surveys along the coast of India by Europeans began about
the year 1600, the sailors having preceded the land surveyors by some-
thing like two hundred years. In 1S73 the government of India appointed
a superintendent of marine surveys.
United States Coast Survey, Treasury Department. — This work
was first appropriated for in 1S06, and actually commenced in 1807.
Hydrographic Bureau, Navy Department.— Lieut. M. F. Maury,
when in charge of the Naval Observatory and Chart Depot, began the
collection of information, from logs of vessels, for the purpose of making
charts to show the prevailing winds and currents, etc., and of the physical
GOVERNMENT LAND AND MARINE SURVEYS. 471
features of the ocean, including its meteorology, etc. The present Hydro-
graphic Office was definitely established by act approved June 21, 1866.
ORGANIZATION.
Great Britain.— The staff of the hydrographic office at the admiralty
in London is composed of the following: Hydrographer,* assistant hydrog-
rapher (both naval captains), eleven assistants (staff captains, staff com-
manders, and lieutenants),! four civilian assistants (admiralty clerks), seven
draughtsmen; also clerks and copyists.
There is no distinct class of surveying officers; they are appointed for
service at the admiralty for five years, and may be, and as a rule are,
re-appointed but occasionally again go to sea, and retain only their line of
promotion on the regular list.
Germany. — A detailed naval officer (rear-admiral or captain) is "chief"
of the hydrographic office; two naval officers (captain or lieutenant-com-
mander) in charge of divisions; one naval officer, chief of sections; four
officials, chiefs of sections ; also the necessary number of secretaries, clerks,
assistants, and draughtsmen.
An official is director of the observatory at Wilhelmshafen, with three
specialists as assistants.
An official chief of the chronometer observatory at Kiel.
A naval officer at the head of the depots of charts and instruments in
Kiel and Wilhelmshafen.
Also the directors of surveys in the Baltic and North Seas.
Neither the officers engaged in the work of surveying nor those
belonging to the hydrographic office form a special corps, there being no
marine staff, but are detailed for these duties from the re gular corps of
•In the military branch of the British navy staff captains and commanders rank below captains
and commanders, respectively.
tF. J. O. Evans, hydrographer, in 1882 was a staff captain on the retired list. Staff captains
and commanders on board ship are subject to the authority of the executive officer, though he be only
a lieutenant, but may succeed to the command in the absence of the captain. The old corps of navi-
gating officers, composed of the grades of staff captains and commanders and navigating lieutenants,
°s gradually being consolidated with the regular line of the British navy. There are sixty-two officers
employed on surveying duty, among whom are ten staff commanders and five navigating lieutenants.
Regular line-officers are employed in eight of the nine vessels engaged exclusively in surveying, while
the officers of the ninth are from the old navigating class, now merged with the line.
472 l . S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF K.IOTH MERIDIAN.
naval officers for an indefinite period, which is usually a long one; and
each line-officer is required to be qualified and prepared for duty in navi-
gating and surveying. Line officers of the navy perform the navigating
and surveying' duties.
The name of the office is the hydrographic bureau (hydrographisches
Aiut) of the admiralty.
The whole organization of the German admiralty is essentially mili-
tary, and is assimilated as much as possible to that of the army.
Austria-Hungary. — The following is the personnel of the Austrian
hydrographic office at Pola: One director; four chiefs of divisions; two
lieutenants of the line (observatory and depot of charts); one assistant in
marine library; one marine commissariat assistant, appointed from the
retired list; one foreman as mechanician, instrument department: six naval
employe's as manipulators; three civilian workmen, instrument depot: one
messenger; also usually a detail of five officers of the navy: also a tem-
porary detail of naval officers for certain works of a scientific or maritime
military nature.
The director and heads of divisions of the hydrographic office are
appointed by His Majesty the Emperor, upon the recommendation of the
imperial war department, marine section.
The director of the hydrographic office is a captain or official of the
sixth grade, but the heads of the four divisions are chosen either from the
commanders or lieutenant-commanders on the active list of the navy, or
are officials of the hydrographic office of the seventh grade.
France. — This office has lately been attached to the office of the
minister of marine. It is in charge of the hydrographic engineer-in-chief,
under the orders of the chief of staff. The personnel consists of the corps
of hydrographic engineers, seventeen in number: a number of officers of
the navy, one of which (an officer of superior rank) is chief of the division
of nautical publications, another is in charge of the division of meteorology,
and another in charge of the instruments for purposes of navigation; a
managing agent, storekeeper, clerks, and draughtsmen.
The hydrographic surveys, as far as possible, are conducted by the
hydrographic engineers.
GOVERNMENT LAND AND MARINE SURVEYS. 473
Officers of the navy are also called upon to perform similar surveys.
A captain of the navy, assisted by several lieutenants, has charge of
the preparation and publication of nautical books.
The position of hydrographer is a permanent one. He comes from
the Polytechnic School, and his rank is between captain and rear-admiral.
The hydrographic engineers come from the Polytechnic School.
Members must come from the Polytechnic School, ranking first with sec-
ond lieutenants, then successively with lieutenants, commanders, captains,
and commodores
Holland. — The hydrographic bureau of the ministry of marine con-
sists of one chief of bureau, three naval officers, two surveyors and one
for administrative work, two civilians for other administrative work, and
two engravers.
There is no special navigating or surveying class in the Dutch navy.
Spain. — The chief of the hydrographic office, or chief of hydrography,
is now a captain, who is relieved every four years by an officer of even
grade, at the pleasure of the government. He is assisted by another officer
of the rank of commander.
There are fourteen other officers, as follows: Five compilers and trans-
lators, six draughtsmen, a librarian, a photographer, and a storekeeper.
There are six others, permanent engravers.
The chiefs and officers are selected unreservedly from the general
naval service.
Italy. — The hydrographic office is composed of one director (from
captain to rear-admiral), four naval lieutenants in charge of different sec-
tions, a commissary of the royal navy (disbursing officer), five chief helms-
men, two under helmsmen, and twelve seamen.
In addition to the above military personnel the office employs the
following civilian assistants: A chief draughtsman, six draughtsmen, a
chief engraver, six engravers, one chronometrician, a chief of the mechanical
workshops, six mechanical workmen, a chalcographer, a register, two car-
penters, two men from the invalidi, and a porter. Occasionally other
officers are added in excess of the complement, for special work and for
acquaintance with the instruments and methods of survey.
474 l . S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TU MERIDIAN.
There is no special surveying corps, but any officer of the navy can
be called on to do hydrographic surveying-.
Sweden. — The personnel of the hydrographic office consists of one
chief and a number of officers of the navy and employes. The actual
number is four officers and a draughtsman for the survey proper. Some-
times an additional number of officers are detailed. There are also attached
to the office three engravers and two plate-printers.
The office is wholly naval, the men for surveying work coming from
the general-duty offices of the line.
Russia. — The hydrographic department in Russia has Lieut. Gen. Tli.
YWspelago as its director.
Belgium. — The personnel of the hydrographic service of Belgium is
as follows: One engineer-in chief, two engineers, one clerk, a draughtsman,
one clerk, a copyist. The position of the engineer-in-chief, the engineers,
and the clerks is permanent.
The professional staff is recruited from the candidates who have
diplomas as engineers, or have served in the engineer corps of the army.
Denmark. — The hydrographic office is composed of one hydrographer
(not permanent), four commanders, and a certain number of lieutenants
and sub-lieutenants, all naval officers in active service.
The navy having no special corps of surveyors or hydrographers, it is
intended to reorganize the hydrographic office of Denmark to make it
embrace some of the different branches of nautical science.
Norway. — The hydrographic survey is immediately in charge of a
selected naval officer.
Portugal. — The third section of the general direction of geodetic
works is devoted to hydrography. The hydrographic engineers are naval
officers who have taken a special course in hydrography.
India. — The duties of the hydrographic office are discharged by the
superintendent, two deputy superintendents, nine assistants, three executive
officers, one medical officer, a naturalist, and one superintendent of drawing
branch.
Brazil. — The hydrographic office is under Dr. Jose Rodrigues as
chief hydrographer.
GOVERNMENT LAND AND MARINE SURVEYS. 475
Japan. — The hydrographic office is in charge of Rear-Admiral N.
Yanagi, hydrographer. There are five divisions, namely, of surveying, the
publishing and instrument division, the naval observatory, and the pay and
account division.
United States, Coast Survey.— The personnel (1884-85) consisted
of sixty-three field and one hundred and fourteen office civilian assistants,
fifty-eight naval officers, and three hundred and forty seamen, or five hun-
dred and seventy-five in all. (See p 525, Venice Report.)
Hydrographic Bureau, — The office is in charge of Commander J. R.
Bartlett,* U. S. N., assisted by twenty-two lieutenants and five ensigns ; ten
lieutenants and one ensign of tins number are on duty at the principal
offices in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, New Orleans, and
San Francisco. There are forty office employes, such as clerks, draughts-
men, printers, and laborers.
ADMINISTRATION.
In all foreign countries the administration of hydrographic surveys of
coasts, etc., is naval, with the exceptions of Portugal, where this duty,
supervised and directed by naval officers, is a branch of the public works
department, and Belgium, which, without a navy department, places this
administration in a civil department.
In the United States the Coast and Geodetic Survey is found under
the Treasury Department, and the Hydrographic Office, with its labors
confined to the survey of foreign coasts, is a branch of the Bureau of
Navigation of the Navy Department.
FUNCTIONS.
Great Britain. — The jurisdiction ot this service covers home, colonial,
and foreign coasts. The functions are various and numerous. The most
important are to execute accurate surveys of all parts of the world which
are visited by British ships, and to prepare and publish these surveys in
the form of charts; to write and publish nautical directions to accompany
the charts; to compute, prepare, and publish tide-tables and light-lists for
all parts of the world; to receive and take charge of all remark-books
"This officer has sini-i- been snereetb - Norsemen.
t See Bancroft's History of Central America, vol. I, pp. 67 et seq.
484 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TU MERIDIAN.
several voyages and explorations seventy-six were Spanish, twenty-three
English, twenty-one French, fifteen (at least) by the Jesuits and Francis-
cans, six Russian, four American, three German, two Italian, two Danish,
one Portuguese, and one Hungarian.
The first voyage of Columbus gave to all Western Europe the earliest
impulse for western voyages of discovery. The King of England, also rich
merchants, among them Italians, became interested and favored the idea
of finding a direct westerly route to China and Japan.
Hence, with the single exception of the Russians, who came from the
west, all the early European discoverers and explorers of America set out
from the east, They found the North American continent as a barrier, and
sailed along its entire eastern coast. This coast was comparatively well
known twenty years before the western or Pacific was discovered. The
latter was discovered by Balboa, at the Isthmus of Panama, in 1513, and
the Strait of Magellan by this navigator in 1519. Those who immediately
followed these discoveries occupied themselves with the South American
coast, hoping to find water communication between the Atlantic and Pacific,
when subsequently, and for a similar purpose, Cortez and his captains in
1530 commenced to turn the direction of discovery from Central America
to the northwest. During forty years (1492 to 1532) the east and west
coasts of South America were explored and made known, as well as the
east coast of North America as far north and beyond the St. Lawrence,
and a portion of this river, while fully one-fourth of the two Americas,
the west coast of North America, remained unknown. This led to many
and varying speculations by cosmographers. Some thought there was no
American continent but only a succession of islands, but the principal
belief was that North America was a large peninsula joined to Asia, while
Columbus died ignorant of having discovered a new continent.
Expeditions for discovery along the northwest coast expected the close
proximity of Japan and China. After the Isthmus and Cape Horn were
discovered, theoretically a supposed northwest passage promised shorter
water communication to the above countries and possibly Cathay. Hence
the expeditions along the east and west coast often took the form of a
search for this passage.
VOYAGES, DISCOVERIES, EXPLORATIONS, AND SURVEYS. 485
In various relations, connected also with arctic explorations, these
undertakings continued, until in October, 1850, Captain McClure, of the
English navy, from Behring Strait reached the waters of "Winter Har-
bor," where Parry had come from the east in 1820, and whence he was
relieved by Lieutenant Kellett's sledge party across the intervening ice
space, thus proving a northwest water communication for North America,
ice locked for a short distance only, yet unserviceable as a highway of
commerce.
Cortez began the exploration of the west and northwest coast, which
culminated in the discovery of Behring Strait by Behring.
The Spanish expeditions were dispatched principally by the govern-
ment of New Spain, and were, as is true of nearly all the expeditions of
this period (especially Spanish and English), based on the ideas of com-
merce and conquest.
The English expeditions of Cook, Colnet, Vancouver, and Broughton
were ordered by government, but in the main the underlying impetus was
commerce, except for the Jesuits and Franciscans, who went as missionaries
to spread the faith.
The expeditions, then, were naval, military, civil, clerical, corporate,
and individual. During' these three centuries new countries were sought
for, principally with the hope to find gold and spices, to found government,
and aggrandize religion, while in these later days the religious zeal and
love for gold have been replaced by the more peaceful ways of commerce
and competition that are now making known the remaining portions of the
globe available for civilization.
The " northern route to China" was a problem long cultivated, while
the full discovery of America was mainly completed in modern times. In
the sixteenth century explorations reached 43 degrees north latitude. From
1602 to the middle of the eighteenth century no Spanish expedition reached
the cold and inhospitable northwest coast. Meanwhile the Jesuits and
Franciscans "civilized" Upper and Lower California. The expeditions
were substantially Spanish till the time of Drake (1579). These were
quite continuous till Cabrillo (1542-43), when little was done till Velasco
(1564). The next considerable interval of quietude was from Iturbi (1615)
486 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
to Ortega (1632), then Casanate (1648) to Pinadero (1664), after which,
except for slight attempts ending in 1683 v Atondo), the Spanish were seen
nowhere upon the coast till the expedition of Galvez (1767), about one
hundred years later. For two centuries (1550—1750) nothing was done as
compared with the activity from 1492 to 1550
The English expeditions (coastwise and interior) continued till 1842.
Many expeditions under French auspices (1673-1750) sought for the
"great river of the west" of La Hontan.
The Franciscans either accompanied exploring parties or made inde-
pendent expeditions from Ruiz (1581) to Junipero Serra (1782), more than
two hundred years.
The Jesuits joined expeditions as early as 1642, but commenced mde-
pendent journeys under Salvatierra (1697), and continued with much activity
until their expulsion (1767) from California.
The first Russian (Deschnew) explored the coast in 1648, and the last
in 1841.
The French explored in the interior as early as 1639, and conducted
important expeditions (1820-42).
American explorers began with Kendrick (1788). The fur companies
were active in exploration (1806-21), as also the Russian settlements
(1812-41). Missionary travels on land were made from year to year.
Although Ulloa, in 1539, determined Lower California to be a penin-
sula, yet the fact was lost to view, and it was only in 1766 that Link
determined and made known for all time the peninsularity.*
Cortez discovered Lower California, which Ulloa sailed around Upper
California was first visited by Cabrillo (1540-43) The interior was hut
imperfectly settled and explored toward the seventeenth century. It was
not till the nineteenth century that this country was thoroughly explored
by Americans.
From 1579 (Drake) to 1778 (Cook), (two hundred years,) except for
the Russians, no one visited the northwest coast but the Spaniards.
During the thirty years closing the eighteenth century one expedition
* Lower California was first called an island by the Dutch pirates at the Bay of Tichilingue, on
the southeast coast, at the beginning of the seventeenth century. Purchas, in 16J5, was the first to
print the above error.
VOYAGES, DISCOVERIES, EXPLORATIONS, AND SURVEYS. 487
after another, combining traffic and exploration, almost yearly revealed all
the mysteries of the West. Even trading voyagers wrote narratives, each
one bringing new facts and names.
Cabrillo's was the most remarkable in the sixteenth and Viscalno's in
the seventeenth century of all the Spanish voyages. The latter made the
first reliable astronomic observations and general rude reconnaissance of
the coast, while Vancouver conducted what might be termed the first contin-
uous reconnaissance. Good observations were also made by Cook, Gali,
Perouse, and Malaspina. Mackenzie was the first to reach the northwest coast
from the east. Vancouver's time was the most active in the history of west
coast explorations, during which a total of thirty vessels took part, with
officers of ability, and accompanied by astronomers. The Franciscans suc-
ceeded the Jesuits. Most of the French came from Canada. In 1G40 some
Cossacks sailed down the Amoor River to the Pacific. Desclmew reached
Behring Strait along the north coast of Siberia. Kamchatka was discov-
ered at the end of the seventeenth century. The Hudson Bay Company
first explored the Yukon. The missions were the basis of settlement and
assisted in establishing government.
The scientific and commercial world for a long time reaped no benefits
from the Spanish expeditions, the records of which were retained by the
court.
Prof. George Davidson makes comparison of the nomenclature used
by Ulloa, Cabrillo, Ferello, and Viscabio, comparing it with that of to-day.
(See Appendix 7, U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, 1886.)
The Kohl manuscript refers to this feature at great length in his
hydrographic descriptions. It does not appear that the numerical latitudes
and longitudes used by the several expeditions in plotting their routes have
ever appeared in print. They doubtless rest principally in the old archives
of "New Spain," in the City of Mexico, and at the hydrographic bureaus
at Madrid and London, where nothing less than a scientific search will
develop their existence and comparative value. However, as before stated,
these have all been replaced by later determinations.
Want of time, delicate health, and various duties have prevented such
a digest of the great mass of facts at disposal as would summarize all
488 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TII MERIDIAN.
the leading events and results, and hence one must be content with the
presentation of a chronological list, with remarks thereon, as an index, at
least, to what took place during an interval of fully three centuries, trust-
ing that the scientific as well as literary history of these endeavors will be
fully treated hereafter.
CHRONOLOGICAL STATEMENT OF VOYAGES AND EXPLORATIONS TO THE WEST COAST
AND INTERIOR OF NORTH AMERICA BETWEEN 1500 AND 1800.*
(Including Columbus and Corte Re'al.)
Note.— The following abbreviations have been used in list of authorities: (1) K. for Dr. J. G. Kohl; (2) M for de
Mofras; (3) I!, for Burney; (4) G. for Greenhowj (5) T. for Twias. For nationalities: (1) I. for Itali m : (2) P. for Portu-
guese; (3) S. for Spanish; (4) P. for French ; (5) E. for English ; (Co Hi for Greek ; (7) R. for Kussian ; (8) G. for German ;
(9) D. lor Danish ; (10) H. for Hungarian ; (11) A. for American ; (12) Fr. lor Franciscan.
No.
Name.
Nation.
Year
Authority.
Remarks.
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Corte Real
P
I
1500
1502
1513
1515
1519
1519
1522-'24
1522
1523
1526
1528
1528
1528
1530
G. B
M
M
Dr. S. Rose ...
K
I'., lii-t in the fictitious "Straits of Auian "
grew out of a supposed voyage by tin*
brothers Corte Real. No authority for this.
Auian appeared about 1566 in Italy. (Har-
risse.)
During fourth voyage attempted to find a
strait leading to the South Sea and land of
the spices. (Did not reach the main bind.
Kohl, p. 514, U. S. C. S., 1884.)
Discovered and established existence of the
South Sea, from heights near Panama.
The first to visit. Panama.
Discovered Mississippi River and named it
" Rio de Espiritu Sauto."
Sails from Panama as far as the Gulf of
Nicoya, in 10° noith latitude. Visited in
canoes in 1517 by Hurtado.
Sent several expeditions to west coast of
Mexico.
Discovers the west coast of Nicaragua. His
pilot Nino went even as far as Chiapas.
Discovered mouth of Rio Grande del Norte.
Via Straits of Magellan reached Tehuantepec
and Zacatula.
Continued the explorations of coast of New
Spain. M. de Mofrat and his researches
are unknown to me, Of Hurtado de Men-
doza I only know the expedition of 1531,
undertaken by orders of Cortez. Mendoza
was killed by the natives on the coast of
Cinaloa. Before him Nuuo de Guzman bad
discovered Jalisco and Cinaloa in 1530.
(Professor Fischer.)
Expedition to Florida. Narvaez dies. From
his army four men, Cabeza de Vaca, Doran-
tea, Maldonado (Kohl says "Alonzo de Cas-
tillo "), aiol Estebancio, went by land, across
the Mississippi River, through New Mexico
and Arizona, to Culiacon, 1516. Kohl says
1529.
Explored 100 leagues of west coast of Mexico.
By land to the west coast of Mexico, to Sinaloa
'(" Nueva Galioia ").
(H) Nunez de Balboa
Tello do Guzman
S ...
•
s
s
M
Gonzalez de Avila
s
s
K
Guevara
s
M
Narvaez
s
s
Hugo and K
Ci
* Copies of this list aa at first compiled baring been submitted to James Carson Brevoort, Rev. B. F. De Costa, D. D.,
ITenrv Harrisse, Professor Fischer, and Professor Buge, ami it has been revised in accordance with their suggestions, as
found noted.
VOYAGES, DISCOVERIES, EXPLORATIONS, AND SURVEYS. 489
CHRONOLOGICAL STATEMENT OF VOYAGES AND EXPLORATIONS, Etc.— Continued.
No.
Name.
Nation.
Year.
Authority.
Remarks.
15
16
17
18
IS
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
S
1532
1533
1533-'34
1535-'37
1536
1538
1539-'40
1539
1540
1540-*42
1512-'43
1541
1542-'43
1543
1544
G. B. M. and K.
(See also Her-
rera and Nav-
arrete; sailed
from Aca-
pulco.)
Colecc. de doe.
inedit., xiv, p,
128.
G., B., M., and
K.
G.. B., M., and
K.
K
Reached 27° north longitude at west coast
of Mexico. This expedition is lost to view.
Not known how far it went. (Bernal Diaz
del Castillo, Lih. xir, p. 2. R.)
Discovers St. Thomas (St. Benedito. R.).
Sailed from Tehnantepec, Gulf of California.
(See Gomara.) Ximenez, the pilot who
murdered Bezerra, discovered Lower Cali-
fornia.
Sailed from Chiametta. Takes possession in
person of southeast part of Lower Cali-
fornia. Gomara says it is not known how
far up the Gulf of California Cnrtez sailed.
From Mississippi River Valley, via what is
now New Mexico, to northern Mexico.
(Member of Narvaez expedition.)
Explored a part of the lower Mississippi Val-
ley, Was followed by Moscoso, who recog-
nized the delta and afterward went into
interior of Texas. Then for one hundred
years the Spaniards did not add to the
knowledge of this region.
From Acapnlco. Reconnoiters both shores of
Gulf of California. Subsequently visits
Magdalena Bay and sails around Lower
California. Went as far as Isla de los Cedros
(28° 10' north), from whence he sent one
ship back, proceeded farther, and not heard
from again. (R.) Latitude 30° north. Fe in 1611. The Rio Graude,
believed lor a long time to head in Salt Lake,
was laid down as entering the Gulf of Cali-
fornia, until coiTected by Coronelli on his
map of approx , 1680. Results meager. 1
Touched at southern end of Lower California.
An English freebooter.
Pretended to Michael Lock to have made the
northwest passage
From Mexican coast. "Wrecked either in or
near San Francisco Bay.
Examines the lower part of the Gulf of Cali-
fornia. (Doubtful.) Kohl gives only 1596.
From Acapulco. Does not pass beyond lower
entrance of the Gulf of California. Men-
tions Island of Santa Cruz.
From Acapulco. Reaches Cape Blanco or
approx. 42° north latitude. (R.) (Aguilar
probably saw the mouth of the Columbia
River. — K.l His companion, Aguilar, went
as far as 43° north and to Cape Blanco. (R.)
Did not visit the Gulf of California. Men-
tions Sierra de St. Lucia (Coast Range of
California). Discovered Point Reyes. (See
also Torquemada and Navarette.)
Presented fictitious account of voyage by the
northwest passage,
Velasco
Urdaueta
S
S
M
<;., B M and K....
G.,B„ andK...
T, G., B., M.,
aud K.
K. and Whipple.
M.,B.,andK....
K. and Whipple
K. and Davis,
p. 267.
G.andK
G., T., B., M.,
and K.
M. and K
B
G., T., B., M.,
and K.
G., T , B., M.,
and K. Co-
leccion dedoc.
inedit. rel. al
desc, t o m .
viii, p. 5;t9.
Madrid, 1867.
Navarrette iu
colec. d. doc.
ined. p. l.hist.
d'Eapana, XV,
45. (R.)
G., T., B., M.,
and K.
E
Fr
S
S
s
Ruvz (spelled "Ruiz" by
Kohl.)
Gali
E
Gr
S
De Fuoa. (Unauthenti-
cated. R.)
s
s
s
Maldouado (fictitious)
s
* The following entradaa into Mew Mexico were made: Rodriguez, 1581-82 ; Morlettein 1591, and Bonilla about 1596.
(See Bancroft, Northwest Coast, vol. 1, p. 20.) Also Francisco Cano, 1568; Chamuscado, 15*1 ; Martin, 158:i ; Castauo,
1500, anil Humana, 1599. (See Narr. and Crit. Hist., vol. II, p. 5114.)
tTesas was entered by Perea and Lopez, 16'_J, and Captain Vaca, 1634. (See Bancroft, Northwest Coast, vol. I.)
VOYAGES, DISCOVERIES, EXPLORATIONS, AND SURVEYS. 491
CHRONOLOGICAL STATEMENT OF VOYAGES AND EXPLORATIONS, Etc.— Continued
No.
Name.
Nation.
Tear.
Authority.
Remarks.
45
40
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
CO
61
s
1615
1632
1636
1639
1642
1642
1648 (R.)
1648
1664-'67
1668
1669
1673
1680
1682 (R)
1683
16e3
1688
M. and K
M. andK
M. and K
K
K
M
K
M. and K
K
Made reconnaissance along east coast of Gulf
of California to approx. 30° north latitude.
Did not reach the mouth of the Colorado.
History written by Father Andres Perez de
Rihos, a Jesuit.
Made three visits to the southerly parts of the
Gulf of California lying betweeu Cape St.
Lucas and the Bay of La Paz, from whence
pearls were brought.
Made visit for pearls to Gulf of California.
Did not reach the mouth of the Colorado.
Believed to have been on the waters of the
Wisconsin.
Sailed from near Bay of La Paz with soldiers
and missionaries, 40 leagues to the north-
west, f r pearls anil information. Report
written by Father Jacinto Cortes, a Jesuit.
First voyage forfounding Califomiamissions.
They furnished missionaries, journalist 1 *,
cosmographers, ami historians to nearly all
the government expeditions.
A Cossack, who sailed from north Siberia
through the Arctic Ocean and Behring
Strait. Neither understood nor published
tin- discovery of this strait. Discovered
Kamschatka. Does not mention the Ameri-
can continent.
To the east coast of Lower California. Did
not reach the mouth of the Colorado.
Sailed to coast of Lower California for pearls,
as also in 1667. No important results.
Colorado River not seen.
Made similar voyage to that of Pinadero. No
important results. Colorado River not seen.
Made discoveries on the Wisconsin River.
Entered the Mississippi River from the Wis-
consin, passed the mouths of the Missouri
and Ohio, reached the Arkansas, and re-
turned via the Illinois.
Named St. Peter's River and Falls of St.
Anthony.
In 1678 started from Canada to find northern
route to China. Discovered mouth of Mis-
sissippi River.
Explored the Des Moines River and heard of
a great western river running to the ocean
(probably the Columbia), 1687, in the vi-
cinity of the Yellowstone Park. Brought
to France sketch of a map painted by natives
on a buffalo skin.
Cost about 225.000 pesos. Results meager.
Explorations in interior. Returned to Mex-
ico 1685. Reached a bay on east coast of
Lower California at approx. 26° 30' north
latitude. Accompanied by Father Kuhn,
the cosmographer of the expedition, who
wrote the report.
From north Pacific up a long river which ran
out of a great lake called Xhoyaga.
s
s
F ..
S
E
s
v the first time. Mission of
San Diego established.
From San Bias, Mexico, to San Diego. Assist-
ing land expeditions and rediscovering San
Diego.
Land expedition in search of Monterey, reach-
ing 37° 45' north latitude, in view of Bay of
San Francisco.
Sailed front San Bias to Monterey. Reached
S;mta Barbara only, and returned to San
Dit 'go, thence sailed to Monterey, reaching
that bay 167 years after Viacaiuo.
Overland from San Diego to Monterey, found-
ing that mission.
Overland between Monterey and San Diego,
establishing missions of San Buenaventura
and San Gabriel.
Visits several Aleutian Islands. No new
discoveries.
Explores from Hudson's Bay, discovers Great
slave Lake, and follows Coppermine River
to the Arctic.
From San Bias, Mexico, to Monterey via San
Diego.
From Monterey northward toward San Fran-
cisco Bay.
From Monterey Bay. From San Bias to San
Diego and Monterey, and thence northward
to about 54° 30' north latitude, discovering
Nootka Sound. Visited several points after-
wards claimed to be discovered by the Eng-
lish. (See Humboldt: New Spain.)
Overland from Sonora to Monterey. Crossed
the Colorado, establishing anew route be-
tween California and New Mexico, through
Sonora, for supplying the missions.
Mission of San Juan Capistrano established.
*
From San Bias. Discovered the month of the
Columbia River, but did not enter it. From
San Bias to explore northward to 65th
degree. Discovered in latitude 57° 2' north
a great mountain (Mount Edgecombe).
(S< e also Bairington ; Miscellanies and
Maarelle; Diary of the voyage.) Heceta
and Ayala sailed together. (R.)
To Monterey, thence San Francisco Bay,
making its first survey.
Reached 5*th degree north latitude.
M
Krnsenstern (Captain
Krmitzvn and Lieuten-
ant Lewashuff. K.)
Franciscans
R
G.and K
G.,T..andK .
K
Fr
F
K
Vila
S
s ..
K
Portala
Serra
K
K
s
Fr
H ..
K
K
G
Hearne
E
G
K
K.
Com. Bon Pedro Fages
(K.) andCreapi.
S
s
s
Fr
S
S
K., G., T., and
M.
K
Franciscans
1 Beceta
1
with
K
G., T., M. t and
K.
K .
and
s
K
494 TJ. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TI1 MERIDIAN.
CHRONOLOGICAL STATEMENT OP VOYAGES AND EXPLORATIONS, Etc.— Continued.
No.
Nam.-.
Nation.
Tear.
Authority,
Remarks.
10^
103
104
105
10G
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
lie
117
118
119
120
< arm elite
1775
1775
177.".
■"76
i776
1776
1776-'78
1776-77
177*
1779
1782
1785-'86
1786
17SG
1786
1786-'87
1787
1788
1788
K
K
From New Mexico to San Diego, crossing the
Colorado, and opening a new route near 35th
parallel.
From Presidio San Miguel in Sonora to mis-
sion Sau Gabriel. Grossed the Colorado
River.
Churchill and miss.
Overland, Monterey to San Francisco Bay,
making plan of hay from land side. Second
land expedition to San Francisco Bay.
Combined land and sea expedition, Monterey
to San Francisco Bay. Made farther ex-
aminations in and around the bay, and dis-
covered the Sau Joaquin River.
Monterey to northward, founding mission
Santa Clara.
Sails for northwest passage and reaches 68°
north latitude. Discovered Nootka Sound
and Prince William's Sound. 60° north lati-
tude. Believed firmly in water communi-
cation between Behring .Straits and Baffin's
Bay.
From Santa Fe to border of Great Salt Lake
and return.
Discovers the Athabasca.
From San Bias. Searching along west coast
for arctic passage. Reached Port Bucareli,
55° 17' north. (See Maurelle's Diary.)
Traveled near coast from Monterey via Santa
Barbara, establishing San Buenaventura.
Visits Nootka Sound. Discoveied Fitzhugh
Sound. (SeeForster: History of Voyages.)
From Nootka Sound to Prince William Sound,
ami discovers the coast called by Dixon
Queen Charlotte Island.
From Brest. Visits northwest coast between
52 and 54° north latitude, touching at
Monterey. Bad orders to find the north-
wist passage. Reached latitude of Mount
St. Elias. (Millet Umean: Voyage de la j
Perouse au tour du monde.)
From Bombay. Visits Nootka Sound. Prob-
ably the first to circumnavigate Queen
Charlotte's Island.
From England. Names Queen Charlotte's
Island, Cook's River, and Prince William's
Sound. (George Dixon: Voyage around the
world )
From Ostende, under the Austrian flag. Dis-
covers and names de Fuca Straits, and
thence explored southward along the « oast.
Discovered < 'ape Classet, Barclay Sound,
and showed Vaucouvci to be an island.
Reached Nootka Sound. (See Grcenbow
and Forstei's Voyages.)
Discovered Prince of Wales Archipelago,
From San Bias by sea to Russian settlements
(TJnalaska) on the Aleutian Islands. Ex-
plore! also de Fuca Straits. Reached
Prince William's Sound. (See Navarrette:
Humboldt.)
K
K
Quiros and Moraga
S
K
Cook
E
< ;. and K
M
Fr
E
S
Fr
E
F
E
Arteaga and Bodega y
Cuadra.
G., M.,audK...
K
La Perouse
Peters
Dixon and Portlock
G.andK,
R
G.,M.,and K...
G.anl K
G. and K ....
K
E
E
s
K
VOYAGES, DISCOVERIES, EXPLORATIONS, AND SURVEYS. 495
CHRONOLOGICAL STATEMENT OF VOYAGES AND EXPLORATIONS, Etc.— Continued.
No.
Name.
Nation.
rear.
Authority.
Remarks.
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
Meares and Douglas
E
1788
1788
1789 (R.)
1789
1789
1789
1789 (K.)
1789 (K.)
1790
1790
1791
1791
1791
1791
1791
1791
1792
1792
1792
G. andK
G
From Calcutta. Fur-trading expedition. Vis-
its Cook's River, Nootka Sound, and names
Straits of Fuca. Recognized coast of New
Albion to latitude 45° north. Reached
Prince William's Sound. Took possession
in name of Queen. (See Hugh Murray : His-
torical account of di coveries in North
America. )
From Boston. Explores east coast of Queen
Charlotte's Sound. Reaches Nootka Sound.
From Sau Bias. Explores de Fuca Straits.
Reached No<»tka. Military trip to prevent
English commerce. Claimed the whole
coast for the King of Spain. (See Green-
how.)
Sailed February 17, 1789, from San Bias, under
orders of the King of England, to fortify
the harbor of Nutka (Nootka). (R.)
Reaches Nootka in search of Straits of Fuca.
Explored de Fuca Straits.
Explores coast north from Nootka to near 61°
north latitude. Reached Prince William's
Sound.
Visits Nootka Sound and Cook's River. Dis-
covered Puget's Sound. Takes possession
for the King of Spain.
From Ocsotck. Visits Aleutian Islands. No
new discoveries.
Explores Straits of Fuca. Discovered Neeah
Harbor. Claimed for Spain. Reached
Prince William's Sound.
More complete exploration of Straits of Fuca.
Sails to examine Pacific coast, 35th to 60th
degree north latitude.
From Acapulco. Sails to explore the ficti-
tious "Straits of Anian." Reached 60°
north latitude opposite Mount St. Elias.
Did not hud, and denied the existence of a
northwest passage. Made few discoveries,
but. many exact determinations. (See Nav-
arrete: Humboldt, New Spain.)
From Marseilles. Visits Norf.dk Sound, near
56° north latitude. Reached Sitka. Made
very few observations. (See Mareband :
Voyage ai * tour du moude.)
Visits northwest coast.
Revisits Straits of Fuca. Discovered Gray's
Harbor.
From Falmouth. Examines westeoast. Straits
of Fuca, etc. Furnished tin- first exact map
of i he lower Colombia. Found high moun -
am ranges along the coast; recognized thcsn
from California to Alaska. Showed " Cook's
River" to be a bay, ami named it Cook's
Inlet. Destroyed the illusions aboutanorth-
west passage.
Enters Columbia River near its mouth. This
river was believed by Aguillarto have been
a bay.
Explores coast northeast of Queen Charlotte's
Island. From San Bias, Mexico, March 20,
1792.
A
S
E
Martinez
G.,M., and K. .
Navarrette
M
K
M
G ., M.andK ...
G
Billings
E
S
S
G., M., and Iv .
M. andK
G.andK
G..M., andK...
(J. and K
G
E
F
A
A
E
A
G
G.andK
G. and K
(i. and K
s
496 U. S. GEOGEAPHICAL SUEYETS WEST OF 100TH MEEIDIAN.
CHRONOLOGICAL STATEMENT OF VOYAGES AND EXLORATIONS, Etc.— Continued.
No.
Name.
Nation.
Year.
Authority.
Remarks.
140
141
142
143
1-14
145
140
147
148
149
150
151
E. .
1792
1793
L795-*98
1803-'05
1806
1 827
i.-;:i -'42
L806- L'l
i sir,-' is
1821-41
1812-'41
l820-'40
IS44
L836-'37
G., M., and K . .
T., 11., and K ...
K
From Acapnlco. Explores Straits of Fuca
and coast between 53° and 56° north lati-
tude The end of the Spanish expeditions.
Discovered Frazer River.
1 ►iscovers Fraser's River and crosses "Rocky
Mountains " to Pacific at the Cascades.
First to traverse parts of the Columbia in a
boat. A most important exploration.
Reached Nootka in 1796 from Sandwich Isl-
ands. Sailed thence to Monterey. (K.)
From Cronstadt. Explorations in northern
parts of Russian America, L804-'05. Princi-
pally commercial,
Sailed from Sitka to San Francisco, making
examinations of the coast, returning to
Sitka.
Coasted from Bering's Straits as far south as
Monterey. Made map of San Francisco
Harbor.
i 'd. is! id and reeonnoitered from opposite
Mount St. Elias to Cape St. Lucas in 1837,
also in 1839. Explored and surveyed the
Sacramento River.
1 he Northwest, Pacific, and other fur com-
panies explored ami operated in the North-
west and along the Columbia River. The
Northwest Company at one time had 25,000
" royagers " in employ.
Instructed to -nail through Bering's Straits
eastward to Europe. Discovered Kotzebue
Sound. Believed there was water communi-
cation, because of .southern current through
Bei ing's Straits.
All fur companies unit id, with headquarters
at Fort Vancouver (see Franklin, Richard-
son, Parry, and others), occupied the waters
of tho great Northwest.
Made settlements and stations on the Cali-
fornia coast up to 1841, at Bodega Bay (Port
Roman/off ). etc.
/
Excursions made from San Francisco inland
and between Mexico, New Mexico, and the
California const, at least up to 1811.
Expeditions of circumnavigation, touching at
the usual [daces in the North Pacific, mak-
ing observations and reconnaisances at and
about harbors, bays, and lakes.
Parts of interior of Pacific coast. Last of
the French explorations.
Traveled through Mexico tot; nay a mas. Made
notes and sketches at mouth of Colorado
River and elsewhere. (See Senate Ex. Doc.
No. 24, Twenty-fifty Congress, second ses-
sion.) No latitudes or longitudes.
Kruaen stern and Lysi-
ansky.
t Ihwosdoff and Davidoff. ..
E
R
K
K
K
E
K
K
E
A and E.
r
K
K
Hudson Bay Company
Russian explorations
1 i . inch exploi ;ii ions
E
R
K
K
Ft
Ft
F
A
K
K
K
K
•
N<»TE.-For List of the Explorers, see Bancroft, Northwest Coast, Mil i chap, x pp. 310-342. List on pp. 340-342.
The principal published authorities on the grand achievements in explorations and surveys on the west coast, of the
sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth centuries (undertakings without a parallel in the past, when all the attendant cir-
cumstances are considered, and never to be equaled in the futuro), are found at length in the Kohl manuscript, while some
of them, tngt ther with others consulted by myself, are herewith :
JIaklnyt: Vol. III. Voyages and Navigations. London. 1(500.
Raumsio: Delle navagazioni et viaggi.
Navarrcte: Collecion de los viajes y deseubrimieutos.
VOYAGES, DISCOVERIES, EXPLORATIONS, AND SURVEYS. 4 C J7
Gomara : Historia general de las Indias * ' * con la couquista de M6xico y de la Nueva Espana. Saragoga,
1552-'53.
Venegas: Noticia de la California. Madrid, 1757.
II err err; l : Historia general, etc Madrid, 1730.
Burney : A chronological history of voyages and discoveries in the South Sea and Pacific Ocean. 3 vols. 4°. Lon-
don, 1803.
Purchas Pilgrims: Vol. in. London, 1G25.
Humboldt: Essai politique sur le royanme de la Nouvelle Espagne. Paris, Schoell, 1811. 2 vols, in 4°.
Greenhow : History of Oregon and California. Boston, 1845.
Mofrat: Exploration du territoire de l'Oregon, etc. 2 vols. Paris, 1614. [Mofrat gives a chronological bibliography
un p. 485, vol.2.]
Ahert: Examination of New Mexico. 1846-'47.
"Whipple: Vol. iv. Pacific Railroad Reports.
Reports, U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey. Appendix 19, 1884, and Appendix 7, 1S86.
Bancroft : History of the Northwest Coast. Vol. i, 1543-1800, 8°, pp. 735. List of authorities, pp. xvii-xxvm.
Bancroft: History of Central America. Vol. 1, 1501- '30. Summary of Geographical Knowledge to the year 1540, pp.
67 etgeq.
Narrative and Critical History of America. Discoveries on the Pacific Coast. Vol. n, pp. 431-472. Early Explora-
tions in New Mexico, pp. 473-504.
Ternaux-Campans (Henri): Voyages, relations et me moires origin aux pour servir k l'histoire de la dficoaverte de
l'Amcrique. Paris, 1837- "41. (Two*eeries, 10 and 8 vols.)
Recueil de Voyages et de documents pour servir a l'histoire de la Geographic depuis le XIII" jusqu' a la fin du XVI"
siecle. Jean et Sebastien Cabot.
D'aprea des documen s inedit, par Henry Harrisse. Paria, Ernest Leroux, ed., 28 rue Bonaparte, 1882. Bibliographic,
pp. 369-375.
OLD MAPS.
A number of photolithographs from tracings of old maps are here
introduced, -with a legend page facing each, intended to illustrate, though
rudely and irregularly, the process of geographical information as to the
North American continent between 1500 and 1800, so far as the same has
been shown cartographically. While these maps are not all standard or
typical at their dates of issue, having been selected principally from the
collections made by the late Dr. J. G. Kohl and atlases found in the Con-
gressional Library,* they are, nevertheless, suggestive, and may lead to a
more critical review of the progress of American discovery, exploration,
and cartography from the earliest discoveries to the commencement of the
nineteenth century, from an historical and scientific standpoint which
exceeds the scope of the present memoir, that proposes simply an intro-
duction to the epitome of Warren's Memoir, and the further resume of
Government explorations and surveys within the confines of the United
States.
"Copies of Houdius, edition 1600, and Senex, 1710. wen- furnished by and through the courtesy
of Assistant J. C. Lang.
32 WH — VOL I
498 L\ S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
THE ISLAND OF ANTILIA, BY BENINCASA, 1463.
This is of interest principally because it may be considered as one of
the first maps indicating larger countries to be found to the west of Europe.
Notes by Kohl. — This map is a copy of a part of a map which is to
be found in a portolano of Benincasa.
Benincasa was an Italian, who composed, between 14G3 and 1473,
different portolanos, which are mentioned in the work of the Vicomte de
Santarem, "Histoire de la Cosmographie," vol. i, p. xlii.
Our map is taken from his portolano of the year 14C3. It is remark-
aide —
(1) Because it has in the latitude of Spain the Island of "Antilia?
nearly as large as Portugal, and two other large islands to the west and
north of it named "Rosellia" and " Salvaga," which islands appear in the
same or a somewhat varying' manner and shape on many other maps, and
may be considered as the first indication of larger countries t<> be found to the
west of Europe.
(2) Because a whole chain of islands extends on it midway between
the Canarian Islands and Ireland. Also this chain of western islands is to
be found in a similar manner on different other maps of the middle of the
fifteenth century. (See Santarem, Hist, de la Cosmographie, i, p. xlii, and
in, p 177; also Winsor-Kohl collection of early maps. Bibliographical Con-
tributions, Harvard College, No. l c >, p. 47; No 245) Under No. 20, p. 8,
A. D. 1455, reference is made to a sea chart by Bartolomeus de Pareto,
showing "Antilia" and an island farther west named "Roillo;" also No.
21, p. 8, A. I). 1470.)
A portolano by Andreas Benincasa, given in St. Martin (PI. VII) and
Lelewel (PI. XXXIV). It shows "Antilia'' as a western island, and the
"Isola de Bracill" west of Ireland.
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OLD MAPS. 499
AMERICA FROM PTOLOMAEUS, EDIT. ROM.E, 1508.
This map at its date (1508) was the most complete and reliable com-
pilation extant of what was then known in regard to America. It was
issued five years before Balboa discovered the Pacific Ocean.
Notes by Kohl. — This is a copy of a part of the celebrated map of
the world added to the edition of Ptolomaeus, Rome, 1508. Humboldt,
who in his works alludes often to this map and has given most valuable
critical notes upon it, says that it has been drawn and composed bij the
German Johannes Ruysh. It was revised and corrected by two Italians,
Marco of Benevent and Jonnes Cotto of Verona ("Correcta a Marco Bene-
ventano et Joanne Cotto Veronensi"). (See upon this most interesting
map Humboldt in the preface to Ghillany's German work on Martin Be-
haim, and Walkenaer in his "Reeherches gcographiques sur l'interieur de
I'Afrique septentrionale," p. 186, and, also, Biographie Universelle, tome vi,
p. 207).
The title of this map is " Universalior cogniti Orbis Tabula ex re-
centibus confecta observationibus " (a more universal table of the known
world compiled from modern observations). The principal features of this
map are the following:
"Terra Nova" (Newfoundland), in its eastern and southern coast very
well represented, is given as a peninsula of Asia.
"Gruenlant" or "Gruentlant" (Greenland) is likewise a peninsula of
Asia, of which the countries and provinces of Mangi, Ciamban, Tebet, the
points "Quinsai," "Zaiton," and the islands "Java Major" (Borneo ?),
'•Java Minor," and "Candyn" (?) appear. Japan (or Zipangu) is omitted
because the author, as he says in a Latin inscription, believed that this
island was now found by the Spaniards in another place, and called by them
"Spagnola."
This "Spagnola" (our Haiti) he puts about sixty degrees of longitude
to the west from the meridian of Ferro, and north of the tropic of Cancer.
To the southeast of it he adds some of the smaller Antillian Islands —
"La Dominica," "Monferrato," "Matinina" (Martinique).
500 U. S. GEOGEAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
To the northwest of "Spagnola" appears a country which is no doubt
Cuba, or Fernandina, or Isabella, though not indicated by name. That
Cuba, and Cuba only, is meant, seems evident from the mass of small isl-
ands on the north coast as well as on the south coast of this land, though
it reaches as high as 40° north latitude. These groups of islands appear
to be those innumerable little rocks and isles which Columbus called the
Garden of the King and the Garden of the Queen.
On the south coast the}' are all collected in a kind of bay, which we
afterwards find repeated on many subsequent maps, and of which some
others have erroneously supposed that the Gulf of Mexico was indicated
by it.
A Latin inscription in the west says that the King of Spain's ships did
not come as yet farther, and intimates that it was unknown if this country
was an island or not. This question was only settled in the ) ear 1508, on
the circumnavigation of Cuba by Oeampo. Nothing more appears of
North America. Of South America, which is called "Terra Sande Cruris"
(the Land of the Holy Cross, after Cabral), sive Mundus Novus (the New
World), nothing appears but the northern coast as far west as Ojeda (1501)
discovered it, and the east coast as far south as the 38th degree south lati-
tude. On the west coast is an inscription which says that the Spaniards
had not yet penetrated farther.
The Latin inscription in the interior of South America gives a descrip-
tion of the natural productions of the continent, and another Latin inscrip-
tion at the south end of the coast says the Portuguese navigators came as
far down as 50° south latitude, but did not reach yet its southernmost end.
The editor of the Ptolomaeus, to which this map is added, makes in
the book itself the further remark that he was unable to find that part of
the map which related to these southern regions. *
* See also Wiusor : KoUl collection, No. 28, p. 9, Bulletin No. 19.
U.S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF THE 100 th MERIDIAN
•-.FHICAL m
22° From, Maf%. of 'JVortJt, Arrverz^a. by AbraJimnics Or-teliiLS , JSS9. (Reduced?**
Amc"t*t From «.Glah* in Fr.zstJcSurt , aAou£ t!20 (Reduced)
Julius Bieu, Photo lull
OLD MAPS. 501
AMERICA, FROM A GLOBE IN FRANKFORT, ABOUT 1520.
This is notable, since it is believed that it is the first map upon which
the name "America" appears.*
Notes by Kohl. — This is a copy of a part of a map which depicts
America. The drawing is contained on an old globe of the world in the
city library of Frankfort on the Main.
Neither the date nor the author of the map or globe are indicated, but
the whole design agrees in all its principal features with the map given on
the globe of I. Schoner, of the year 1520, preserved in Nuremberg (see
our collection). We know that Schoner made different globes, and that of
Frankfort may also be one of them
The same as on the globe of Nuremberg, so also on this, America is
divided in tiro great islands and different smaller ones. These two islands
have nearly the same configuration, and are represented on their western
coasts as unknown and unexplored. On both maps the northern reaches as
high as 50° north latitude, and the southern as far as 40° south latitude,
where on both maps is a strait.
The Antilles have on both globes the same configuration, distances,
and number, and the same may be said of "Zipangu" (Japan). On both
maps a vessel stands near the strait which passes through the northern and
southern islands.-
A nearer comparison, however, shows many different variations on both
globes. At first our present map is neither so rich in names nor so special
in the representation of the coast. Then the imaginary southern contiment
has on our map quite another shape than on that of Nuremberg, and the
same may be said of that northern island which stands for Labrador and
indicates the discoveries of Cortereal. Besides this, many of the inscrip-
tions and names on our map differ from the map contained on the globe of
Nuremberg. It is therefore evident that the one is not a mere copy of
the other, but that they are different independent works, made, perhaps, by
* Winsor says, p. 11, Bulletin 19, etc., No. 34: "Wieser, in his Magalhiles-Strasse (p. 19), where
an engraving of it is given, declares it to be the globe made to accompany Schouer's Luculentissima
qnffidam Terrx totius Descriptio, printed in 1515, and of which two copies are now known." See also
Nos. 35 and 3(i, same page.
502 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SUEVETS WEST OF 100TII MERIDIAN.
the same author (Schoner?) but at different times. Because on our globe
everything is less perfect and complete, it is very probable that it wasi con-
structed at an earlier period, where Schoner perhaps had not yet made so
many studies of his subject. It seems that we must put it at all events
before 1520, perhaps about 1515, and this globe, therefore, may be con-
sidered the first map on which the name "America" occurs. The southern
continent is called "Brasilia Begio" (the region Brasilia). On the globe of
Nuremberg it is called "Brasilia inferior."
OLD MAPS. 503
FROM MAP OF NORTH AMERICA, BY ABRAHAM ORTELIUS, 1589.*
This map was among the best of those of America extant toward the
close of the sixteenth century. The Pacific coast had already been recon-
noitered above the 57th parallel by Gali.
The Ortelius has been referred to as the prototype of the modern
atlas. The publication was continued to at least 1612. His map of the
world appears to have been fashioned after Mercator. He prefixed to his
book a list of authorities from whose labors he had constructed his own
maps. The titles are wholly of the sixteenth century, and not a single
Spanish one appears among- them.
"Stevens says of Ortelius: "He was a bibliographer, a cartographer, an antiquary, * * *
a pood mathematician and geographer, and ' ' gave his authorities." In 1;">70 Ortelius pub.
lislied at Antwerp the first edition of his Theatrura Orbis Terramm, fifty-three copper-plate maps,
engraved by Hogenberg. In lO^i) there was Marehetti's edition at Brescia and a Latin one at Antwerp.
(Narr. and Crit. Hist, of America.) The atlas of 1570 was one of the most celebrated geographical
works nf the sixteenth century, of which there have been many subsequent editions in Dutch, German,
French and Italian, in which the number of maps has been much increased.
In 1606 the first English edition appeared, while the latest Italian one noted is 1697, but mean-
while other cartographers had taken the field. He was the first to collect and compile from contem-
porary maps. His learning, integrity, and discriminating judgment has made his atlas valuable as a
trustworthy record of the best geographical knowledge of his time. (See Narr. and Crit. Hist, of Amer-
ica, vol. III., p. 34.)
504 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TII MERIDIAN.
NORTH AMERICA, BY ZALTIERI, 1566.
Remarkable in that it is reputed to be the first map upon which the
Straits of Anian (Stretto de Anean) appeal'.
Notes by Kohl.— This is a copy of a printed map of North America
preserved in the imperial library in Paris It lias an Italian inscription as
follows:
"The design of what has been discovered of New France, which we
have received lately from the newest navigations of the French to those
places, in which are to lie seen all the islands, ports, capes, and places of
the land which an; in the same."
" In Venize, engraved on copper hv Bolognino Zaltieri, in the year
1566."
Unhappily this map has neither latitudes nor longitudes, not even the
tropics, nor any indication of a measure by miles.
In the general configuration of North America it resemhles very much other
maps made at the same time in I/itl//. It has in the north "Grutlandia"
(Greenland?), and in the west "Giapan" (Japan), and the Strait of Anian
in the same manner. (See Italian maps of this time in our collection.)
It resemhles, particularly in its general features, the map of I'. Furlani,
produced at the same place (Venize) and some years before (1560). The
mountains on both maps are made in the same manner. The river systems
of the St. Lawrence and of the rivers of the Californian Gulf are very
much alike, and so is the great ever-long northeastern wing given on botli
maps to North America. Zaltierie (if we may consider him as the author
of this map) only deviates in this from Furlani, that he separates America
from Asia by the Strait of Anian, which Furlani did-not.
Some further peculiarities of his map are the following: He puts the
name La "Nova Franza" {Nciv France?) in the center of North America. He
has Newfoundland still dissolved in many islands. To the west of it he
has the same river system of the St. Lawrence as Furlani, but he gives no
name to this river. Besides, however, he has to the southwest of it a great
lake, "Lago," and coming out from it a river which he calls "R S. Lorenzo"
(St. Lawrence River), and which empties into the sea on the coast of New
OLD MAPS. 505
England. This is a great curiosity, and proves that the rivers and inlets of
Maine (Penobscot!) were considered as brandies of the St. Lawrence, or
as outlets of the Canadian lakes, of which lakes already Cartier had brought
home some report,
Something not less extraordinary is also the position of the name
"Apalchen" (Apallachian Mountains?) in the center of the whole continent.
The author had perhaps read something of De Soto's expedition.
It is not easy to say to which "newest French expedition" (novissima
navigatione dei Franzesi), of which he lately (ultimamente) received his
information, the author alludes in his inscription. The latest French expe-
ditions were those of Ribaut and Laudenniere to Florida (1554), but of
those the author takes on his map no notice at all. The coast of Florida
is given according to the old Spanish authorities.
The latest French expeditions to the regions of the St. Lawrence were
those under Roberval since 1541.
Note. — Kohl assumes this (o be the first map upon which the " Straits of Aniau " appear. ( See
p. 51, Winsor, A. D. 1558, referring to a map by Martines, presumably of tin- above date, as one of the
earliest to contract the water separating America from Asia to the dimensions of a strait; also p. 20,
No. 94, where Winsor compares tins map with one by Des Liens (North America), same year (15G6).
See, also, p. 17, No. f!9, A. D. 15(10.) A copy of this map is found reproduced on p. 451, Narr. and
Crit. Hist, of America, vol. II, and a sketch, also, on p. 93 of vol. iv.
50(3 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
FROM "HONDIIIS," ED. 1609, AMST.
Hondius was a celebrated Dutch geographer, who edited with Gerard
Mereator a once famous atlas of the world and drew many maps. In 1 604
he bought Mercator's plates. He issued a new edition in 1606, to which
fifty maps were added, including a few American ones, and thus began the
Hondius-Mercator Atlas. He died in 1611 (p. 374, vol. iv, Narr. and Crit.
Hist.).
OLD MAPS. 507
NORTH AMERICA, FROM PURCHAS, 1625.
This map was constructed after the first voyages of Hudson, Button,
and Munk (1610-19), intending to prove the possibility of a northwest
passage through which fictitious accounts of pretended voyages by Mal-
donado, Juan de Fuca, and Fonte had been published. California is shown
as an island.
Notes by Kohl. — This is a copy of a map contained in the third
volume of Purchas's Pilgrims, London, 1625.
Purchas calls it " the north part of America" and adds it to a little
'•Treatise of the northwest passage to the South Sea, through the continent
of Virginia, and by Fretilin Hudson."
Neither in this treatise, nor on the map, nor in the preface of his work,
nor in the index of the maps contained in his work, Purchas says by whom
and how this map was composed. On the map we find only that "R.
Elstracke" engraved it.
Nearly all other maps in Purchas are bad and reduced copies from
Hondius and others. But this has some original value. It was made soon
after the first voyages of Hudson, Button, and Munk (from 1610-19) to
Hudson's Bay, with the intention to prove by it the possibility of a northtvest
passage. The treatise and the long inscriptions on the map itself contain
an explanation of it,
Purchas says that it would be easy to sail through Hudson's Bay to
the Western Ocean, and particularly to the waters of California.
Where "Button wintered," he says (near Fort Nelson), "the tides were
15 feet high, and they were particularly high with a western wind, which
could only be explained by a connection of Button's Bay with the Western
Ocean, which could not be far distant."
Besides this there was still much hope for open water between Button's
Bay in the west and the bay in which Hudson wintered in the south. On
NOTE.-Winsor, on p. IS of Bulletin No. 19, gives: 82, A. D. 1589. "The World, l.y Hondius.
An engraved map, on which a statement that it is intended to show the tracks of Drake and Cavendish
is signed by Jodicns Hondius, 1589. * * * In an inscription referring to the Tierra del Pnego
group, Hondius remarks that Cavendish and the Spaniards do not accept Drake's views making a
continent the southern boundary of the Straits of Magellan, and on later maps Hondius seems to have
accepted these other views. (See Uricoechea, No. 25. i» In edition of 1609, above, a * ide stretching
continent is shown.
508 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TD MERIDIAN.
his map lie represents this region as unknown. That there was no water
was only discovered by Captains James and Fox, who about 1G30 sailed
along those coasts of Hudson's P>ay.
"California," so Purchas says further, has been believed until now
erroneously to be a continent. "But it is now found to be an island,
stretching as far as 42° north latitude, as may appear in a map of that
island which teas brought to London out of Holland." The Californian Gulf is,
consequently, after him, no gulf, but a, long strait, which he represents as
certainly going as far as 42° north latitude, and which may go still farther
north and may be connected with Hudson's Bay.
Hudson's 15a)' is stretched out two degrees too far to the south. He
gives to the northern part of the Pacific Ocean the name "Oceanus Japoni-
cws" (the Japanese Ocean).
His map is, perhaps, the first printed map on which we find the name
of "Nova Brittannia" (New Britain) for Labrador.
All the Spanish and other foreign names on the map are so very cor-
rupted that sometimes they even can not be recognized. (See Winsor-
Kohl maps, p. 21, No. 100; also p. 53, No. 284, A. D. 1625.)
OLD MAPS. 509
FROM A MAP OF AMERICA BY F. DE WIT. FOLIO. AMST. (WITHOUT DATE —
ABOUT 1670).*
Shows California as an island. The Arctic Ocean, although already
entered, is not delineated.
* The first example of De Wit's imprint appeared about 1675, at Amsterdam, with a printed index
calling for 102 maps. S. Wolfgang, 1680, published an atlas, with maps by Blaeu, Visseher, De Wit,
and others. Oth' r atlases have the name of F. de Wit. The Blaeu establishment was burned in 1672
and most of the plates were lost. Those saved passed into the hands of De Wit. (P. 376, vol. IV,
Narr. and Crit. Hist, of America.)
510 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100X11 MERIDIAN.
FROM MAP OF NORTH AMERICA BY JOHN SENEX,* F. R. S., LONDON, 1710.
California is still shown as an island, although Father Kuhn in 1701-3
had already again demonstrated the peninsularity of Lower California.
See Winsor, Harvard College Library, Bulletin No. 19. Kohl maps,
p. 22, 1710. "John Senex's map of North America, of which there is a
reproduction in David Mill's Report on the Boundaries of the Province of On-
tario, Toronto, 1873."
The above map purports to give corrections up to date, from the obser-
vations communicated to the Royal Society at London and the Royal
Academy at Paris.
* It appears that later the above author rejected the Lahoutan story of the "Long River."
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OLD MAPS. 511
FROM MAP OF NORTH AMERICA BY EDWARD WELLS, M. A., 1722 *
California is still shown as an island, and discoveries above about 45 (
N. lat are ignored.
*The full title is "A new map of the most considerable plantations of the English in America."
The We Is at as of 41 maps, of which No. 39 is a part of North America, U entitled 'A new se U
of maps nit of AnUent and Present Geography, Edward Wells, M. A., and student of Chr.st-Church.
Oxon."
512 T. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF lOOTH MERIDIAN.
FROM MAP OF NORTH AMERICA BY THOMAS JEFFERYS, 1782.*
California is shown as a peninsula. The name of New Albion is
prominent. Explorations had reached as high as G8° N. lat.
Tlie above map purports to be a true delineation of North America
with the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and the nearest coasts of Europe and
Asia, with the tracks of the latest circumnavigators and other discoveries;
also the coasts of California and New Albion. The Russian discoveries
between Asia and America taken from the map published at St. Petersburg
in 1774, by Mr. J. Von Stablin, secretary to the Imperial Academy.f
* Jeffery's American Atlas being a description (if the whole conlinent of America, engraved on
forty-eight copper plates, folio, was published in London 1775.
t For the published authorities on maps of North America and its west coast during this period
the following may be cited:
Santarem: Cosmography and Cartography of the Middle Ages. 3 vols. 8°. Paris, 1849.
Lelewel: Geographic du Moyen Age, Bruxelles, 1852. 3 vols. 8° and atlas.
D'Avezac: History of the Projection of Geographical Maps.
Uricoechea: Mapoteca Columbiana. London, 1860. [The British Museum has the. author's copy,
with additional and voluminous notes in MS. compiled subsequent to 1860, and prior to his death.]
British Museum: Catalogue of Maps, etc.
Winsor: Harvard Library, No. 18. A Bibliography of Ptolemy's Geography,
Winsor: Harvard Library No. 19. The Kohl collection of early maps.
Daly: Bulletin, Am. Geog. Soc, No. 1, 1879. The Early History of Cartography.
Narrative and Critical History of America : Vol. IV, General Atlases and Charts of the 10th and
17th centuries, pp. 369-374.
PAET II
EPITOME OF WARREN'S MEMOIR —1800 -1857.
MEMOIR
A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF EACH OF THE ENGLISH EXPEDITIONS SINCE A. D. 1800.
LIEUT. GOUVERNEUR K. WARREN,
CORPS OK TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS, II. S. A.
1859.
33 wn — vol i
513
LETTER TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR,
Wak Department, Office of Exflorations and Surveys,
Washington, D. C, March 2, 1858.
Sir: I transmit herewith a report from Lieut. CI. K. Warren, Topo-
graphical Engineers, exhibiting the data and authorities from which was
compiled the map of United States territory between the Mississippi River
and the Pacific Ocean, intended to illustrate the reports upon the Pacific
railroad explorations.
It contains a brief account of all the explorations of our territory west
of the Mississippi Pi ver of approved authority, which will be not only valu-
able to the officers of the corps, but, it is thought, interesting to the public.
The laborious task of compiling the map and preparing the report has
been performed by Lieutenant Warren while occupied witli other duties of
an onerous character. The more carefully his work is examined the more
apparent will be the industry, care, and sound judgment with which it has
been executed.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. A. HUMPHEYS,
Captain Topographical Engineers, in charge.
Hon. J. P.. Floyd,
Secretary of War, Washington, I). C.
515
LETTER TO CAPT. A. A. HUMPHREYS. TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS.
War Department, Office of Explorations and Surveys,
Washington, I). C, March 1, 1858.
Sir : * * * This memoir is a brief account of the numerous ex-
plorations made in our territory west of the Mississippi River, and I hope
may prove valuable to those seeking information with a view to developing
the resources of this vast region, as well as interesting to those studying
the progress of geographical discovery. The work has been in progress
during the past four years ; but other public duties have absorbed the
greater part of my time, which must be my excuse for its defects. * * *
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. K. WARREN,
First Lieutenant, Topographical Engineers.
Capt. A. A. Humphreys,
Corps of Topographical Engineers, in charge of
Office of Explorations and Surveys.
517
CONTENTS.
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.
CHArTEE I.— Explorations from A. D. 1800 to A. D. 1832.
Captains Lewis and Clark.-, U. S. A., 1804-'5-'6.— Major Pike, U. S. A., 1805-'6.— Humboldt's New Spain,
" 1811.— Rector, C.E., and Roberdearj,T.E , map, 1818.— Major Long, T.E., first expedition, 1819-'20.—
Major Long, T. E., second expedition, 1823.— J. C. Brown, C. E., survey, 1825-'26-'27.— R. Richardson,
('. E., survey, 1826.— Northwestern boundary Commission, 1828 —British Admiralty charts, 1828.—
Lieutenant Hardy, R. N., exploration of Gulf of California, 1825-'26-'27-'28.— Ross Cox's adventures
on the Columbia, 1832.— Lieutenant Allen, U. S. A., reconnaissance of source of the Mississippi,
1832.— Schoolcraft's narrative, 1832.— Finley's map of North America, 1826.
Chapter II.— Explorations from A. D. 1832 to A. D. 1844.
Captain Bonneville, U. S. A., expedition, 1832-'3C.— Discovery of Great Salt Lake and Humboldt
River.— Irving's Astoria,— Lieut. E. Steen, U. S. A., map, 1835.— Topographical Bureau, map of west-
ern frontier, 1837.— C.Dimmock.C.E., survey, 1838.— Capt.\v\Hood,T.E., memoir and map, 1839.—
Topographical Bureau, map of Oregon, 183S.— Survey of boundary of Louisiana and Texas, 1840.—
Commodore Wilkes, U. S. N., map of Oregon, 1841.— Kendall's Santa Fe expedition, 1841.— Profes-
sor Nicollet's exploration and map. l836-'40.— Lieut. .1. C. Fremont, T. E., exploration, 1842.—
Capt. N.Boone, U.S. A., expedition, 1843.— Capt. J. Allen, U.S. A., expedition, 1843*.— Topographical
Bureau, map of Texas, 1844.— Gregg's "Commerce of the Prairies." 1844.
Chapter III. — Explorations from A. /'. 1843 to A. I). 1852.
Capt. J. C. Fremont, T. E., exploration, 1843-M4.— Capt. J. C. Fremont, T. E., exploration, 1845-'46.—
Lieut. J. W. Abert, T. E., reconnaissance, 1845.— Lieut. W. B. Franklin, T. E., reconnaissance,
1845.— Brevet Maj. W.H. Emory, T.E., reconnaisance, 1846-'47.— Lieut. J.W. Abert, T. E., recon-
naissance, 1846-'47.— Lieut. Col. P. St. George Cooke, U. S. A., expedition, 1846-'47.— A. Wislizenus,
M. D., examination, 1846-'47.— Brevet Capt. W. H. Warner, T. E., reconnaissance, l847-'48-'49.—
Geological explorations, Lake Superior region, Foster and Whitney, 1847-'48-'49.— Geological ex-
ploration of Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnessota, Owen, 1849.— Lieut. G.H.Derby, T.E., reconnais-
sance, 1849.— Lieut, J. D. Webster, T. E., survey of mouth of Rio Grande, 1847.— Lieut. J. II. Simpson,
T.E., 'reconnaissance along the Canadian River, 1849.— Lieut. J. H. Simpson, T.E., reconnaissance,
N.-ua'jo country, 1849.— Capt. R. B. Marcy.U. S. A., expedition, 1849.— Capt. H. Stansbury.T. E.,
expedition to Great Salt Lake. l849-'50.— March of rifle regiment to Oregon, 1849.— Major Wood,
U.S. Inf., and Captain Pope.T. E., expedition to Red River, 1849.— Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel John-
ston, T. E., reconnaissance in Texas, 1849-'50-'5L— Topographical Bureau, map of territory of
United States west of t be Mississippi, 1850.— R. H. Kern, C.E., reconnaissance on the Pecos River,
1850.— Lieut. J. G. Parke, T. E., map of New Mexico, 1851.— Captain Sitgreaves and Lieutenant
Woodruff, T. E., boundary of Creek country, 1-50-7,1. — Captain Sitgreaves, T. E., expedition to
Zuiii and Colorado Rivers, 1851. -Lieut, (}. II. Derby, T. E., reconnaissance mouth of Colorado
River, 1851.— Lieut. I. C. Woodruff, T. E., reconnaissance, 18 .2.— Capt. K. B. Marcy, U. S. A., expedi-
tion to source of Red River.
519
520 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MEUIDIAH.
Chapter IV.— Explorations from A. D. 1852 to A. D. 1857.
Gov. 1. 1. Stevens and Capt. G. I!. MoClellan, U. S. E„ exploration and survey for a railroad route, 1853-
'54-'55.— Lieut. E. Arnold, U.S. A.., survey, 1854.— F. W. Lander, C. E., reconnaissance, 1854.— Capt.
G. W. Guunison.T. E.,and Capt. E. G. Beckwith.U. S. A., exploration and survey for a railroad
route, 1853.— Capt. E. G. Beckwith, U. S. A., exploration and survey for a railroad route, 1854.—
Capt. A. \V. Whipple, T. E., exploration and survey for a railroad route, 1853-54.— Lieut. R. S. Will-
iamson, T. E., survey for a railroad route, 1853-'54.— Lieut. J. G. Parke, T. E., exploration and survey
for a railroad route, 1854.— Capt. J. Pope, T. E., exploration and survey for a railroad route, 1854.—
Lieut. J. G. Parke, T. E., exploration and survey for a railroad route, 1854-55.— Lieut. R. S. William-
son, T.E., and Lieut. II. L. Abbott, T.E., exploration and survey for a railroad route, 1855. — Maj.
W. II. Emory, U. S. A., United States and Mexican boundary survey, 1849-'55.— Capt. J. L. Reno,
U. S. A., survey, 1853.— Capt. U. B. Marcy, U. S. A., exploration, 1854.— Alexander Ross, " Fur Hunt-
era of the Far West." 1855. — March of Colonel Steptoe's command to California, 1854-'55. — Lieut.
J. Withers, U. 8. A., survey of road, 1854.— Lieut, G. H.Derby, T. E., survey of roads, 1854-7)5 —
Lieut, (i. II. Mendell, T. E., reconnaissance, 1855.— Capt. J. H. Simpson, T. E., survey of roads, 1855.—
Lieut. G.K. Warren, T. E., reconnaissance, 1855.— Lieut. F. T. Bryan, T. E, reconnaissance, 1855.—
Lieut. J. C. Amory, U. 8. A., reconnaissance in 1855.— Major Merrill, U. S. A., reconnaissance, 1855.—
Lieut. I.N. Moore, U.S.A., map of part of New Mexico, 1855.— Lieut. E. L. Mart/. U.S.A., recon-
naissance, 1856.— Lieut. F.T.Bryan, T. E., survey of road, 1856.— Capt. J. II. Dickerson, U.S.A.,
survey of road, 1856.— Lieut. W. D. Smith, U.S.A., reconnaissance of route, 1856. — Capt. A. Sully.
U.S.A., reconnaissance, 1856. — Lieut. , Bridge street, | Black-friars, |
By J. G. llarnard, ~<7, Snow Bill. | — | 1807.
Sro, pp. 1-116, with a folding table. Forming part, separately paged, of Vol. VI of Phillip's
"Collection of Modern and Contemporary Voyages," tfc.
[1609.] " The Tract Is of Cap' 1 Li wis a ml Clarke, from St. Louis, by way of the Missouri and Columbia rivers,
to the Pacific Ocean: performed in the years 1804, 1805, and 1806, by order of the government
of the United States, containing delineations of the manners, customs, religion, #c. of the Indians,
compiled from Carious Authentic Sources, and original Documents, and a Summary of the Sta-
tistical View of the Indian Nations, from the official communication of Meriwether Lewis. Illus-
trated icilh a Map of the Country, inhabited by the Western Tribes of Indians, tivo, pp. ix and
309. London, 1809."
[1809.] The | Travels \ of \ Capts. Lewis f Clarke. | by order of the | Government of the United states, \
performed in the years 1804, 1805, <$■ 1800, | bcintj upwards of three thousand miles, from | St.
Louis, by way of the Missouri, and \ Columbia Liars, to the j Pacific Ocean: \ Containing an
Account of the Indian Tribes, who inhabit | the Western part of the Continent unexplored, \ and
unknown In/ore. | With copious delineations of the manners, ens- . fonts, religion, Ac of the In-
dians. | Compiled | From various authentic sources, and Documents. | To which in subjoined, | A
Summary of the Statistical Vine of the Indian | Nations, from the Official Communication
of | — | Meriwether Lewis. | — | Embellished with a Map of the I 'ountrij inhabited by | the West-
cm Tribes of Indians, andfive Engravings | of Indian chiefs. | — | Philadelphia: Published by
Hubbard Lester. | . . . . | 1809. | Price— I dollar 624 cts. \
(tut vol., Vltit't. pp. i-.rii, 13-300, pll. 5, map, and tail-piece (scroll and pen). (Copywright
dotal April 17, 1809.
•The subjoined titles arc extracted from the admirable resume of the various publications relating to the travels
of Lewis and Clarke," by Dr. Elliott Cones. U. S. A. For which see Bulletin No. ti of the United States Geological and
Geographical Survey of the Territories.
EPITOME OF WARREN'S MEMOIR. 525
[1812.] An | Intersting Jeccount | of the | Voyages and Travels \ of\ Captains Lewis and Clark, | in the
years 1804, 1803, and 1806. j Giving a faithful description of the river Missouri and | its source—
of the ration* tribes of Indian* through \ which they passed— | manners and customs— soil-
climate | —commerce— gold and silver mines— animal andvege- | table productions interspersedwith
vera enter- | laining anecdotes, and a variety of other useful and | pleasing information remark-
ably calculated to de- | light and instruct the readers- to which is added a | complete dictionary
of the Indian tongue. | /-';/ William Fisher, Esq. | — | Baltimore. | Printed by Anthony Milten-
berger, Far the purchasers. | 1812.
0»<' vol., V2mo, 2 portraits, pp. v-xr, 1(5-326.
[1813.] An | Tnteresting Account | of the | Voyages and Travels \ of\ Captains Lewis and Clarke, \ in the
years 1804-5, .('• 6. [ Giving a faithful description of the river Missouri and | its source— of the
various tribes of Indians through | which they passed— manners and customs— soil | — climate—
commeree—gold and silver | mines— animal and vegetable | productions. \ Interspersed | With
very entertaining aneedoiis, and a variety of | other useful and pleasing information, re- | mark-
ably calculated to delight and | instruct the readers. | To which is added | A complete Dictionary
of the Indian tongue | — | by William lusher, Esq. | — | Baltimore: | printed and published by
P. Mav.ro, \ N"- 10, North Howard St. | 1*13.
One vol., 12mo, portraits?- pp. iii-xii, 13-262, with 3 fill-page wood-euts.
[1840.] The I Journal | <>/ | Letcis and r/,,)7,c, | to the Month of the Columbia Hirer | beyond the Rocky
Mountains. | In the years 1804-5, Vol.
II, Chap. VII, " A general description of the beasts, liirds, and plants, fa., found by the party
in this expedition," pp. 148-201.)
[1815.] Travels \ to the source of | the Missouri River \ and across the \ American Continent | to | the Pacific
Ocean. | Performed by order of \ the Government of the United states, | in the years 1804, 1805,
and 1801!. | — \ By Captains Lewis and Clarke. | — | Published from the Official Report, | and
illustrated by a map of the route, \ and other maps. | — | A new edition, in three rot nines. \ Col.
I, [J/, ///.] | — | London: ] Printed for Longman, Hurst, Pees, tjrme, and Brown. | Pater-
noster-Row. ] 1815.
Three vols., Bro. Vol. I, pp. i-xxri, 1 /. not paged, 1-411, maps 3. Vol. IT, pp. i-xii, 1-434,
maps 3. Vol. Ill, pp. i-xii, 1-394. (^> Vol. Ill, Chap. XXIV, "A general description of the
beasts, birds, plants, jc, found by the party in tliis expedition," pp. 1-73.)
[1815.] "{Lewis und Clarke.) Tagebuch e. Entdeckungsreise durch Nord.-Amerika in d. Jdhren 1*04-6.
Aus d. Engl. v. Weyland. Mit 1 Karte." <^Neue Bibliothek dcr wichtigstcn Beschri ibungen,
u. s. w. ( Weimar, gr. Bro.) Bel. I, 1815.
[1816-'18.] Beize \ naar \ de Bronnen ran den Missouri, \ en door het raste land ran America | naar de Zuitl-
zee. | Gedaan op last ran de Regering dcr Verccnigde Staten. ran America, | in de jaren 1804,
1805 en 1806. | Door de Eajiiteins | Lewis en Clarke. | Met erne Eaart. | — | Vil het Engelsch
nrtaald door | N. G. Van Kampen. | — | Ecrste [tueede, derde en Laatste'] Deel. | * | Te Dor-
drecht, | Bij A. Blusse"4- Zoon | 1816. [1817, 1818].
Three vols. 8ro. Vol. I, 1816,;)^. i-xxxii, 1-398, ro. Vol. II, I8\7,pp. i-riii, 1-390. Vol.
III, 1818, pp. i-xii, 1-335.
[1842-'75.] History | of | the Expedition | under the command of | Captains Lewis and Clarke. | to | the
sources of the Missouri, thence across the Rocky \ Mountains, and down the Hirer Columbia to
the | Pacific ocean : performed during the | years 1804, 1805, 1806, | by order of the | Govern-
ment of the United Stales. | Prepared J or thepress | hg Paul Allen, Esq. | Revised and abridged
by the omission of unimportant de- | tails, with an introduction and notes, | by Archibald
M'Vickar. | In two volumes. | Vol. I. [//.] | New York: \ Harper .1 Brothers, Publishers, |
Franklin Square. | 1868.
Two rols. 18mo, some of the issues forming part of Harpers' si ries, " The Family Library,"
Vol.1, pp. i-ri, »*-»*, vii-li, 53-371, 3 maps. Vol. II, pp. i-x, 11-395, 3 maps. (^>Vol. II,
Appendix, '•Further enumeration and description of the Quadrupeds, Birds, Fishes, and
Plants noticed during the Expedition ." pp. 339-378.)
* * * * **•:.**
These explorers began to ascend the Missouri River in keel boats, cor-
deled by hand, in 1804. They were provided with compasses for determin-
ing- their courses, and with chronometers, sextants, and artificial horizons
for obtaining latitudes and longitudes. They spent the winter of 1804 and
1805 at Fort Mandan, opposite the existing Eee village, or Fort Clarke.
The next season, having ascended the Missouri to the Three Forks, and
named them Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin, and believing the first to be
the main stream, they followed it to its source.
*********
EPITOME OF WAREEN'S MEMOIR. . -527
It does not, appear from the journal I have read that the explorers re-
lied much upon determinations for longitudes. That of the mouth of the
Platte was taken by them half a degree too far west ; that of the mouth of
the Yellowstone accords well with the best recent determinations ; that of
the mouth of the Columbia was taken one degree too far west. The place
which they mention as the extreme navigable point of the Missouri is placed
by their observations on latitude 43 c 30', while the most southern point on
Jefferson Fork is, according to Governor Stevens's map, in about latitude
44° 30'; thus showing a considerable discrepancy. Most of the routes and
rivers the)' examined have been re-explored, the only exceptions being the
sources of Salmon River, the Missouri River from the Gate of the Mountains
to its source, and the Vellowstone from the point where Captain Clarke
struck it to the mouth of Powder River. The tests to which the maps of
this exploration have been subjected prove them to have been carefully
made and with great accuracy, considering the means and circumstances of
the party.
The original map represents the different ridges of the Rooky Mount-
ains with a general northwest trend from the Black Hills westward, and it
is neither responsible for the error of representing those north of the Platte
with a northeast trend nor for the false indication of a range of mountains
running east and west between the Yellowstone and Missouri. Deceived
by the size of the Wallamath at its mouth, these explorers supposed it to be
a stream of great length, and represented it on their map as heading to the
southwest in the vicinity of what is now known to be the Great Salt Lake.
The names they gave to the rivers have been generally adopted, although
a little confusion exists about some of the smaller ones. Captain Lewis's
melancholy death occurred before the completion of the narrative, thus
devolving the whole labor of the report upon his able associate, Captain
Clarke. Several editions of the work have appeared, differing somewhat
from each other; and thus, no doubt, has arisen the misunderstanding now
existing concerning the names of places.
528 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
EXPLOKA.THOTS OF MAJOK Z. M. PIKE, U.S. A., 1805-'6-'7.
The narrative I have consulted is entitled " An Account of Expeditions
to tin' Sources of the Mississippi, and through the western parts of Louisiana, to
tin Sources of the Arkansas and Pierrejaun Rivers, performed by order of the
Government of the United States, during the years 1805, '6, and '7; and a Tour
through /lie interior parts of New Spain, when conducted through these provinces
tig order of the Captain General, in 1807. By Major Z. M. Pike ; illustrated
till maps inn/ charts. Published by ('. <& A. Conrad <:('• Co., Philadelphia. Joint
Binus, printer. — 1810." Accompanying' it is a map of the Mississippi River
i'n mi the mouth of the Missouri River to Leech Lake, on a scale of about 25
miles to one inch; a map, in two sheets, on a scale of about 40 miles to one
inch, showing the supposed positions of the Platte, Arkansas, and Red
Rivers, from their mouths to their sources ; and a map of New Spain, in
two sheets, on a scale of about 75 miles to an inch.
In 1805 and 1806 Lieutenant Pike,* in his expedition to the sources of
the Mississippi, ascended the stream from the month of the Missouri to what
is called Upper Red Cedar Lake (since named Cass Lake), and examined
Turtle River, an affluent of this to its sources. He also examined Leech
Lake and Leech River to its junction with the Mississippi. His map of the
river gives its general direction with considerable accuracy, and is the more
creditable to him, since, in his own language, "in the execution of this voy-
age I had no gentlemen to aid me, and I literally performed the duties (as
far as my limited abilities permitted) of astronomer, commanding officer,
clerk, spy, guide, and hunter."
Lieutenant Pike's second expedition was to the sources of the Arkansas,
with the intention of passing thence south to those of Red River of Louisi-
ana, and descending this stream to Natchitoches. He was accompanied by
I. ient. James B. AVilkinson, U. S. A., and Dr. J. H. Robinson, M. D., and
was provided with a sextant, chronometer, and compasses.
*********
Nearly every part of the country traversed by Lieutenant Pike has
since been explored by parties better provided with instruments, and his
determinations are now replaced by others more accurate.
"Major Pike was a lieutenant while making both of the explorations noticed lure, and was
promoted after his return.
EPITOME OF WARREN'S MEMOIR. 529
Red River, the discovery of whose sources was one of the main objects
of Major Pike's expedition, was examined in 1806 by a party under Captain
Sparks from the mouth as far up as the Spanish border. Here he was met
by a Spanish force very much superior to his in numbers, and prevented
from eroinff further.
At this time the boundary between Louisiana and New Spain was not
definitely agreed upon, and the Americans and Spaniards each maintained
troops near the border to prevent the incursions of the opposite party.
Burr's schemes were also agitating the public mind, and probably increased
the suspicions of the governments of both nations.
*********
HUMBOLDT'S NEW SPAIN, 1811.
The edition of this work, which I have consulted, is entitled "Political
Essay on the Kingdom of New Spain, containing researches relative to the geogra-
phy of Mexico ; the extent of its surface, and Us political division into intendancies ;
the physical aspect of the country ; the population ; the state of agriculture and
manufacturing and commercial industry ; the canals projected between the South
Sea and Atlantic Ocean; the Crown revenues; the quantity of the precious metals
which have flowed from Mexico into Europe and Asia since the discovery of the
New Continent; and the military defence of New Spain. By Alexander de
Humboldt ; with physical sections ami maps, founded on astronomical observa-
tions and trigonometrical and barometrical measurements. Translated from the
original French by John Black. Second edition. London: Printed for Long-
man, Hurst, Pees, Orme, & Brown, and H. Colburn.— 1814." It is accom-
panied by an original map, on a scale of 120 miles to an inch, "of New
Spain, from 16° to 38° north latitude;' between the 94th and 114th meridian;
" reduced from the large map drawn from astronomical observations at Mexico,
in the year 1804, by Ale., under de Humboldt ; ami comprehends tin' ivhote of the
information contained in the original mop. except the heights of the mountains."
This work, completed by the Baron Humboldt for the Spanish Govern-
ment in 1808, is almost a complete summary of all the explorations made
by the Spaniards down to the date of its preparation, and is therefore of
much value in showing the extent of their knowledge at that day. It shows
that Father Escalante, in 1777, visited or gained information about Lake
34 WH— VOL I
530 T7. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
Timpanogos (doubtless Utah Lake, which has an affluent now called by
that name, and which is fresh, like the one described by him), and also Lake
Salado (probably Sevier Lake), which, he says, receives the waters of the
Rio de San Buenaventura, its western limits being unknown. Baron Hum-
boldt did not entertain the idea that any large river flowed into the Pacific
Ocean from the region which now composes the Territory of Utah, as was
generally represented on all the English maps. His work does not, how-
ever, give any positive information about the topography and hydrography
of any portion of our present territory which the explorations of our Gov-
ernment have not replaced by more accurate results. Still, as it has formed
the basis of many classifications of the great mountain system and abounds
in valuable enunciations of the true principles of hydrography and topog-
raphy, no one should neglect to consult it whose scientific investigations
extend to the country west of the Mississippi.
RECTOR'S AND ROBERDEAU'S COMPILED MAP, 1818.
This map is titled, " Sketch of the western part of the continent of North
America, between latitude 35° and 52° N." from the 87th meridian to the
Pacific Ocean, on a scale of about 47 miles to an inch. " This map, of an
extent of country including more than 20° of latitude and 50° of longitude, was
originally drawn under the inspection of William Rector, esquire, surveyor of the
United States for the Territories of Missouri and Illinois, and was by him pre-
sented to the General Laud Office, January 21 , 1818. It is probably the most
correct map of the country now extant. Signed, Josiah Meigs, General Land
Office, January 21, 1818; Roberdeau, U. S. T. Engineers, del."
From the year 1807 to 1819 our country was much of the time in-
volved in foreign difficulties, and little was done, so far as I have been able
to learn, in exploring our western possessions. This map of Rector and
Roberdeau has, I believe, never been published.
*********
MAJOR S. H. LONG'S FIRST EXPEDITION, 1819 AND 1820.
" Account of an Expedition from Pittsburg to the Rocky Mountains, per-
formed iu the years 1819 and 1820, by order of the Hon. J. C. Calhoun, Secretary
of War, under the command of Major Stephen 11. Long, from the notes of Major
EPITOME OF WARREN'S MEMOIR. 531
Long, Mr. T. Say, and other gentlemen of the exploring party : compiled by
Edwin James, botanist and geologist for the expedition. In two volumes, with an
atlas. Philadelphia: H. C. Carey and I. Lea, Chestnut street. — 1823." This
book also contains Major Long's official report. Accompanying the publi-
cation is a map, in two sheets, on a scale of 75 miles to an inch, embracing
the country from the meridian of Washington to the Rocky Mountains, be-
tween the 33d and 47th parallels. The original map in the Topographical
Bureau is in one sheet, on a scale of 36 miles to an inch. The same work
was republished u in three volumes in London: printed for Longman, Hurst,
Bees, Orme, <('■ Brown, Paternoster Bow. — 1823."
This expedition started from Pittsburgh, Pa., early in April, 1819, on
board the small steam-boat Western Engineer, under command of Major Long.
He was assisted by Major Biddle, Lieut. J. D. Graham, U. S. A , Cadet W.
H. Swift, Dr. Baldwin, Dr. Thomas Say, Mr. Jessup, Mr. T. R. Peale, and Mr.
Samuel Seymour. They were provided with chronometers, sextants, tele-
scope for observing occultations and eclipses, and with compasses. They
descended the Ohio River to its mouth, ascended the Mississippi to the
mouth of the Missouri, and up this river to Old Council Bluff, which was
the end of their travels that season, the main body wintering there at
Engineer Cantonment.
*********
Major Long returned to the seat of General Government during the
winter, and was accompanied the next spring by Capt. John R. Bell, U. S. A.,
who took the place of Major Biddle, and by Dr. E. James, as botanist and
geologist, in the place of Dr. Baldwin and Mr. Jessup, the former having
died while ascending the Missouri River. Lieutenant Graham returned from
Engineer Cantonment with the steam-boat.
-
This was the third attempt by exploring parties, under the United
States Government, to discover the sources of Red River. The explorations
of Major Long's expedition, made in Arkansas and Missouri on their return,
have been replaced by the surveys of the United States Land Office. The
only portions of the route of this exploration which have not been re-
532 TL S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
examined are the trails from the Arkansas to the Canadian, and from the
Great Bend of the Arkansas to Fort Gibson.
The astronomical observations by Major Long, Lieutenant. Graham, and
Lieutenant Swift consisted of* altitudes and lunar distances by the sextant
and eclipses of Jupiter's satellites, observed with a four-foot telescope. The
relation of their determinations to those of subsequent parties will be dis-
cussed hereafter. Their barometers were all broken before they reached
the forks of the Platte. On the map which was made by Major Long we
see the Black Hills of Nebraska represented as a north and south range,
differing from Lewis and Clarke's map, which gave them a northwest trend.
This is the first original map which represents this range as running north.
MAJOR LONG'S EXPEDITION TO THE SOURCE OF THE ST. PETER'S RIVER.
The work I have consulted is entitled "Travels in the Interior of North
America, with the particulars of an Expedition In the Lakes, and the source of the
St. Peter's river. By Messrs. Loin/, Keating, and Colhoun ; in two volumes.
London: Printed for G. B. Wliittaker, Are Maria lata. — 1828." It is accom-
panied by a map, on a scale of 35 miles to an inch, exhibiting the route of
the expedition. It includes the area limited on the northeast by a line drawn
from Lake Winnipeg to the east end of Lake Ontario; on the southeast by
a line from Lake Ontario to Pittsburgh; on the southwest by one from Cincin-
nati to Rock Island, in the Mississippi ; and on the northwest by one from
the Mandan villages to Lake Winnipeg.
This expedition was commanded by Maj. S. II. Long, topographical
engineer, who was assisted by Thomas Say, zoologist, antiquarian, and
botanist; William H. Keating, mineralogist and geologist; and James C.
Colhoun, astronomer, who was supplied with a sextant and pocket chro-
nometer. Distances were estimated and courses taken by compasses. Mr.
Say and Mr. Keating, by the latter of whom the published narrative was
written, acted as joint literary journalists. They started from Philadelphia
in April, 1823; traveled to Wheeling; thence to Columbus; thence to Fort
"Wayne, on the Miami River, where they obtained a few soldiers to accom-
pany them, and thence to the southern extremity of Lake Michigan. The
journey between these last two places was through a wilderness, and on
EPITOME OF WARREN'S MEMOIR. 533
reaching Chicago they found it to consist "of a few miserable huts, inhab-
ited by a miserable race of men," though it was, "perhaps, one of the oldest
settled places in the Indian country." From this point they proceeded
through the unknown wilderness to Fort Crawford, or Prairie du Chien, at
the junction of the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers. From this point one
portion proceeded rapidly by land up the right bank of the Mississippi to
Fort Snelling. The other part arrived there soon after by water. This
place had been visited by Major Long in 1817, and its site recommended
for a permanent military post, which was established in 1819.
*
The astronomer, Mr. Colhoun, made numerous observations, which
embraced every kind of which a sextant is capable. Our knowledge of the
route has been improved by other explorers from the mouth of the St. Peter's
River to the 49th parallel, but from that point to the mouth of Dog River
this map is our only authority along the route explored. The Shayenne
River, which Major Long supposed to be only 50 miles long, has since
been shown to have a valley about 300 miles in length.
J. C. BROWN'S SURVEY OF ROAD FROM FORT OSAGE TO TAOS, 1825 1826, AND 1827.
In the Topographical Bureau there is one map, in two sheets, of this
survey, on a scale of 4 miles to an inch; another on a scale of 12 miles to
an inch, and a third on a scale of 4 miles to an inch, in thirty-one sections,
"of the road surveyed and marked out from the western frontier of Missouri,
near Fort Osage, to San Fernando de Taos, near Santa Fe, in New Mexico,
by order of the Government of the United States, in the years 1825, 1826,
and 1827, with accurate and minute notes and directions for the use of
travelers," which begins thus : " The following pages contain a map of the
road, as surveyed and marked out from the frontier of Missouri to Taos, the
first settlement in the direction to Santa Fc>, under the direction of Benjamin
Reeves, George C. Sibley, and Thomas Mather, commissioners appointed
by the President of the United States for that purpose."
This survey was made witli a chain and compass, corrected by observa-
tions for latitude with a good sextant. The longitudes were referred to the
meridian of Fort Osage, which was taken at 93° 51' 03". This road is that
534 U. S. GEOGRAPI1I0AL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
of the Santa F6 trail, along the divide between the Kansas and Arkansas
Rivers.
*********
These maps, though not displaying great skill in topographical repre-
sentation, were constructed from a survey more elaborate than any subse-
quent one over the same route. They are therefore of much value at the
present time. The names now in use along the line were many of them
given by this party. I am not aware that the original map and notes have
ever been published.
E. RICHARDSON'S SURVEY OF EOAD FROM LITTLE ROCK TO FORT GIBSON, 1826.
The map of this road, in the Topographical Bureau, is constructed on
a scale of four miles to an inch. The survey was made, I believe, with a
chain and compass, and is valuable as showing the relative longitudes of
Fort Smith and Fort Gibson. It does not seem to have been used on late
compilations.
NORTHWEST BOUNDARY COMMISSION, 1828.
The commissioners appointed under the treaty of Ghent for ascertain-
ing and establishing the north and northwestern boundary between the
United States and Great Britain made a decision (June 18, 1822) at Utica,
N. Y., which was published by a resolution of the United States House of
Representatives in 1828. As this publication extends their labors no further
west than the outlet to Lake Superior, the information and maps do not re-
late to the region under consideration. I believe that the surveys made
under the commission were extended as far west as the Lake of the Woods,
and according to these the boundary line was fixed in the second article of
the Ashburton treaty. In the State Department there is a map, in five
sheets, on a scale of an inch to two miles, a reduction of which was pub-
lished on Nicollet's map of the hydrographical basin of the Upper Missis-
sippi. The original maps have the following title :
" Map of a part of certain surveys along the water communications northward of Lake Superior,
comjiencing at the mouth of the Pigeon River and extending westward to Lake Namekan ; made by
order of the honorable the commissioners under the sixth and seventh articles of the treaty of Ghent.
" ^"ed : << PETER B. PORTER, > Commiasioner8 _
"ANTH. BARCLAY, S
"I. FERGUSON, Surveyor.
"GEORGE W. WHISTLER, U.S. Artillery,
" Draughtsman and Assistant Survtyor."
EPITOME OF WARREN'S MEMOIR. 535
BRITISH ADMIRALTY CHART OF LAKE SUPERIOR, 1828.
This chart, published from reconnaissances made by Lieut. H. W. Bay-
field, R. N., are, to this day, the best we have of the northern shore of Lake
Superior.
LIEUTENANT HARDY, R N.-EXAMINATION OF GULF OF CALIFORNIA, 1825, 1826, 1827, AND 1828.
Lieutenant Hardy visited the whole coast of the Gulf from Mazatlan
around by the mouth of the Colorado to Loredo, in search of pearl fisheries.
He did not determine any positions by astronomical observations, and his
map has not been used by me.
ROSS COX.-ADVENTURES ON THE COLUMBIA RIVER.
This book is entitled "Adventures on the Columbia Birer, including a
Narratire of six years on the Western side of the Rocky 3 fountains among vari-
ous tribes of Indians hitherto unknown, together with a Journey across the Amer-
ican Continent: By Ross Cox. Published by J. J. Harper, New ForL-1832."
The journey across the continent was made up the Columbia to one of
its northern sources, crossing the Rocky Mountains at the head of the Atha-
basca River, near Mount Hooker, in about latitude 52° 10' north. The
book is very interesting and instructive in regard to the early operations of
the fur companies.
RECONNAISSANCE OF THE SOURCES OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER, BY LIEUT. J. ALLEN, U.S. A., 1832.
The report of Lieutenant Allen, with map, on a scale of 5.75 miles to
an inch, exhibiting the Mississippi River from Lake Pepin to its source,
together with the country adjacent to his routes, is printed in Ex. Doc. No.
323, 1st session Twenty-third Congress.
« I was not furnished with, nor could I procure at Fort Brady, any
instruments by which to fix, from astronomical observations, the true geo-
graphical positions of points necessary to be known for the construction of
an accurate map; and to obviate this inconvenience I had recourse to a
method of tracing the whole route between the few points fixed and given
by the observations of former travelers. For this purpose a compass, the
only instrument I had, was placed in my canoe, where it was constantly
under my eye; and as the canoe proceeded in the line of a river I carried
536 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
my observations from the compass to a field-book at every bend or change
of direction, thus delineating in my field-book all the bends of the river pre-
cisely as they occurred ; and by establishing a scale of proportions in the
lengths of the reaches I was also in this way enabled to lay down and pre-
serve the general curve of a river with surprising accuracy, as was tested
afterwards in constructing on my map the routes of rivers between known
points. The distances were estimated with great pains and care, and from
the combined judgment of all the gentlemen of the party. * * *
"On the portion of the Mississippi above Cass Lake, which was the
least known of any part of the river and route, I bestowed on the tracing
and computing of distances the most unremitted attention."
To Lieutenant Allen we are indebted for the first topographical and
hydrographical delineation of the source of the Mississippi; and this, some-
what improved by Mr. Nicollet, is our authority at the present day for the
Mississippi above the mouth of Swan River. Lieutenant Allen was a com-
panion of Mr. II. R. Schoolcraft, whose labors and writings are so well known.
SCHOOLCRAFT'S NARRATIVE OF THE EXPEDITION TO THE SOURCE OF THE MISSISSIPPI IN 1832.
The title of this work is as follows : "Narrative of an Expedition through
the Upper Mississippi to Itasca Lake, the actual source of this river, embracing
an exploration through the St. Croix ami Burntwood (or Untie) rivers, in 1832,
under the direction of Henry It. Schoolcraft New )'<>rh: Published by Harper
( (: Brother, No. 82 Cliff street— 1834." This book is embellished by "A
sketch of the sources of the Mississippi River, drawn from Lieutenant Allen's
observations in 1832, to illustrate Schoolcraft's inland journey to Itasca
Lake, in two sheets, on a scale of about 11 miles to an inch."
Mr. Schoolcraft's object on the expedition in 1832 was to attempt a
reconciliation of the difficulties between the Chippeway and Sioux Indians.
The routes he pursued were nearly those mapped by Lieutenant Allen, as
already described.
In the same book is a brief account of Mr. Schoolcraft's examinations
in 1831 (in connection with his duties in relation to Indian affairs) of the
country between Lake Superior and the Mississippi. His route lay up the
Mauvaise or Bad River to its source, and thence down the Chippeway to
its mouth.
EPITOME OF WARREN'S MEMOIR. 537
Mr. Schoolcraft had also accompanied Gen. Lewis Cass in his expedi-
tion to the sources of the Mississippi in 1820, at which time the highest
point reached was the lake called Red Cedar hy Pike, but since generally
known as Cass Lake.
Mr. Schoolcraft published a beautifitl description of this expedition,
called, "Narrative Journal of Travels from Detroit, northwest through the great
chain, of American Lakes, to the sources of the Mississippi river, in the year
1820. By Henry R. Schoolcraft. Albany: Published by K. <('■ E. Hosford.—
1821." It is accompanied by a map on a scale of 65 miles to an inch, ex-
hibiting the region bounded by the 1st and lilst meridians west from Wash-
ington and the 41st and 51st parallels.
The Mississippi River, whose extreme sources Messrs. Allen and School-
craft have the honor of first exploring, was discovered by Hernando de Soto,
who reached its banks probably near Memphis in 1541. Father Marquette
and Sieur Joilet first saw it in 1673. Father Hennepin visited it in 1680,
and named the St. Peter's River and the Falls of St. Anthony. The mouth
was discovered in 1683 by the Sieur La Salle, who sailed down the Illinois
River to the Mississippi, and navigated it to the Gulf of Mexico. M. Le
Sueur visited it probably as early as 1695, at which time lie discovered the
blue earth on the St. Peter's. In 1702 he floated two thousand pounds of
this material to the mouth of the Mississippi. These statements in regard
to the discovery of the Mississippi I have taken principally from Mr. Keat-
ing's narrative of Major Long's expedition to the sources of the St. Peter's
River.
We are indebted to Capt. Jonathan Carver, who visited the Upper
Mississippi in 1 766-68, for much of our early knowledge of the Upper Missis-
sippi valley, although some of his statements must be received with caution.
He claims to have first conceived the idea of passing from the sources of the
Missouri to the Pacific Ocean. An expedition to this effect was actually
fitted out by the aid of Mr. Whitworth, when the growing troubles of the
colonies with the mother country led to its abandonment.
CHAPTER II.
EXPLORATIONS FROM A. D. 1832 TO A. I). 1844.
Captain Bonneville, U.S.A., expedition, 1832 to 1836.— Discovery of Great Salt Lake and Humboldt
River.— Irving's Astoria.— Lieut. E. Steeu, U. S. A., map, 1835.— Topographical Bureau, map of
Western Frontier, 1837.— C. Dimmock, C. E., survey, 1838.— Capt. W. Hood, T. E., memoir and map,
1839.— Topographical Bureau, map of Oregon, 1838.— Survey boundary Louisiana and Texas,
1840.— Commander Wilkes, U. S.N., map of Oregon, 1811.— Kendall's Santa Fe Expedition, 1841.—
Professor Nicollet's exploration and map, 1835-MO.— Lieut. J.C.Fremont, T.E., exploration, 1842.—
Capt. N. Boone, U.S.A., expedition, 1843.— Capt. J. Allen, U. S. A , expedition, 1843.— Topograph-
ical Bureau, map of Texas, 1844.— Gregg's Commerce of the Prairies, 1844.
BONNEVILLE'S EXPEDITION TO ROCKY MOUNTAINS, 1832 TO 1836.
The narrative I have perused is entitled " The Rocky Mountains ; or,
Scenes, Incidents, and Adventures in the Far West; digested from the Journal
of Captain B. L. E. Bonneville, of the Army of the United States, and illustrated
from various other sources. By Washington Irving. In tivo volumes. Phila-
delphia : Carey, Lea & Blanchard.— 1837." This is accompanied by two
maps ; one on a scale of 23 miles to an inch, showing the sources of the
Missouri, Yellowstone, Platte, Green, Bear, Snake, and Salmon Rivers, and
a portion of Lake Bonneville (Great Salt Lake) ; the other, on a scale of
50 miles to an inch, giving the country from the Rocky Mountains to the
Pacific, between the parallels of 38° and 49° north latitude.
Captain Bonneville's explorations were made in prosecution of the fur
trade, which was his principal object, and very great accuracy in the map
is not therefore to be expected. His letter of instructions, from Major-
General Macomb, dated Washington, August 3, 1831, contains the follow-
ing directions: "The leave of absence which you have asked, for the pur-
pose of enabling you to carry into execution your design of exploring the
country to the Rocky Mountains and beyond, * * * has been duly con-
539
540 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
sidered and submitted to the War Department for approval, and has been
sanctioned. Yon are therefore authorized to be absent from the Army till
October, 1 833. It is understood that the Government is to be at no expense
in reference to your proposed expedition, it having originated with your-
self. * * * Yon will naturally, in preparing yourself for the expedi-
tion, provide suitable instruments."
* * * * * * •* * *
Having made his arrangements for the year he visited the Great Salt
bake and saw its northern portions. "To have this lake properly explored
and all its secrets revealed was the grand scheme of the captain for the
present year. * * * This momentous undertaking he confided to Mr.
Walker, in whose experience and ability he had great confidence." " He
instructed him to keep along the shores of the lake, and trap in all the
streams on his route. He was also to keep a journal and minutely to record
the events of his journey and everything curious or interesting, and make
maps or charts of his route and of the surrounding country." No pains nor
expense were spared in fitting out this party, which was composed of forty
men. They had complete supplies for a year, and were to meet Captain
Bonneville in the ensuing summer in the valley of Bear River, the largest
tributary of Salt Lake.
This party endeavored to proceed south over the great barren salt plain
lying to the west of the lake, but their sufferings became so great, and the
dan <>-er of perishing so imminent, that they abandoned the proposed route and
struck to the northwest for some snowy mountains in the distance Thus
they came upon Ogden's (Humboldt) River, and followed down it to the
"sinks," or place where it loses itself in the sand. Continuing on they
crossed the Sierra Nevada, in which they were entangled for twenty-three
days, suffering very much from hunger, and finally reached the waters of
the Sacramento; thence turning south they stopped at the Mission of Monte-
rey. After a considerable sojourn the party started to return Instead of
retracing their steps through the Sierra Nevada they passed round its south-
ern extremity, and crossing a range of low hills, found themselves in the
sandy plains south of Ogden's River, where they again suffered grievously
from want of water. On this journey they encountered some Mexicans,
EPITOME OF WARREN'S MEMOIR. 541
two of whom accompanied them to the rendezvous appointed by Captain
Bonneville. The return route of this party probably was nearly that taken
by Captain Fremont in 1842, and known as the Santa Fe" trail to California.
They thus traveled quite around the Great Basin system.
While this expedition was in progress Captain Bonneville made an ex-
cursion to the headwaters of the Yellowstone. Leaving Green River he
moved east to the sources of the Sweetwater, so as to turn the Wind River
Mountains at their southeast extremity ; thence striking the head of the
Popo Agie, he passed down it to Wind River, which he followed through
the gap of the Little Horn Mountains, and through the Big Horn range.
Below these mountains the river becomes navigable for canoes, and takes
the name of the Big Horn River From this point he returned to Wind
River and attempted to cross the Wind River Mountains direct to his caches
on Green River. In this he was foiled by the chasms and precipices and
compelled to take his former route around their southeastern extremity.
From the depot he went up to the sources of Green River, crossed the mount-
ains between its source and that of Wind River, and again returned to
Green River by the Sweetwater. He then passed over the mountains to
the Bear River Valley, and thence to the Port Neuf River, where he estab-
lished his winter quarters.
During the winter he started to visit the Columbia, passing down the
Snake River Valley, through the Grand Ronde and over the Blue Mount-
ains to Walla- Walla. He returned to Bear River in the succeeding June.
On the 3d of July, 1S34, he made a second visit to the Columbia, and re-
turned to spend the winter on Bear River. In 1 started from Fort Leaven-
worth, proceeded up the Platte and South Fork to its source, then traveled
south to the Arkansas, and returned by it and the Santa Fc road to Fort
Leavenworth.
TOPOGRAPHICAL BUREAU MAP OF Till: WKSTEUST FRONTIER, 1837.
This is ".-1 map illustrating theplan of the defenses of the western andnorth
western frontier, as proposed by Charles Gratiot, in his report of October 31,
1837, compiled in the United States Topographical Hunan, under the direction
of Col J. J. Abort, United states Topographical Engineers, by W. Hood."
This map was published (Senate document No 65, second session
Twenty-fifth Congress) on a scale of 50 miles to an inch. It embraces the
territory of the United States from the Gulf of Mexico to the 45th parallel
of north latitude, and from the Mississippi River west to near the 103d
meridian.
New ( Irleans and St. Louis are both represented as being in longi-
tude 90° 25'.
SVUYl.Y OF C. K1MMOCK IN 1838.
This survey, made with chain and compass for a military road along
the western borders of Arkansas and Missouri, between Fort Smith and Fort
Leavenworth, is still valuable between Old Fort Scott and Fort Smith, as
it has not here been replaced by the United States Land < Iffice surveys.
TOPOGRAPHICAL BUREAU MAP OP OREGON, 1838.
The title of this is "A map of the United states territory of Oregon /rest
of the Iioehi/ Mountains, exhibiting the various trading depots or forts occupied
by the British Hudson Bay Company connected with thewestern and northwestern
fur trade, compiled in the Bureau of Topographical Engineers, from th latest
authorities, under the direction of Col. J. J. Abert, by Washington Hood, 1838.
M. II. Stansbury, del."
This map accompanies the report of Mr. Linn, from "the select com-
mittee to which was referred a bill to authorize the President of the United
3.5 WH— VOL I
54G U. S. GEOGEAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TII MERIDIAN.
States to occupy the Oregon Territory, submitted to the Senate," which
report forms Senate document 47<), second session Twenty-fifth Congress.
The map is published on a scale of 25 miles to an inch, and embraces
the territory of North America from the 38th to the 55th parallel west of
the 102d meridian.
All of this map, between the 40th and 50th parallels, with some trifling
changes, was published in Wyndham Robertson's work, entitled "Oregon,
our Right and Title," etc., published in Washington, 1846.
HEXIOIU AND MAP BY CAPTAIN HOOD, 1839.
('apt, Washington Hood, Topographical Engineers, while stationed on
the Missouri frontier, compiled in 1839 a map, on a scale of 42 miles to an
inch, of the country adjacent to the headwaters of the Missouri, the Yellow-
stone, the Salmon, the Lewis, and the Colorado, with various observations
on the subject of the practicable passes or routes through the Rocky Mount-
ains to the Pacific, "from information obtained in frequent conversations
with two highly intelligent trappers, William A. Walker, of Virginia, and
Mr. Coates, of Missouri, who belonged originally to Captain Bonneville's
party, but subsequently continued to roam the mountains as free trappers
during six consecutive years ; as also that derived from others, who were
connected with surveys and expeditions as far to the westward as Santa Fe
and Taos."
This map is correct in its main features, but neither it nor the notes
were ever published.
SURVEY OF THE BOUNDARY BETWEEN LOUISIANA AND TEXAS IN 1840.
The journal of the commission will be found in Senate document No,
199, second session, Twenty-seventh Congress, and is accompanied by two
maps. ( me, on a scale of 1 \ miles to an inch, gives the Sabine River; and tbe
other, on a scale of 4 miles to an inch, represents the meridian boundary
line between the Sabine and Red Rivers, the initial point being the place
where the Sabine is crossed by the parallel of 32° north latitude.
The surveys on the part of the United States of the portion north of
the Sabine River were made by Lieut. Col. James Kearney, Lieut. J. Edm.
EPITOME OF WARREN'S MEMOIR. 547
Blake, and Lieut. L. Sitgreaves, Topographical Engineers ; and along the
Sabine River by Maj. J. D. Graham, Lieut, T. J. Lee, and Lieut. G. G.
Meade, Topographical Engineers. The surveys on the part of Texas were
by Messrs. P. J. Pellows, I). C. Webber, and A. B. Gray.
UNITED STATES EXPLORING EXPEDITION UNDER COMMANDER CHARLES WILKES, U.S.N.
"Narrative of the United States Exploring Expedition during the years
1838, 1889, 1840, 1841, and 1842, by Charles Wilkes, U. S. N, commander of
the expedition, men/her of the American Philosophical Society, etc., infer volumes,
and an atlas. Philadelphia: Lead'- Blanchard..—lSA5. n The map extends
from the 40th to the 53d parallel, and from the 106th meridian to the Pacific,
on a scale of about 48 miles to an inch.
This naval exploring expedition arrived in Oregon in 1841.
A party under Lieutenant Johnson started from Nisqually, crossed the
Cascades near Mount Rainier, and reached the Columbia near the mouth of
the Pisquose River. Crossing the Columbia they proceeded to Port Okini-
kaine, thence to the mouth of the Spokane, and thence north to Fort Col-
ville. They then turned south, visited the Mission, and continuing on
struck the Kooskoosky, about forty miles below where Lewis and Clark
struck it; thence they traveled to Fort Walla-Walla, From this point they
returned to Nisqually by the valley of the Yakima River, crossing the Cas-
cade Mountains at its source.
The Columbia River was surveyed as far up as Walla- Walla, and a
party was dispatched up the valley of the Willamette, and thence to the
sources of the Sacramento, down which they traveled to the bay of San
Francisco.
KLNDALL'S NARRATIVE-SANTA FE EXPEDITION, 1811.
"Narrative of the Texan Santa Fe Expedition, comprising a description of
a tour through Texas, and across the ureal southwestern prairies, the Comanche
and Camilla hunting grounds, with an account of the sufferings from want of
food, losses from hostile Indians, and final capture of the Texans, and their
march as prisoners to the city of Mexico, with illustrations ami a map. By
George Wilkins Kendall; in two volumes. New York: Harper & Brother, 82
Cliff street 1844." The map is on a scale of 45 miles to an inch, bounded
f)48 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
mi the north hy the 38th parallel, on the east by the 91st meridian, on the
south l>v the 19th parallel, and on the west by the 103d meridian.
This expedition left Austin, the capital of Texas, on the 21st of June,
1841. Mr. Kendall, the author of the narrative, accompanied the expedi-
tion from motives of mere curiosity and a desire of travel, being fully im-
pressed with the idea that it was entirely a commercial expedition, and not
one that would render null his passport received from the Mexican consul
at New Orleans. The en tire, military force consisted of six companies, aver-
aging forty men each. There was a large train of wagons containing the
property of merchants who accompanied the expedition to trade at Santa
Fe. The whole party was under the command of General McLeod. * * *
This expedition, it is thought, may have been the first to visit the sources
of hed River, but it furnished no topographical information which could be
accurately represented upon a map.
I. N. NICOLLET'S EXPLORATIONS, 1836 TO 1840.
This report and map was printed by the Senate, document No 237,
Twenty-sixth Congress, second session: the title being "Report intended to
illustrate J Topo-
graphical Engineers. February 1(1, 1841. — Ordered to he printed, and2Q0 addi-
tional copies for the use of the Senate. Washington: Blair & Hires, printer*. —
1843." The map accompanying this document is on a scale of 1 to 1,200,000.
"Reduced and compiled, under the direction of Col. J. J. Abert, in the
Bureau of Topographical Engineers, by Lieut, W. II. Emory, from the map
published in 1842, and from other authorities in 1843."
The map published in 1842 was on a scale of 1 to 600,000, and bore
the title of "Map of the Hydrographical Basin of the Upper Mississippi
River, from astronomical and barometrical observations, surveys, and in-
formation, by I. N. Nicollet, made in the years 1836, 1837, 1838, 1839, and
is 10; assisted in 1838, 1839, and 1840, by Lieut. J. C. Fremont, of the
Corps of Topographical Engineers, and authorized by the War Depart-
ment." Both of these maps comprised the valley of the Mississippi and
country adjacent, from the parallel of 38° to 4S° 30' north, between the
EPITOME OF WARREN'S MEMOIR. 549
89th and 101st meridians west from Greenwich, and contained, in addition
to the results- of Mr. Nicollet's own observations and determinations, a com-
pilation of nearly all previous authentic explorations within these limits.
Mr. Nicollet savs in his introduction that "having come to this country
for the purpose of making a scientific tour, and with a view of contributing
to the progressive increase of knowledge in the physical geography of North
America, I determined, after having explored the Alleghany range in its
various extension through the Southern States, and having ascended the
Red River, Arkansas River, and to a long distance the Missouri River, to
undertake the full exploration of the Mississippi River from its mouth to its
very sources. During the five years that I was engaged in these excursions
I took occasion to make numerous observations calculated to lay the foun-
dation of the astronomical and physical geography of a large extent of
country, and more especially of the great and interesting region between
the Falls of St. Anthony and the sources of the Mississippi. With these
labors I connected, also, the study of the customs, habits, manners, and
languages of the several Indian nations that occupy this vast region of
country. .At the expiration of this long (and I found it an arduous) journey,
I returned to Baltimore among my good friends of St. Mary's College, where
I soon received a flattering invitation from the War Department and To-
pographical Bureau to repair to Washington. The result of my travels was
made known to these departments, upon which they thought proper to in-
trust me with the command of an expedition to enable me to complete to
the greatest advantage a scheme which I had already projected on my visit
to the far west, namely, the construction of a geographical and topograph-
ical map of the country explored." This was in the spring of 1838.
The years 1838 and 1839 were spent in explorations in Minnesota,
assisted by Lieutenant Fremont. Mr. Nicollet had nearly completed the
map, and written a portion of his report, when death put an end to his
labors before he was enabled to tinish it, or to revise what had been pre-
viously written. The report does not, therefore, do justice to the surveys,
and it is impossible to specify the routes he pursued except for the years
of 1836, 1838, and 1839, and somewhat imperfectly for these, even though
I have consulted his original notes in the Topographical Bureau. The
550 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
reconnaissances of these years are the ones which, topographically, have at
present the greatest value, as nearly all the others made hy him have since
been replaced by more accurate surveys under the General Land Office.
Wherever Mr. Nicollet went he was indefatigable in the use of the tele-
scope for observing occultations and eclipses, and of the sextant, with
which lie was very skillful; with these, a pocket chronometer, artificial
horizon of mercury, and barometer, he obtained results possessing - remark-
able accuracy for the means employed.
Mr. Nicollet was the first explorer who made much use of the barom-
eter for obtaining the elevation of our great interior country above the sea.
An abstract of the methods and principles by which he was governed in
his explorations is given in his report, and have served as a guide to many
subsequent explorers. His map was one of the greatest contributions ever
made to American geography.
EXPLORATION OF LIET'T. J. C. FREMONT, TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS IN 1812.
The report of this expedition is S. Doc. No. 243, Twenty-seventh Con-
gress, third session, and is entitled "An Exploration of the Country lying
between the Missouri River and the Rocky Mountains, on the line of the Kansas
and Great Platte Hirers.''' It is illustrated by a map on a scale of 1 to
1,000,000 (nearly 16 miles to an inch), embracing the country from the
forks of the Platte to the South Pass, between the forty-third and forty-
fifth parallels.
Lieutenant Fremont's party consisted of about twenty-five persons,
all mounted except eight who drove the carts carrvino' their stores. He
was assisted by the since well known topographer, Mr. Charles Preuss, and
provided with chronometers, sextant, artificial horizon, telescope for observ-
ing occultations, and a barometer.
Lieutenant Fremont made, throughout this journey, astronomical
observations whenever circumstances permitted. His barometer was
broken among the Wind River Mountains.
EPITOME OF WAEEEN'S MEMOIR, 551
EXPLORATION BY CAPT. N. BOONE, JNITED STATES DEAGOONS, 1843.
The manuscript copy of this map, report, and journal I obtained from
the hies of the Adjutant-General's Office, and it is exceedingly interesting
as containing an account of a country almost unknown. The map is on a
scale of 20 miles to an inch. It exhibits the country between the Arkansas
and Canadian Rivers as far west as the 100th meridian. It contains no
meridians or parallels, as no astronomical observations were made. Captain
Boone says: "It is a map or rough sketch of the country, with the water
courses running through it. The courses and distances are all estimated
from point to point direct, and not according to the distance actually trav-
eled during each day, as it was found impossible to note ; the courses^ and
distances of the windings made during each day's march. Tins report ,s
accompanied by a minute journal, covering fifty-five pages ot letter paper
closely written, and is referred to by General Taylor, ,n transmitting it as
containing "much valuable and curious information, particularly m relation
to the salt region on the Red Fork of the Arkansas." The map and report
have never been printed*
******
EXPEDITION OF CAPT. J. AXXH TO SOUBCK OF DES MOINES BIVER, ETC.. 1843.
The report and journal of this expedition form printed House Doc. No.
168, 1st session 29th Congress. No map was printed with this report.
Captain Allen submitted a map of his route with it, concerning winch he
Jkesthe following remarks: "For the actual route passed over must
refer to the accompanying -nap, which will show it more fully and com-
pletely than it could be made by any other description. The map was
constructed by Lieutenant Potter, under my immediate direction, and the
care of taking minute notes on the way and the pains taken during its pro-
jection by that officer to secure ail the information within its reach, will
'warrant me in saying that it gives , very correct delineation of the country
passed over, as also the topography of other parts of this ternary perhaps
the most accurate on record." The Adjut.nt-C ^eneraF^TornasY, - his lette.
graphical information which it conta.ned ™semb-ac« n a ma, l / Q A . M .»
1-47, entitled " Harpert Cereographic Ma,, oi .1,- 1 mted Stat. i. By
552 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TII MERIDIAN.
transmitting this report to Secretary Marry, says: "Instead of the map of
the route accompanying the report, I submit the more perfect map of the
Upper Mississippi by Nicollet (from which Captain Allen's sketch no doubt
was taken), upon which the route of the troops under his command lias
been carefully traced in the Topographical Bureau. Should it. be deter-
mined to publish Captain Allen's route, Colonel Abort is of opinion it would
be best to use the plate prepared for Nicollet's map. This would be not
only much less expensive, but would probably improve the original ma}),
which is one of much value."
The expedition under Captain Allen consisted of J. S. Griffin, assistant
surveyor: First Lieut. P. Calhoun, 2d dragoons; Second Lieut. P. Noble,
1st dragoons; Second Lieutenant Potter, 1st infantry, and 52 soldiers.
Captain Allen was supplied "with a small imperfect sextant," and no
chronometer.
A portion of this route along the Big Sioux has not been reconnoitered
since.
TOPOGRAPHICAL BUREAU MAP OF TEXAS, 1844.
The title of this is "Map of Texas and the countries adjacent, compiled
hi flie Bureau of the Corps of Topographical Engineers, from the best authorities,
for flic Stole Department, under I lie direction of Col. J. J. Abert, chief of the
corps, In/ W. II. Emory, 1st lieutenant Topographical Engineers, War Depart-
ment, 1S44," on a scale of about 70 miles to an inch.
This gave most of the information extant, at the date of compilation,
respecting the country comprised between the Gulf of Mexico and the Mis-
sissippi River on the east to the Pacific Ocean on the west, between the
twenty-second and forty-second parallels of north latitude. No mountains
are indicated, except those inclosing the Pio Grande Valley. A lake, in the
approximate position of the Great Salt Lake, is represented, and another one
receiving the waters of Ogden's or Mary's River. There are no names on
the lakes and rivers represented in these interior basins ; but this compila-
tion shows that the existence of these basins and lakes was, at that time,
admitted as an established fact in the Topographical Bureau.
EPITOME OF WARREN'S MEMOIR. 553
GREGG'S COMMERCE OF THE PRAIRIES, 1844.
The title page of this book is "Commerce of the Prairies, or the Journal
of a Santa Fe Trader, during eight expeditions across the Great Western
Prairies, and a residence of nearly nine years in Northern Mexico, illustrated
with maps and engravings. By Josiah Gregg, in two volumes. Kv a map of the route from St. Paul to Fort Union, drawn on a scale of
i to 1,200,000.
A nearly complete report is contained in House Doc. No. 129, first
session Thirty-third Congress, accompanied by a profile and map, in three
sheets, showing the entire route, drawn on a scale of 1 to 1,200,000. This
map is, hoVever, not so complete as the one in the quarto edition.
An additional report has also been made by Governor Stevens, which
will appear in a subsequent volume with numerous landscape illustrations.]-
This expedition, as first organized, consisted of four separate parties.
The one under Governor Stevens's personal supervision operated from
St Paul westward towards the mouth of White Earth River; thence on
the prairies lying along the Missouri River to the Rocky Mountains, and
then among the passes of that region. Another, under Bvt. Capt. G B.
McClellan, Engineers, began at Fort Vancouver, on the Columbia, operated
northeastward, examining the passes of the Cascade Range, and then east-
ward to join Governor Stevens's party. Another party, under Lieut. A. J.
Donelson, Engineers, examined the Missouri River from its mouth to the
Yellowstone, where a junction was made with that under Governor Stevens.
The fourth part}', under Lieut. R. Saxton, United States artillery, con-
ducted a reconnaissance from Fort Walla Walla to the Bitter Root Valley,
where a depot was established.
The party under the immediate supervision of Governor Stevens took
the field at St. Paul's on the 8th June. The principal engineer and sci-
entific assistants consisted of Lieut. C. Grover, United States artillery;
Dr. George Suckle}', surgeon and naturalist; Messrs. F. W. Lander and
A. W. Tinkham, civil engineers; Mr. J. Lambert, topographer; Mr. J. M.
Stanley, artist ; Mr. G. W. Stevens, assistant astronomer, and Mr. J. Moffett
and Mr. J. Doty, meteorologists. Governor Stevens failed in securing the
services of the officer designed to take charge of the astronomical observa-
tions.
t Ordered by the Senate at the second session Thirty-fifth Congress.
EPITOME OF WARREN'S MEMOIR. 577
The party was well supplied with suitable instruments. Odometers,
compasses, barometers, thermometers, sextants, chronometers, and a porta-
ble astronomical transit of twenty-six inches focal length (which latter was
not used).
Lieutenant Saxton arrived at Fort Benton on the 12th of September.
He had been charged with establishing a depot of supplies at St. Mary's
village, and left The Dalles on the 18th of July, 1853. His party consisted
of Lieuts. Robert Macfeely and Richard Arnold, Messrs. Arnold and Hoyt,
and forty-nine enlisted men, packers, etc. They were provided with
barometers, compasses, sextants, and chronometers. The distances were
estimated.
The party on the western division, under the command of Capt.
George B. McClellan, consisted of Lieut. J. K. Duncan, Third Artillery,
Lieut. S. Mowry, Lieut. H. C. Hodges, Mr. J F. Minter, civil engineer,
George Gibbs, geologist, and Dr. J. G. Cooper, naturalist. Captain
McClellan left Fort Vancouver in July, 1853.
A large map of the Cascade Range, north of the Columbia, was pre-
pared by Lieutenant Duncan on a scale of 1 to 400,000.
Lieutenant Mullan, being left at Cantonment Stevens, on the Bitter
Root River, to make observations in the mountains during the winter, made
several reconnaissances. He was assisted by Mr. Adams as topographer
and artist. The maps of the routes, were made from compass courses and
generally estimated distances.
The reports of each of the reconnaissances made by the subordinates
of Governor Stevens's expedition will be found with his printed report; and
the various maps of these routes were compiled by Mr. Lambert on the
map that accompanies it. Governor Stevens also made additional examina-
tions in 1855, in connection with his official duties with the Indians, and
the results will be published in a supplementary volume.
37 wh — VOL I
578 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF lOUTU MERIDIAN.
SURVEY BY LIEUT. R. ARNOLD, 1861.
Iii the summer of 1854 Lieut. R. Arnold, Third Artillery, made an
odometer survey and map of a road which he opened from Puget Sound
to Walla Walla, through the Nachess Pass, over nearly the same route recon-
noitered by Lieutenant Hodges, of Captain McClellan's party, in 1 853. His
report will be found as an appendix to the annual report of Col. J. J. Abert,
Topographical Engineers, forming part of Senate Ex. Doc. No. 1, first
session Thirty-fourth Congress.
EXAMINATIONS BY MR. F. W. LANDER, CIVIL ENGINEER, 1851.
The report of Mr. Lander forms part of House Ex. Doc. No. 129,
First Session Thirty-third Congress, and is reprinted in the quarto edition
of Pacific Railroad Reports, Vol. II, Senate Ex. Doc. No. 78, and House
Ex. Doc. No. 91, second session Thirty-third Congress. The report is
unaccompanied hy maps or sketches.
Mr. F. W. Lander returned to the States in 1854 by the emigrant road
up the valley of the Columbia ; thence across the Blue Mountains through
the Grande Ronde; thence up Snake River and across to Bear River; and
thence by the usual traveled road through the South Pass and down the
Platte River to Missouri.
The journey was undertaken by him at the request of citizens of
Oregon and Washington Territories, to endeavor to find a railroad route in
this direction. Although he examined several approaches to the Blue
Mountains from the west, he found no practicable railroad route, as time
and means did not permit him to reconnoiter this portion as fully as he
intended. If was also his design to examine a route from the source of
Snake River over the mountains to the head of Green River, but an acci-
dent to himself prevented this. His examinations tended to confirm the
opinion of the difficult nature of the route west of the South Pass.
EXPLORATION AND SURVEY FOR A. RAILROAD ROUTE TO THE PACIFIC, NEAR THE THIRTYEIGHTH
AND THIRTY-NINTH PARALLELS, UNDER CAPT. J. W. GUNNISON, TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS.
The report of this examination was made by Capt. E. G. Beckwith,
United States Artillery, and forms part of Vol. II of the quarto edition of
the Pacific Railroad Report, Senate Ex. Doc. No. 78 ; House Ex. Doc. No.
EPITOME OF WARREN'S MEMOIR. 579
91, second session Thirty-third Congress The maps were prepared by-
Mr. F. W. Egloffstein, and are in four sheets, on a scale of 12 miles to an
inch.
The profile of this route is engraved on a horizontal scale of 30 miles
to an inch, and a vertical scale 39^ times greater than the horizontal. Nu-
merous illustrations accompany the quarto edition. This report was also
published in House Doc. No. 129, first session, Thirty-third Congress, and
was accompanied by a preliminary map, on a scale of 50 miles to an inch,
and profile on a horizontal scale of 15 miles to an inch, the vertical scale
being 2,000 feet to an inch. A sketch of the portion of the route between
the 104th and 110th meridian, on a scale of about 1G miles to an inch, ac-
companies the report of the Secretary of War — Senate Ex. Doc. No. 29,
first session, Twenty-ninth Congress.
This expedition was composed of Captain Gunnison, Lieut. E. G. Beck-
with, Third Artillery ; Mr. R. H. Kern, topographer; Mr. S. Homans, astrono-
mer; Dr. J. Schiel, surgeon and geologist; Mr. F. Creutzfeldt, botanist; and
Mr. J. A. Snyder, assistant topographer ; with the necessary teamsters and
employes. They were escorted by Capt. R. M. Morris and Lieut. L. S.
Baker, and about thirty soldiers of the regiment of mounted rifles. They
were provided with sextants and artificial horizons, compasses, odometers,
mercurial and aneroid barometers, and instruments for railroad surveying.
Their supplies, etc., were transported in wagons.
* # * # * * # # #
Messrs. Beale and Heap passed over nearly this same route in advance
of Captain Gunnison's party on their way to California. The journey of
these enterprising travelers was a very trying one ; and they lost nearly
everything they had in attempting to cross Grand River on a raft during a
high stage of water. They published a brief and interesting narrative of
their journey, accompanied by a map.
Col. J. C. Fremont* also passed over nearly this same route during the
winter of 1853-54. He crossed the Sierra Blanca through the Sandy Hill
Pass; thence his route was not materially different from Captain Gunni-
son's to the point where the latter left Grand River. Colonel Fremont con-
* See letters to the editors of the National Intelligencer, which form House Miscellaneous Docu-
ment No. 8, second session Thirtv-third Congress.
560 U. S. GEOGEAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
tinued further south, and crossed the Sawatch Mountains south of Gunni-
son's route. He had with him, as far as the Mormon settlement, Mr. F. W.
Egloffstein, as topographer.
Sl'RVEY FOR A RAILROAD TO THE PACIFIC NEAR THE FORTY-FIRST PARALLEL, BY LIEUT. E. G.
BECKWITH, IX 1864.
The report of this route, by Lieutenant Beckwith, forms part of Vol-
ume II of the quarto edition of the Pacific Railroad Reports. The topo-
graphical maps arc in four sheets, on a scale of 12 miles to an inch. The
profiles are drawn on a horizontal scale of 111 miles to an inch, the vertical
scale being 28-^- times larger. This report of Captain Beckwith was also
published in House Document No. 129, first session Thirty -third Congress,
and was accompanied by a preliminary map on a scale of 50 miles to an
inch.
On the 3d of April Lieut. E. G Beckwith, aided by Mr. F. W. Egloff-
stein and the surviving assistants of Captain Gunnison, started to examine
the practicability of the Wasatch Mountains east of Great Salt Lake.
#### *«##*
AN EXAMINATION TO ASCERTAIN THE MOST PRACTICABLE LOCATION FOR A WAGON ROAD ALONG
THE CARSON VALLEY ROUTE, PASSING NEAR LAKE BIGLERJ (CALLED BY FREMONT, IN HIS
MAP OF HIS SECOND EXPEDITION, "MOUNTAIN LAKE," AND ON HIS MAP OF THE THIRD EXPE-
DITION, LAKE BONAPLAND.)
This examination throws much light on the subject of the practicability
of the route for a railroad.
The altitudes were determined by an aneroid barometer. The deter-
mination of the eastern boundary of California was another object in the
examination, and for this purpose the party used an astronomical transit and
sextant with chronometers. The report of these operations, by George H.
Goddard, accompanies the annual report of the surveyor-general of the State
of California, Assembly document No. 5, session of 1856.
SURVEY FOR A RAILROAD ROUTE TO THE PACIFIC, NEAR THE THIRTY-FIFTH PARALLEL, BY CAPT.
A. W. WHIPPLE, TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS.
The final report of Captain Whipple forms Volumes III and IV of the
quarto edition of the Pacific Railroad Reports, Senate Ex. Doc. No. 78,
House Ex. Doc. No. 91, second session Thirty-third Congress. It is accom-
t Now kuown us Lake Tahoe.
EPITOME OF WARREN'S MEMOIR. 581
panied by a topographical map in two sheets, drawn on a scale of 15 miles
to an inch, and a sheet of profiles on a horizontal scale of 15 miles to an
inch, and a vertical 50 times the horizontal. There are, besides, geological
maps and numerous other illustrations. His preliminary report forms part
of House Doc. No. 129, first session Thirty-third Congress. This edition is
accompanied by a map in two sheets, and on a scale of 1 to 900,000, and a
profile of the route on a horizontal scale of 1 inch to 79,500 feet, and a ver-
tical scale of 1 inch to 3,000 feet.
Captain Whipple was assisted by Lieut. J. C. Ives, Topographical
Engineers; Dr. J. M. Bigelow, surgeon and botanist; Jules Marcou, geolo-
gist and mining engineer; Dr. C. B. R. Kennerley, physician and naturalist;
A. H. Campbell, principal assistant railroad engineer; H. B. Mollhausen,
topographer and artist; Hugh Campbell, assistant astronomer; William
White, jr., assistant meteorological observer; Mr. George G Garner, assist-
ant astronomer; Mr. N. H. Hutton, assistant engineer; John P. Sherburne,
assistant meteorological observer; and Mr. T. H. Parke, assistant astronomer
and computer. They were provided with a portable transit, sextants, and
chronometers, for astronomical observations, and with the other instruments
needful for reconnaissances. They were escorted by a company of the
Seventh Infantry, under Capt. J. M. Jones, and began the survey with a
train of wagons. Lieutenant Ives proceeded, with an astronomical transit
and other instruments, from Washington, D. C, to Albuquerque, by way
of San Antonio and El Paso, where he joined the party.
SURVEY FOE A PACIFIC RAILROAD THROUGH THE PASSES OF THE SIERRA NEVADA AND COAST
RANGE, BY LIEUT. R. S. WILLIAMSON, TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS, 1854.
The final report of these surveys and reconnaissances forms Volume
V of the quarto edition of the Pacific Railroad Reports. It is accompanied
by a general map on a scale of 1 to 000,000; one of certain passes on a
scale of 1 to 240,000, and several detailed maps. There are, too, sheets of
profiles drawn on a horizontal scale of 1 to 120,000 and a vertical scale five
times greater. The report is also accompanied by geological maps and
profiles. The report and general map were also in House Document No.
129, first session Thirty-third Congress.
582 U. S GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
Lieutenant Williamson was assisted by Lieut, J. G. Parke, Topograph-
ical Engineers; Lieut. G. B. Anderson, Second Dragoons; Dr. A. L. Heer-
nian, physician and naturalist; Mr. W. P. Blake, geologist; Mr. Isaac W.
Smith, civil engineer; Mr. Charles Preuss, topographer; and Mr. Charles
Koppel, artist. His escort was commanded by Lieut. G. Stoneman, First
I )i agoons. Continuous topographical sketches of the routes traversed were
taken and the work checked by astronomical observations with the sextant.
Two of the passes were surveyed with chain and spirit level. On the map
Lieutenant Williamson embodied some of the explorations of Captain
Warner which had not before been published.
RECONNAISSANCE FOR A RAILROAD ROUTE BETWEEN PIMAS VILLAGE AND EL PASO, BY LIEUT.
J. G. PARKE, TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS, IN 1854.
The report of this reconnaissance forms part of Volume II, quarto
edition of the Pacific Railroad Reports. This report is printed in House
Ex. Doc. No. 129, first session Thirty-third Congress, and is there accom-
panied by a map on a scale of 5 miles to an inch, and profile on the same
horizontal scale, the vertical being 1,()00 feet to an inch.
Lieutenant Parke, assisted by Mr. II. Custer, topographer, and Dr.
A. L. Heerman, physician and naturalist, and provided with barometers,
odometers, and compass, on the 24th of January, 1S54, left San Diego
with a party of twenty-three men, exclusive of an escort, under Lieutenant
Stoneman, of twenty-eight dragoons
RECONNAISSANCE FOR A RAILROAD ROUTE FROM EL PASO TO PRESTON, P.T BFT. CAPT. JOHN
POPE, TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS, 1854.
The report of this reconnaissance will be found in Volume II of the
quarto edition of the Pacific Railroad Reports, and is accompanied by a
map, on a scale of 15 miles to an inch, and a profile on the same horizontal
scale, the vertical being fifty times greater. The report, with a map and
profile, on a scale of 10 miles to an inch, also forms part of House Doc. No.
129, first session Thirty-third Congress
Capt J. Pope was assisted by Lieut. Kenner Garrard, First Dragoons;
Dr. J. Mitchell, surgeon and naturalist; Mr. C L. Taplin, and J. II. Byrne,
EPITOME OF WARREN'S MEMOIR. 583
with an escort of twenty-five men under Lieut. L. II. Marshall, Third In-
fantry. The party, including- teamsters, etc., numbered seventy-five men.
They were provided with sextant, chronometer, odometer, and compasses.
The grades were determined by measuring the vertical angle with a theod-
olite. The expedition left Dona Ana February 12, 1854.
######## «
Captain Pope made additional explorations in the vicinity of the Gua-
dalupe Mountains during the years 1855, 1858, and 1857, while engaged
in the experiment for obtaining water by artesian wells, but his final report
has not yet been made.
EXPLORATION AND SURVEY TOR A RAILROAD ROUTE FROM BENICIA, CALIFORNIA, TO FORT FILL-
MORE, NEW MEXICO, BY LIEUT. J. G. PARKE, TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS, 1854-'55.
The report of these examinations forms part of Volume VII of the
quarto edition of the Pacific Railroad Reports, and is accompanied by two
topographical maps, on a scale of 12 miles to an inch, and profiles of his
routes on the same horizontal scale, and a vertical scale fifty times larger. On
the same sheet is a profile of the route from Fulton to San Diego, on a hor-
izontal scale of 36 miles to an inch, and a vertical scale fifty times greater.
There are also geological maps and profiles.
Lieutenant Parke was assisted by Mr. Albert H. Campbell, civil engi-
neer; Dr. Thomas Antisell, geologist; and Messrs. Custer and N. II. Hutton,
topographers. They were provided with sextants and chronometers, barom-
eters, compasses, and odometers. On the 20th November, 1854, they left
Benicia with a party of about thirty persons.
EXPLORATION AND SURVEY FOR A RAILROAD ROUTE FROM THE SACRAMENTO RIVER TO THE
COLUMBIA RIVER, BY LIEUT. R. S. WILLIAMSON, TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS.
The report of this expedition, owing to the illness of Lieutenant Will-
iamson, was written by Second Lieut. H. L. Abbot, Topographical Engi-
neers. It forms Volume VI of the quarto edition of the Pacific Railroad
Reports, and is accompanied by a topographical map, in two sheets, on a
scale of 12 miles to an inch, and two sheets of profiles, on the same hori-
zontal scale, but with the vertical scale fifty times greater.
The party consisted of Lieut. R. S. Williamson, Topographical Engi-
neers, assisted by Lieut. H. L. Abbot, Topographical Engineers, with Dr.
584 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
J. S. Newberry, as geologist; Dv. F. Sterling, as physician and naturalist;
Mr. H. C Fillebrown, as assistant engineer; Mr. C. D. Anderson, as com-
puter; and Mr. John Young, as draughtsman. A light cart was taken for
the instruments, but everything else was transported by pack mules. The
party was supplied with sextants and chronometers, odometers, compasses,
and barometers.
The expedition left Benicia, California, on July 10, 1855, and pro-
ceeded up the Sacramento Valley to Fort Reading, crossing the river at
Fremont, At the fort it was joined by the escort, consisting of Lieut. II.
G. Gibson, Third Artillery; Lieut, G. Crook, Fourth Infantry; Lieut, J. B.
Hood, Second Cavalry, and one hundred soldiers
In making the map of this exploration, Lieutenant Abbot embodied
various unpublished military reconnaissances made in < )regon and northern
California, which he duly acknowledges. These were : That by Major
Alvord, in 1853, from Myrtle Creek, in Umpqua Valley, to.. Rogue River
Vallev ; that by Mr. G Gibbs, in 1852, from Humboldt Ray to the head
of Scott's River; that of Lieutenant Chandler, in 1856, near the mouth of
Rogue River; that of Lieutenant Kautz, in 1854, near Coos Bay; those of
Lieutenant Williamson from Yreka, east of Shasta Butte, to Fort Reading ;
from Yreka to lower Klamath Lake, and from Port Orford to Coquille and
Rogue Rivers, made while on military duty in the Department in 1851—52.
UNITED STATES AND MEXICAN BOUNDARY SURVEYS.
These surveys began in 1849, and continued, with various interruptions,
till 1856. During the establishment of the boundary line agreed upon by
the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, four different appointments were made of
United States commissioner, four of astronomer, and two of surveyor.
Delays were caused by these changes, by a want of means to properly carry
on the work, and by differences of opinion as to the proper initial point on
the Rio Grande.
The following-named reports can be consulted in relation to it :
1st. The reports of the Secretary of the Interior, one dated February
27, 1850, printed Senate Ex. Doc. No. 34, first session Thirty-first Congress;
EPITOME OF WARREN'S MEMOIR. 585
and another dated July, 1852, which is printed Senate Ex. Doc. No. 119,
first session Thirty-second Congress.
These contain various letters from different individuals and sketch
maps in reference to the initial points of the boundary line on the Pacific
shore, at the juncture of the Gila and Colorado Rivers, and on the Rio
Grande.
2d. Extract from a journal of an expedition from San Diego, California,
to the Rio Colorado, from September 11 to December 11, 1849, by A W.
Whipple, Lieutenant United States Topographical Engineers; printed
Senate Ex. Doc. No. 19, second session Thirty-first Congress
3d. Report of Lieut Col. J. D. Graham, Topographical Engineers,
Senate Ex. Doc. No. 121, first session Thirty-second Congress.
This is a narative by Colonel Graham of his connection as astronomer
with the establishment of this line, and is accompanied by numerous letters
from different persons, one of which is Lieutenant Whipple's report to
Colonel Graham on the survey of the Gila. This report of Colonel Graham
is also accompanied by a "barometric profile of the route from San Antonio
via Castorville, Fort Inge, Howard's Spring, Ojo Escondido, Eagle Spring,
El Paso del Norte, and Dona Ana, to the copper mines of Santa Rita, in
New Mexico, in 1851 ; from observations by and under the direction of
Bvt. Lieut. Col. J. D. Graham, United States Topographical Engineers,
assisted by Lieut. W. F. Smifli, Togographical Engineers, and Mr. J.
Lawson, and computed by Lieut. G. Thorn, Topographical Engineers "
The profile is on a horizontal scale of 20 miles to an inch, the vertical
scale being 105 t 6 q times greater.
Colonel Graham acknowledges, in terms of commendation, the aid re-
ceived by him from Lieutenant Whipple, Topographical Engineers, and
Lieutenants Tillinghast and Burnside, U. S. Army.
4th. "Personal* Narrative of Explorations and Incidents in Texas, New
Mexico, California, Sonora, and Chihuahua, connected with the United States
and Mexican Boundary Commission, during the years 1850-'51-'52, and^bZ.
By John Russell Barfh It, United Slides Commissioner during that period ; in two
volumes, with maps and illustrations. Published by D Appleton <(' ( 'o., Nos. 346
ami 348 Broadway, New York, and No. 16 Little Britain, London — 1854."
586 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
In page 11 of the preface to this work, Mr. Bartlett says: "The maps
of the survey, as well as the astronomical, magnetic, and meteorological
observations, with all that strictly appertains to the running and marking
the boundary line, were, by the instructions of the Secretary of the Interior,
placed in charge of the surveyor, Bvt. Maj. W. II. Emory, who alone is
held responsible for the faithful performance of these duties. From the
high character of that officer as an engineer, the public may expect, in
proper season, a satisfactory account of his labors in these departments.
Some time must elapse before the maps to illustrate the whole boundary
from one ocean to the other can be completed ; I have therefore been
compelled to construct, meanwhile, the map prefixed to this work from
my own itinerary and from the most authentic information that could be
obtained."
This work contains, among other things of interest, an account of the
country south of the boundary, on the route from El Paso via the Guada-
lupe Pass to Guavmas: and also of a journey through Chihuahua, Coahuila,
and New Leon to the Rio Grande.
5th. '• Report on the United States and .Mexican Boundary Survey,"
made under the direction of the Secretary of the Interior, by William H.
Emory, Major First Cavalry and United States Commissioner. Wash-
ington: Cornelius Wendell, printer."
The report of Major Emory was published in 1858, and forms Senate
Ex. Doc. No. His, first session Thirty-fourth Congress, and, with the
appendices, makes two volumes. There are four topographical maps on a
scale of 1 to 60(>,OO(), "showing the boundary line and the country con-
tiguous, as far as information lias been obtained from actual survey or
reconnaissance." There is also a topographical map on a scale of 1 to
6,000,000, entitled a "Map of the United States and their Territories
between the Mississippi River and the Pacific Ocean and part of Mexico,
compiled from surveys made under the order of W. II. Emory, Major First
Cavalrv, United States Commissioner, and from the maps of the Pacific
Railroad, General Land Office, and the Coast Survey, projected and drawn
under the supervision of Lieut. N. Michler, Topographical Engineers, by
Thomas Jekyll, C E., 1857-58." This map (of all the country north of
EPITOME OF WABBEIPS MEMOIR. 587
the surveys of the Mexican boundary) is a reduction from the map which
I have compiled for .the Pacific Railroad office.
Major Emory's report is also accompanied by a geological map of the
same country, and on the scale as that just mentioned, prepared by
James Hall, assisted by J. P. Leslie, esq. This map is without date.
There is also a barometrical and geological profile along the Rio
Grande from its mouth to El Paso, and thence across the country to the
Pacific. The report contains numerous illustrations of scenery, and geo-
logical, botanical, and zoological plates.
Assistance is acknowledged to have been received in the field from
Lieut. A. W. Whipple, Topographical Engineers; Bvt Capt. E. L. F.Hard-
castle, Topographical Engineers; Mr. G. C. Gardner, Dr. C. Parry, Messrs.
K. [ngraham, C. Radziminski, Arthur Schott, J. II. Clark, S. W. Jones, E.
A. Phillips, J H. Houston, J. E. Weiss, J I Campbell, F. Wheaton, W.
White, and Gr. Gr. Garner.
The line, as finally determined and established voider the treaty of
Guadalupe Hidalgo, extended up the Rio Grande from its mouth to lati-
tude 31' 54/ 40" north; thence west along that parallel to the meridian of
109°37' west: thence due north to the Rio .San Domingo; thence down
that stream to the Gila; thence down the Gila to its month: thence in a
straight line to the point on the Pacific in latitude 32 12 orth.
Numerous reconnaissances were made by different parties in going to
and from various points on the line; and the Rio Grande was surveyed as
far up as the parallel of 32* 22 north, and a portion of that parallel run
by Lieutenant Whipple as directed by Mr. Bartlett, commissioner at the
time.
The treaty of 1853, by which the tract of territory known as the
Gadsden purchase was acquired from Mexico, changed the boundary line
as to make it commence on the Rio Grande at latitude 31° 47' north;
thence due west 100 miles ; thence south to latitude 31 ' 30' north: thence
due west to the 111th meridian; thence in a straight line to a point on the
Colorado 20 miles below its junction with the Gila; thence up the Colo-
rado to the former line
588 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
To establish this boundary Major Emory (then brevet major, Corps
Topographical Engineers) was appointed commissioner and astronomer on
the part of the United States; and the work was accomplished during- the
years 1855-56. Major Emory was assisted in this work by Lieut. N.
Michler, Topographical Engineers; Lieut. C. N. Turnbull, Topographical
Engineers: Messrs. C. Radziminski, M. T. W. Chandler, J.H.Clark, II.
Campbell, W. Emory, M. Von Hippel, C. Weiss, F. Wheaton, A. Schott,
J. Houston, D. Ilinkle, B. Burns, E. A. Phillips, and J. O'Donoghue.
Capt. G. Thorn, Topographical Engineers, had charge of the office in com-
puting the work and projecting the maps of both boundary surveys.
SURVEY OF ROAD FROM BIG SIODX TO MENDOTA. BY BVT. CAPT. J. L. KENO, UNITED STATES
ORDNANCE, IX 1.-:.::.
Captain Reno was assisted in this survey, which was made with chain
and compass, by Mr. James Tilton (now surveyor-general of Washington
Territory) and Mr. A.. Cross.
The map now in the Topographical Bureau has never been published.
The report forms printed House Ex. Doc. No. 97 first session Thirty-third
Congress.
EXPLOKATIONS OF THE SOURCES OF THE MKAZdS AND BIG WICHITA RIVERS, BY CAPT; R. B.
MAItCY, F1FTII INFANTRY, IX 1851.
The report of this forms Senate Ex. Doc. No. (>0, first session Thirty-
fourth Congress. It is accompanied by a map of the region explored, on a
scale of 8 miles to an inch. Captain Marcy was accompanied by Major
Neighbors, Indian agent, and Dr. G. G Shumard, geologist, and escorted
by forty-five men of the Seventh Infantry, under Lieuts. N. B. Pearce and
G. Chapin. An odometer, compass, aneroid barometer, and thermometer
composed his main instruments.
The object of the expedition was to find suitable lands to reserve for
the Indians.
# * » # * * #
No astronomical observations being made, he adopted the positions of
Forts Belknap and Phantom Hill, from Johnson's map of Texas.
EPITOME OF WARREN'S MEMOIR. 589
FDR HUNTERS OF THE FAR WEST, BY ALEXANDER ROSS, IN TWO VOLUMES; PUBLISHED BY
SMITH, ELDEE & CO. LONDON: 1835.
This book begins with the transfer of Astoria to the British Northwest
Company, and gives the history of this company down to its union with the
Hudson's Bay Company in 1821, which closes the first volume. The second
volume is a narrative of some expeditions conducted by the author for the
Hudson's Bay Company in 1825 and previous years On one of these he
led a large trapping party into the Snake country, and visited the sources
of Salmon, Malade, Goddin's, and Reicl's or Boise Rivers, giving a very in-
teresting account of much country as yet unexplored by any surveying
expedition, and I believe undescribed in any other book. The information
concerning it is of great value and interest.
The author, in speaking of the great amount of information required
by the members of these fur companies, and the little that has been given
to the public, says that it has not been kept secret from design, but merely
from inability to make it public.
There are many works of travels and adventures on the prairies men-
tioned in this memoir, but I have endeavored to refer to most of those con-
taining accurate information of country not covered by the official surveys.
MARCH OF THE COMMAND UNDER COLONEL STEPTOE, FRuM FORT LEAVENWORTH TO CALIFOB
XI A. 1K54- >5.
The report of Capt. Rufus Ingalls, who was quartermaster to this com-
mand, forms a portion of the printed annual Executive Document of 1855,
part two. A map showing the routes of portions of the command from Salt
Lake City west is also a part of the same document, and was furnished by
Captain Ingalls. The command started from Fort Leavenworth during the
first part of June, 1854, and traveled the usual route via Fort Kearny, Fort
Laramie, South Pass, and Bear River to Great Salt, Lake City, where the v
spent the winter.
Lieut. S. Mowry, who accompanied Colonel Steptoe, was detached at
Great Salt Lake City in the spring of 1855 to conduct some dragoon
recruits and animals by the Sai ta Fc trail to Fort Tcjon, in California.
MO U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
This duty he performed. His report was rendered to the Adjutant-General,
but has not been published. It was not illustrated by any topographical
sketches.
SURVEY OF MILITARY ROAD IN OREGON, BY LIEUT. JOHN \V. WITHERS, IN 1854.
The map, with descriptive notes, is on file in the Topographical Bureau.
It is drawn on a scale of 2 miles to an inch. The road is located along the
valley of Umpqua River, between Scottsburg ami Myrtle Creek. The re-
port of Lieutenant Withers accompanied the annual report of the Colonel of
Topographical Engineers for 1855.
SURVEYS AND RECONNAISSANCE BY LIEUT. G. H. DERBY, TOPOGRAPHIC AL ENGINEERS. IN'
OREGON AND WASHINGTON TERRITORIES, 1854 AND 1855.
The principal of these examinations were for a road from Salem to
Astoria, in Oregon, and from Columbia Barracks to Fort Steilacoom, in
AVashington Territory. The maps are on file in the Topographical Bureau,
drawn on a scale of l.to 48,000. There are also reductions of these (made
in the Topographical Bureau) to a scale of 4 miles to an inch. These
surveys and maps were made by direction of Maj. H. Bache, Topographical
Engineers, by Lieutenant Derby, assisted by Mr. George Gibbs and C M.
Bache. A brief report in relation to these routes will be found in the
annual report of the Colonel of Topographical Engineers for 1855.
RECONNAISSANCE OF THE ROUTE OF THE SNAKE RIVER EXPEDITION, BY LIEUT. G. H. MEN-
DELL, TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS, 1855.
I have never seen Lieutenant Mendell's report. The reconnaissance
was probably made by means of compass courses and estimated distances,
cheeked by astronomical observations for latitude. A tracing from his
original map is in the Topographical Bureau.
This expedition, consisting of about two companies, all mounted, under
the command of Bvt. Maj. G. P. Haller, Fourth Infantry, was organized
by General Wool in the summer of 1855, for the purpose of chastising the
Indians who had killed some emigrants near Fort Boise.
EPITOME OF W ARRETS MEMOIR. 591
SURVEYS OF ROADS IN MINNESOTA, UNDER CAPT. J. H. SIMPSON, TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS.
Captain Simpson's annual report for 1855, with a map, on a scale of
24 miles to an inch, showing all the General Government roads under his
charge, forms a part of the annual Executive document for that year. One
of these roads extends from Point Douglas, on the Mississippi, to the mouth
of St. Louis River ; another from Point Douglas to Port Ripley ; another
from Fort Ripley, on Crow Wing River, to Otter Tail Lake ; and another
from the Mendota to the mouth of the Big Sioux River. These are the
principal roads. The one last mentioned was surveyed by Captain Reno
in 1853.
RECONNAISSANCE IN THE DAKOTA OR SIOUX COUNTRY, BY LIEUT. G. K. WARREN, TOPOGRAPH-
ICAL ENGINEERS, IX 1855.
The report of this forms Senate Ex. Doc. No. 7(5, first session Thirty-
fourth Congress. It is accompanied by a map on a scale of 1 to 600,000,
giving the detailed topography of the routes explored, and a general map
of Nebraska, on a scale of 1 to 3,000,000.
While making this reconnaissance I was attached to the staff of General
Harney, commanding Sioux expedition, and was assisted by Mr. P. Carrey
and J. II. Snowden. Sketches of routes were also furnished me by Lieut.
G. T. Balch, U. S. Ordnance, and Lieut. J. Curtiss, Second Infantry. The
instruments used consisted of odometers, compasses, and barometers. I
left St. Louis on the 7th of June. * * * Over the routes traveled the
distances were measured with an odometer, and maps were made of all the
routes traversed.
RECONNAISSANCE OF A ROAD FROM FORT LEAVENWORTH TO THE BIG TIMBERS ON THE AR-
KANSAS, BY LIEUT. F. T. BRYAN, TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS, IN 1855.
The map of this is in the Topographical Bureau, but neither it nor the
report have been published.
The party under Lieutenant Bryan consisted of Mr. J. Lambert, topog-
rapher; Mr. C. Lombard, road surveyor; Mr. C. F. Lamed and S. M. Cooper,
assistant topographers. Their instruments consisted of compasses and
592 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OP 100TH MERIDIAN.
odometers. Having surveyed the route from Fort Leavenworth to Fort
Riley, they were joined there by an escort under Ma j. L. Armistead.
RECONNAISSANCE BY LIEUT. J. C. AMOKY, FROM FORT GIBSON TO BENT'S FORT, IN 1855.
Lieutenant Amory was attached to the command of Lieutenant-Colo-
nel Morrisson, who left Fort Gibson and traveled up the Verdigris as far
as the Kansas boundary. Here they left that river and proceeded north-
west, gradually approaching the Arkansas until they struck it at the mouth
of Walnut Creek; thence they proceeded over the usual road to Bent's
Fort. Their route from Fort Gibson to the mouth of Walnut Creek was
through country previously unexplored.
RECONNAISSANCE BY MAJOR MERRILL, UNITED STATES DRAGOONS, IN 1855.
This consists in a sketch of the route of a portion of the Second Dra-
goons from Fort Belknap direct to Council Grove and Fort Riley.
MAP COMPILED BY LIEUT. 1. N. MOORE, UNITED STATES DRAGOONS, IN 1855.
This map embraces the country between the Rio Grande and Pecos,
from the thirty-second parallel to the thirty-sixth, and is compiled from
examinations, sketches, and notes taken by himself, Major Carlton, Lieu-
tenant Higgins, and other officers of the Army while traversing this region
on Indian scouts, etc, The positions of the main points along the Rio
Grande, Canadian route, and upper Fl Paso route are taken from the pub-
lished maps of the Topographical Engineers
RECONNAISSANCE BY LIEUT. E. L. HARTZ, EIGHTH INFANTRY, C S. ARMY, 1830.
Lieutenant llartz, with a command of three non-commissioned officers
and twenty-four men, with two wagons, started on the 16th of August from
Fort Davis to intersect the El Paso road. His general course was nearly
west, but with many detours to obtain water. He passed through the
Carisso Pass, which is difficult for wagons, and struck the El Paso road
k 25 miles west of Eagle Springs. A map of this route was made by Lieu-
tenant, llartz, on a scale of 1 inch to 5 miles. It is not stated in his report
or map what instruments were employed in reconnoitering.
EPITOME OF WARREN'S MEMOIR. 593
EXPLORATIONS FOR ROAD FROM FORT RILEr TO BRIDGER'S PASS, BY LIEUT. F. T. BRYAN,
TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS, 1856.
The report of this will be found in the annual documents accompany-
ing- the President's message for 1857. The original map, on a scale of 1 to
600,000, is in the Topographical Bureau, and was not published with it
Lieutenant Bryan was assisted by Mr. J. Lambert, Mr. C. F. Larned, Mr.
S. M. Cooper, assistant topographers, and Mr. H. Englemann, as geologist.
They were provided with odometers, compasses, barometers, and sextant.
They were accompanied by thirty men, and protected by an escort of one
company of the Sixth Infantry under Maj. L. A. Armistead.
SURVEY OF ROAD FROM OMAHA CITY TO FORT KEARNY, BT CAPT. JOHN H. DICKERSON, A.Q.M.,
IN 1856.
The report of Captain Dickerson is published with the documents ac-
companying the President's annual message for 1 S,07, but without the map,
which is in the Bureau of Topographical Engineers, under the direction ot
which the survey was made. This survey from Omaha to the Platte, and
along that river to Fort Kearny, was made with a chain and compass and
spirit level.
A survey was made with compass and odometer of the route up the
Loup Fork, on the south side, leaving it near the mouth of Beaver Creek.
RECONNAISSANCE FROM FORT RANDALL TO FORT KEARNY, BY LIEUT. "W. D. SMITH, SECOND
DRAGOONS, IN 1856.
A reconnaissance was made of this route during the march of a squad-
ron of the Second Dragoons under Lieut. W. D. Smith. The report is accom-
panied by a sketch map made from the measured distances, but without com-
pass courses. The report has not been printed.
RECONNAISSANCE FROM FORT RIDGELY TO FORT PIERRE, BY CAPT. A. SULLY, SECOND IN-
FANTRY, IN 1850.
A reconnaissance was made of this route by Captain Sully, whose com-
pany formed part of the command of Lieutenant- Colonel Abercrombie, in
making the movement between these two posts. Topographical sketches
38 WH— VOL I
594 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TII MERIDIAN.
were made with a pocket compass and estimated distances. Captain Sully
determined the source of the Big Sioux River to he in Lake Kampeska.
This map and the report are not yet published.
RECONNAISSANCE ON THE MISSOURI AND YELLOWSTONE RIVERS, BY LIEUT. G. K. WARREN,
TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS, IN 1656.
A map on a scale of 1 to 600,000 has been prepared and the material
reduced from it to the Pacific Railroad map. The detailed report and map
are not yet published.
On this reconnaissance I was assisted by Mr. N. H. Hutton and Mr. J.
H. Snowden, assistant topographers, Dr. and F. V. Hayden, geologist and
naturalist, and was provided with an astronomical transit, a sextant, chro-
nometers, barometers, odometers, and compasses. We started on a steam-
boat from St. Louis, April 16, to join General Harney at Fort Pierre, and
on our way made a map of the Missouri from the mouth of the Big Nenieha.
At Fort Pierre I received orders from General Harney to proceed on board
the American Fur Company's boat St. Mary and examine the Missouri River
as far as she should go, and then to return down the stream by Mackinac
boats. The Missouri River was thus mapped as far up as the mouth of the
Big Muddy, 60 miles above Fort Union. The party consisted, in addition
to the assistants, of about thirty men, seventeen of whom were enlisted men
of the Second Infantry.
BRIEF STATEMENT OF THE EXPEDITIONS THAT TOOK THE FIELD IN 1857.
The United States astronomical and surveying parties for establishing
the boundary line (49th parallel) between the United States and Great Brit-
ain, of which Archibald Campbell, esq., was commissioner, and Lieut. J. G.
Parke, Topographical Engineers, astronomer, was organized under the
State Department and started for the field of operations on the Pacific coast
in April, 1857.
The party under Mr. W. H. Nobles, organized in the Interior Depart-
ment for making a road from Fort Ridgely to the South Pass, examined the
route during the summer as far west as the Missouri at the mouth of Crow
Creek.
EPITOME OF WARREN'S MEMOIR. 595
The party under Lieutenant Warren, Topographical Engineers, organ-
ized by the War Department, started in June in two divisions — one from
Omaha City, the other from Sioux City. They united at the mouth of Loup
Fork, examined this stream to its source, and thence proceeded by way of
the valley of the Niobrara River to Fort Laramie. Thence they proceeded
north, explored the Black Hills, and, returning by way of the Niobrara
River examined it to its mouth.
The wagon-road expedition, organized under the Department of the In-
terior, of which Mr. F. W. Lander was the engineer, made reconnaissances
of the mountains between Green River and Bear River.
The wagon-road expedition under Lieutenant Bryan, this year, was
confined to routes which he had previously mapped and explored.
The expedition against the Sheyenne Indians, commanded by Colonel
Sumner, explored a portion of the country between the Platte and Arkansas
Rivers.
The party commanded by Colonel Johnston to survey the southern
boundary of Kansas, and of which Mr. J. H. Clark was astronomer and
Mr. Weiss surveyor, was organized oy the War Department. It accom-
plished that work and reconnoitered the country south of the line.
The party for constructing a wagon-road from Fort Defiance to the
Colorado River was organized by the War Department and placed in charge
of Mr. E. F. Beale. He examined the line of the proposed road during the
summer and winter.
The party for the construction of a wagon-road from El Paso to Fort
Yuma, of which Mr. Leach was superintendent and Mr. N. H. Hutton was
engineer, passed the summer and winter in the operation, and have not yet
returned.
The expedition of Captain Pope for making of experiments in artesian
well-boring is still in the field.
A party under Mr. Major, for establishing that part of the 98th and
100th meridians between the Canadian and Red Rivers, was organized by
the Interior Department and is still in the field.
The expedition under Lieutenant Ives for ascertaining the navigability
of the Colorado of the Gulf of California, was organized under the War De-
partment and is still in the field.
596 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
r riie Land Office surveys along the whole frontier are advancing
steadily, as in former years.
The foregoing is an epitome of the expeditions taken direct from War-
ren's Memoir, Pacific Railroad Reports, Vol. xi. In ( lhapter V he gives the
method of compiling the map of the territory west of the Mississippi, with a
list of the principal longitude determinations. This general map, first pub-
lished immediately before the outbreak of the war, was drawn and engraved
to the scale of 1 to 3,000,000 (1"=47.3."> miles) ami contained all the then
known topographic and general geographic- information of this territory, and
with revisions was issued up to 1867, when a reeonipilation was commenced.
Note.— As instances, more particularly of general geological exploration work, or publication not
appearingon page 490 ofHouse Ex. Doc. 270, Forty-eighth Congress, second session (Venice Geographical
Report), notes of which have kindly been furnished by Jules Marcou, the toll. .wing may be mentioned,
which, though not furnishing data valuable for map compilation (especially in original geographical
co-ordinates), are of interest al least from a bibliographical point of view:
Gabriel Franchfere, 18l9-'46-'54.— Narrative of a voyage t.. the northwest cast of America in the
years 1811-'12-'13-'14. First edition (French), Montreal, 1819; second edition (English), New V..rk.
M. Nuttal, 1821.— A journal of travels int.. the Arkansas Territory during the year 1819,
J. K. Townsend— Narrative of a journey across the Rocky Mountains to the Columbia River.
Philadelphia: 1*59.
Prince Maximilian deWied, Neuwied, 1840.— Voyage in the interior of North America, l832-':J3-'34.
Three volumes with atlas. Paris. (Published also in German.)
Duflat de Mofras.— (Exploration dn territoire de t'Oreg des Californies, etc.) Exploration of
the Territory of Oregon, of California, etc., 1840-'41-'42, in two volumes, b°, 1844. Publish*! by order
of the King, under the auspices of the President of the Council and the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Vol. I, p. 521, four plates; Vol. II, p. ::>?, four plates; accompanied by an atlas of twenty-six sheets
(maps aud plans). On page 475 et seq. of Vol. I will he found a list of latitudes and longitudes of
eighty-six places, with authorities.
DeSiueth (the Jesuit Father), 1846 (?).— Letters upon the Rocky Mountains. (These first appeared
in the Annals of the Propaganda at Rome.)
(i. F. Ruxton, 1848. --Adventures in Mexico and the Rocky Mountains.
Ferdinand Romer, 1849.— Texas. (Contains a geological and geographical map.)
P. T. Tyson, 1850.— Geology of California. His report forms a part of Senate Ex. Doc. No. 47,
Thirty-first Congress, first session, which also contains several maps, especially one by Lieut, (afterwards
Geueral) E. O. C. Ord, with two reports of this officer to General Riley.
Jules Maic .n, 1855-58.— Geologj of North America, p. 144, with three maps aud seven plates.
Zurich: 1858. This publication contains a compiled general geologic map of the country west of the
Mississippi River (no scale) ; also a general geological map of New Mexico (compiled), scale 1 to 900,000.
In 1880 General G. K. Warren had proposed to furnish notes of "some interesting early explorations"
of which he had learned since his memoir was published (aud also additional bibliography), as soon
as his duties should permit, which he had not, however, been aide to do before his death in 18S2.
In the same category are the following voyages and travels, taken from a manuscript kindly fur-
nished by Amos Bowman, now an assistant of the Canadiau Geological Survey:
In 1806 Simon Frazer, a partner in the Northwest Company, explored westward from the Red River
settlement, reaching FraserLakc, between the great bend of the Eraser River and the mouth of Sheena
River, in latitude 54° N., and established a fort.*
* See Greeuhow's Memoir, p. 155.
EPITOME OP WARREN'S MEMOIR. 597
Davi at Astoria.
He was the first white man to descend the northern or upper main branch <>t' the Columbia. Finding
the Astor Company already in possession lie returned the way he came.*
He made a map of the previously unexplored and unsurveyed Northwest Territory, wliieli is pre-
served in the Crown lands department of Canada.
In 1821-'2. r > Dr. McLoughlin established a post at Furl George (Astoria) and at Vancouver.
Kev. Samuel Parker's exploring tour beyond the Rocky Mountains in 1835-'36-'37, with map, is
written in narrative, hut has separate chapters on geology, zoology, ethnology, and climatology. Mr.
Parker entered the Rocky Mountains, and traveled by the usual trappers' (afterwards the Oregon
emigrant) route via Black Hills, .Jackson's Hide, the Three Tetons, Pierre's Hole, Fort. Hall, Grande
Ronde, and Walla, Walla to Vancouver.
In 1841 Sir George Simpson crossed the Rocky Mountains via the Saskatchewan and Kootenay
Rivers, and came down the Columbia to the Hudson Hay establishment at Vancouver, of which there
is a published account.
McLeod's Santa Fe expedition left Austin, Tex., in June, 1841, and proceeded over the Llano F.sta-
cado and was captured by the Mexicans.
Fremont made a fourth expedition in His, ;ii his own expense, assisted by the public-spirited
citizens of St. Louis, including Dr. George Fugleman, lie left St. Louis October '.*, 1848, and went via,
Kanses River to headwaters of the Colorado and the Wahsatch Mountains into California by a southern
pass. J
Humboldt, in his " Aspects of Nature," attempts to present the progress of discovery in the Far
West.
* See Irving's Astoria, pp. ;m;,1I7. t See Upham's Lite of Fremont. Boston: 1856.
PART III
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.— 1857-1880.
599
CONTENTS
Pagea.
Introductory remarks 603-604
Chapter I. — Explorations from A. 1). 1857 to outbreak of War of the Rebellion.
Lieut. G. K. Warren, T. E. (Black Hills), 1857.— Lieut. Col. J. E. Johnston, 1857.— Lieut. J. C.
Ives, T. E. (Colorado Eiver), 1857-'58. — Capt. J. N. Macomb, T. E. (Junction Green and
Grand Rivers), 1859. — Capt. J. II. Simpson, 'I'. E. (Salt Lake to Carson Valley i, 1859.— Lieut.
J. Dixon, T. E. (Fort Dalles and Great Salt Lake). 1859.— Northwestern Boundary Survey
(A. Campbell, commissioner; Lieutenant Parke, T. E., astronomer), 1859. — Capt. John
Mullan, Second Artillery (Fort Walla Walla to Fort Benton), 1858-'fi2.— Capt. W. F. Ray-
nolds, T. E. (headwaters Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers >, 1859-60. — Lieut. J. Dixon, T. E.
(Harney Lake to Eugene City, Oregon), I860.— J. H. Clark (Texas boundary), 1857-'(i0. —
Government wagon-roads, 1857-'U1 605— 6*Jti
CnAPTER \l.— Reconnaissances, explorations, and surveys, headquarters military divisions and de-
partments, A. D. 1865 to A. D. 1880.
Maj. R. S.Williamson, Corps of Engineers, Susanville to Fort Bidwell, Cal., and Fort Klamath,
Oregon, 1865. — Maj. R. S. Williamson, Corps of Engineers, Fort Churchill, New, to Fort
Lyon, Idaho, and vicinity and return, 1866. — Lieut. M. R. Brown, Corps of Engineers, Fort
Riley to Fort Dodge and Fort Harker to Denver. 1867.— Capt. C. W. Howell, Corps of En-
gineers, Republican Fork to 100th meridian, Union Pacific Railroad, 1868. — Capt. W. J.
Twining, Corps of Engineers, northern Dakota, 1869.— Capt. Charles W. Raymond, Corps
of Engineers, Yukon River, 1869.— Lieut. George M. Wheeler, southern Mini southeastern
Nevada, 1869. — Capt. D. P. Heap, Corps of Engineers, Montana and Dakota, 1870. — Lieut.
G. C. Doane, II. S. Army, Upper Yellowstone, 1870. — Capts. J. W. Barlow and D. P. Heap,
Corps of Engineers, Upper Yellowstone, 1871. — Capt. W. A. Jones, Corps of Engineers,
Uintah Mountains, 1871. — Capt. D. P. Heap, Corps of Engiueers, Missouri River and Da-
kota, 1872.— Maj. J. W. Barlow, Corps of Engiueers, Yellowstone aud Muscleshell Rivers,
1872. — Capt. William Ludlow, Corps of Engineers, Yellowstone River, 1873. — Capt. G. J.
Lydecker, Corps of Engiueers, Lava Beds, 1^73.— Lieut. E. H. Rufiuer, Corps of Engineers,
Ute country, 1873.— Capt. W. A. Jones, Corps of Engineers, northwesteru Wyoming and
Yellowstone Park, 1873.— Lieutenant Rufl'ner, Corps of Engiueers, and Lieutenant Ander-
son, U. S. Army, Fort Garland to Fort Wingate, 1874.— Capt. William Ludlow, Corps of
Engineers, Black Hills, 1874.— Capt. William Ludlow-, Corps of Engineers, Carroll (Mont.)
to Yellowstone Park, 1875.— Capt. W. S. Stanton, Corps of Engineers, Big Horn and Yel-
lowstone, ls7i;._ Lieut E. Maguire, Corps of Engineers, Yellowstone region, 1876.— Capt.
W. S. Stanton, Corps of Engineers, routes in Wyoming, 1-77. — Surveys of military reserva-
tions aud wagon-roads. Military topographic maps at headquarters divisions aud depart-
ments 627-65 1
601
602 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OE 100TH MERIDIAN.
Pagea.
Chapter III. — Geographical and geological explorations and surreys under War and Interior De-
partment*, isr.r. to 1880
War DEPARTMENT. — Engineer Department. — Geological Exploration of tho Fortieth Parallel,
King, 1607 to 1872, inclusive. — Geographical Surveys west of the One-hundredth Meridian,
Wheeler, 1*71 to 1879, inclusive. — U.S.Lake Survey. — Mississippi River Commission and
Survey, Col. and Bvt. Maj. Gen. Q. A.Gillmore, Corps of Engineers, and Lieut. Col. and Bvt.
Brig. Gen. C. B. Comstock, Corps of Engineers, Presidents to 1879, inclusive. — Missouri
River Commission. — Surveys for River and Harbor Improvements. — New Maps of Western
Territories and of the United States, by Engineer Department 653-699
Interior Department.— Geological Examination of Nebraska and Wyoming, 1867-'68; Geo-
logical Survey of the Territories, 1*69 to 1872, inclusive; Geological and Geographical
Survey of the Territories, Hayden, 1873 to 1878. — Exploration of the Colorado River, 1869
to 1872, inclusive, and Geological and Geographical Surveys of the Rocky Mountain Re-
gion, Powell, 1873 to 1879. — Geological Exploration of the Black Hills, Jeuney, 1875, Indian
Office. — State and Territorial boundary lines and of Indian Reservation, General Land
Office, 1857-'80.— Subdivision of public lands, General Laud Office, 1857 to 1880.— U. S.
Geological Survey (established) 699-726
State Department. — Northern Boundary, Campbell, commissioner; Farquahur and Twining,
chief astronomers, 1872 727-733
Treasury Department.— Triaugulation along Thirty-ninth Parallel, U. S. Coast and Geo-
detic Survey, and in aid of State surveys. — U. S. Naval Observatory. — State geological and
other surveys.— Topographic and other Government maps.— Material for a general topo-
graphic atla9 733-745
NOTE
The authorities consulted, and upon which this memoir of expeditions between
1857 and 1880 depends, are the published reports of the several expeditions and
works, communications from Messrs. King, Hay den, Powell, and G. R. Gilbert (the
latter regarding Black Hills exploration by Jenney), replies to Engineer Department
circular of February 8, 1875, and from notes compiled in the fifth division of the office
of the Chief of Engineers, by whose order all the manuscript matter collected at the
Engineer Department has been placed in my bauds for examination and digest.
In order that a route should be considered as possessed of sufficient geographical
information to be embraced in the following lists, especially of expeditions subsequent
to the war, the criterion followed has been that there should have been established at
its terminal points, or along its course from original and independent observations
and computations, latitudes and longitudes, one or both.
Hence it has been necessary to omit many worthy military expeditious of no little
magnitude and importance, that have added to the store of general geographical aud
topographical knowledge, that has often in map compilation been utilized by con-
necting with known points the geographical co-ordinates of which had been estab-
lished, as also the great number of scouts, meritorious iu themselves, but not pro-
vided with the means or instruments for determining independent geographical
latitudes and longitudes.
To do full justice to the efforts of the Army, as a fixed, as well as a moving nuclei
in the pioneer settlement of our western region would require a special memoir, and
while the large number of important military expeditions are not here traced out, as
not within the scope of this compilation, yet no one more than the author is alive to
the great importance of all these movements, not alone as the bulwark upon which
the early settlement has leaned, but as gatherers of facts, topographical detail
and allied data. The Army has on one occasion and another threaded nearly every
main and minor route in the West and scouted myriads of lesser streams to their
very source, thus producing a vast fund of truthful and practical information that iu
various forms has been available to the Government, the settler, and the public.
It is not by any means certain that my examination has developed all the expedi-
603
604 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
tions that come within the schedule, the available time having been short and my
health broken ; therefore, conscious of the imperfections, the result is submitted with
diffidence, and with the hope that where errors and omissions are found that I may
be notified of them.
G. M. W.
Principal Authorities consulted in Preparation ok Memoir.
Annual Reports, Chief of Topographical Engineers, 1857 to 1862, inclnsive.
Annual Reports, Chief of Engineers, 1866 to date; also manuscript and other maps at Engineer
Department.
Professional Papers No. 24, Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army.
Primary Triangulation of the Lake Survey, Comstock.
Published repents and maps id' the geologieal exploration of the 40th parallel.
Published reports and maps, geographical surveys west of the 100th meridian.
Published reports and maps of the geologieal ami geographical survey of tin- Territories.
Published reports and maps of the geologieal and geographical survey of the Rocky Mountain
region.
Published reports and maps of the geologieal exploration of the Black Hills.
Annual reports of the General I. ami Office, 1857 to date.
Annual reports of tin 1 Coast Survey from ls/5'2 to date.
Annual reports of the Naval Observatory, and report under Nautical Almanac Office of 1861);
total solar eclipse 1869.
Executive documents mentioned under the several headings: Report of the survey of the north-
ern boundary : report of exploring expedition from Santa Fe to junction of Grand and Green Rivers,
1H59, Macomb ; report of explorations across the Great Basin of Utah, 1859, Simpson ; report of Owen's
geological survey of Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota; report of exploration of Oregon Territory by
M. Dnllot de Mof'ras, two volumes, 1845; Northwestern Wyoming, including Yellowstone National Park,
Jones, 18?:!; Nebraska and Dakota, Warren, 18E5 to 1857; military wagon-road from Fort Walla
Walla to Fort Benton, Mullen, 1858 to 1862; exploration of Yellowstone River, Reynolds, 1858; Texas
boundary. Senate Ex. Doc. No. 70, first session Forty-seventh Congress, geological report, Haydeu,
Imgiueer Department. 1859 and 1860; Ives's Colorado River expedition, 1857 and 1858; Barlow and
Heap, Yellowstone region, 1871 ; Ludlow, Black Hills, is;;, : Ruffner, Ute country, 1873 and 1874; Ray-
mond, Yukon River, 1869; Symons. Columbia River; Geology of the Black Hills of Dakota, Newton
and Jennev, 1880.
Letters of several engineer officers to the Chief of Engineers, from archives of the Department,
and maps compiled at headquarters divisions and departments; manuscript notes prepared iu Division
V, Office of the Chief of Engineers, U. S. Army ; summary list of boundaries run by the General Land
Office, in manuscript; manuscript maps of Northwest Boundary Survey, from State Department.
From manuscripts and letters kindly furnished by Messrs. Hayden, Powell, King, Hague, Gil-
bert, the General Land Office, and others.
CHAPTER I.
EXPLORATIONS FROM A. D. 1857 TO OUTBREAK OF WAR OF THE REBELLION.
WAR DEPARTMENT.
EXPLORATION OF LIEUT. G. K. WARREN, T. E., IN 1857. LOUP FORK, BLACK HILLS, BETWEEN FORKS
OF SHEYENNE RIVER, NIOBRARA RIVER, ETC.
The survey was made under the direction of Capt. A. A. Humphreys,
in charge of Office of Exploration and Survey, and for which the sum of
$25,000 was set apart. Organized at Omaha, and left there June 27, 1857.
The objects sought wore to gain knowledge of the Territories of Nebraska
and Dakota generally in both practical and scientific matters, and among
the former was specially desired the nature of the routes pursued as to their
bein«- favorable or otherwise to the construction of common roads or rail-
roads.
The expedition divided at once into two parts, one going direct to the
Loup Fork of the Platte, the other up the east bank of the Missouri to Sioux
City, where an escort was obtained, and thence as directly as possible to
the rendezvous at the Loup Fork. Thence the whole expedition proceeded
up the main Loup Fork to its source, in longitude 104° 35', in the Great
Sand Hills, making occasional side examinations some 10 miles on each
side of the river.
Thence the expedition tried to proceed directly north to the Niobrara
River, but the sand ridges compelled it to take a westerly course through a
country with occasional alkaline and fresh-water lakes, but scantily watered,
till it struck the Indian trail between the Platte and Niobrara, in longitude
102° 30'. Thence it easily reached the Niobrara River, which it followed
to where the trail turns off to Fort Laramie, and thence to that point, the
longitude of which was determined to be 104° 30'.
605
606 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TII MERIDIAN.
In two parts the expedition left Fort Laramie September 4, 1857, one
portion proceeding down the Niobrara to about longitude 101° 30', and
there awaiting the other, which proceeded nearly due north to the neigh-
borhood of Rawhide Butte, which was examined; thence to the Indian
agency of the Dakotas, on the Niobrara, and from there by a well-marked
trail to the Old Woman's Fork; down this to the Sheyenne, along this some
distance, thence to Beaver Creek, and along the east branch of that into the
Black Hills. Entering these from the west the Inyan Kara Creek was
reached; thence southeast by a peak named in honor of General Harney to
Bear Butte anil the North Fork of the Sheyenne ; thence southeast to the
South Fork of the Sheyenne, where connection was made with the route
of 1855; thence up this fork two days, then through a portion of the "Bad
Lands" to the White River; thence southerly to the Niobrara River, and
thence to the rendezvous with the other party at the mouth of Reunion
Creek.
The whole expedition then proceeded down the Niobrara River to the
junction of Turtle Creek, when the main party proceeded directly to Fort
Randall, while a special party continued the reconnaissance of the river to
the Missouri. At Fort Randall a longitude was determined, and thence the
expedition went to Sioux City, where it closed.
Lieut. G. K. Warren, T. E., commanded the expedition, escorted by
30 enlisted men of the Second Infantry under Lieut, dames McMillan. The
civil assistants were J. II. Snowden and P. M. Fngel, topographers ; Dr. F.
V. Hayden, geologist; W. P. C. Carrington, meteorologist; and Dr. S. Mof-
fatt, surgeon.
The instruments were a portable transit of 2G inches focal length,
pocket and box chronometers, sextants, prismatic and pocket compasses,
odometer, mercurial barometers and thermometers, and a full outfit of every-
thing necessary for collecting and preserving objects of natural history.
Only a preliminary report of Lieutenant Warren to Capt. A. A. Hum-
phreys has been published in the Report of the Secretary of War accom-
panying- the President's Message to Congress at the session beginning De-
cember, 1858. A selection from this was published in No. 9, Vol. I, of the
publications of the American Geographical and Statistical Society of New
EXPLORATIONS AND SUE VETS.— 1857-1880. 607
York, November, 1859, and is also quoted by the English traveler, Burton,
in his "Journey across the Rocky Mountains to California," published by
Harper & Brothers, New York, 1862. A number of these preliminary re-
ports (1 vol , 8°, pp. 17;;, 1859), printed for special distribution by the War
Department, were accompanied by a military map of Nebraska and Dakota
by Lieutenant Warren, which embodied his own results and those of earlier
explorers, on a scale of 1 to 120,000. This map was published by resolu-
tion of the Senate, first session Thirty-fifth Congress.
The above report was reprinted in 1875 (1 vol., 8°, pp. 125).
A letter dated January 29, 1 858, by Lieutenant Warren to Senator G. W.
Jones, of Iowa, by direction of the Hon. J. B. Floyd, Secretary of War, was
also published (8°, pp. 15), with a small sketch map, scale 1 to 6,000,000.
SOUTHERN BOUNDARY OF KANSAS, LIEUT. COL. JOHNSTON, 1857.
This boundary was established by Lieut. Col. Joseph E. Johnston,
First Cavalry, under the War Department during the summer and fall of
1857. He was assisted by J. II. Clark, II. Campbell, and J. E. Weyss.
A reconnaissance was also made for a railroad route from the southeast
corner of Kansas to the Rio Grande. A practical route was found com-
mencing at Neosho, Mo.; thence southwestwardl}-, crossing the Grand and
Little Verdigris Rivers and the Arkansas at approximate latitude 36° 20' ;
thence south of west to the Canadian, connecting with Lieutenant
Whipple's route of 1853 near the one-hundredth meridian ; thence via head
of Canadian to Anton Chico on the Pecos; thence westward to Albuquerque,
on the Rio Grande. A report to the Secretary of War of the latter appears
in House Ex. Doc. No. 103, Thirty-fifth Congress, first session, accom-
panied by a printed copy of the general map, scale 1 to 1,000,000.
The original maps of this boundary determination, in one general sheet,
scale 1 to 1,000,000, and 9 detailed sheets, 8 of which 'are at scales 1 to
100,000, and one at scale 1 to 25,000, are now on the files of the Engineer
Bureau.
From a note indorsed on Map No. IX of the vicinity of the terminal
point, scale 1 to 25,000, it would appear that this point, ascertained by
assuming the west boundary of Missouri at longitude 94° 38' 03".6 west
608 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
from Greenwich and measuring 462.7 miles, was found upon revision and
full comparison of the moon culmination observations, taken at this point,
to be 11,582 feet too far west, which places (by this authority) the west
boundary of Missouri at 94° 40' 2G". No field-notes are on record in the
Engineer Bureau.
The act of July 8, 1851], authorizing the survey directs the line "to
be surveyed and distinctly marked, and a plat of said survey shall be
deposited in the office of the Secretary of the Interior, and another plat of
said survey shall be deposited in the office of the Secretary of the Territory
of Kansas. The sum of $35,400 was appropriated to carry out the above.
EXPEDITION FOR THE EXPLORATION OK ill K COLORA1 F THE WEST, BY LIBIT. J. C. IVES,
CORPS OF TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS, lB07-'58.
The work of this expedition was commenced at "Robinson's Landing,"
near the mouth of the river, on or about December 1, 1857.
The party ascended the river in an iron steamer fifty feet long,
constructed in sections, and shipped from the cast to the mouth of the river
via San Francisco. Fort Yuma was reached January !), 1858, where the
entire party (two sections approaching from San Diego and old Fort Tejon,
respectively) were assembled.
The principal object of the expedition was to ascertain how far the
river was navigable for steam-boats, and whether it might not prove an
avenue for the economical transportation of supplies to newly occupied
military posts in Utah and New Mexico.
The steamer exploration was conducted as far as " Explorers' Rock "
at foot of Black Canon, from whence by skiff the head of the canon was
reached, and probably Las Vegas Wash. Here the further exploration of
the river was abandoned, a return to the steamer made, the foot of
Black Canon assumed to be the practical head of navigation, and a recon-
naissance conducted to connect this point with the road to the Mormon
settlements A land party under Lieutenant Tipton also followed the
banks of the river from Yuma to Pyramid Canon. The entire expedition
returned to the Mohave villages, where a division was made, a portion
returning on the little iron steamer, the Explorer, to Fort Yuma ; the
remainder, including Lieutenant Ives, Dr. Newberry, Messrs Egloffstein,
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.— 1857-1880. 609
Mollhausen, and Peacock, laborers, packers, and twenty soldiers as escorts
under Lieutenant Tipton, took up a further land exploration. This party
proceeded to the eastward, reaching by a detour the Grand Canon at the
mouth of Diamond Creek, thence along the Colorado Plateau to the north-
east. The Grand Canon was again pierced at the "Yampais villages,"
near the mouth of Cataract Creek ; thence south and eastwardly San Fran-
cisco Mountain was reached, and eastwardly the little Colorado, from
whence a northern detour brought them to the Moquis villages; thence
eastwardly to old Fort Defiance, where the party was disbanded.
The expedition was in command of Lieut. Joseph C. Ives, Corps of
Topographical Engineers, and under the direction of the Office of Explora-
tions and Surveys, Capt A. A. Humphrey's in charge. Lieutenant Ives was
assisted by Messrs. Egloffstein and C. Bielavvski as topographers, Messrs. P.
H. Taylor and C. K. Bockert, assistants; Dr. J. S. Newberry, geologist, with
Mr. Mollhausen as assistant. The engineer and constructor of the steamer
Explorer was Mr. A. J. Carroll, with Robinson as pilot. The escort con-
sisted of twenty-five enlisted men under Lieutenant Tipton, Third Artillery.
The chief of land transportation was Mr. G. H. Peacock. The party were
supplied with astronomical transits, sextants, and chronometers, theodolites
and transits, cistern barometers, prismatic clinometer, and pocket com-
passes, chains, tapes, etc. Transit observations, coupled with occultations
for longitude, w r ere made at initial and check points ; the latitudes were
obtained by daily sextant observations and the elevations by barometric
hypsometry. Hydrographic and topographic data were separately recorded.
The report was made to the Office of Exploration and Survey and pub-
lished in 1861 as Senate Ex. Doc, Thirty-sixth Congress, first session.
It makes one volume quarto, aggregating 365 pages. It comprises also a
geological report by Dr. Newberry, one on botany by Profs. Gray,
Torrey, Thurbert, and Dr. Engleman, and one on geology by Prof. S. F.
Baird. The appendices are devoted to the discussion of the astronomical
and barometrical observations, with lists of distances, latitudes, longitudes,
etc., and to the construction of the maps. There are two topographical
maps: one from mouth of the Colorado to head of navigation, scale 1 inch
to 6 miles; another from head of navigation to Fort Defiance, 1 inch to 12
39 \vh — VOL I
610 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TII MERIDIAN.
miles. Upon these maps as a base Dr. Newberry has shown the general
geological formations in colors. The report is well illustrated by an abun-
dance of panoramic views, engravings, Indian portraits, and wood-cuts.
The party reached Fort Defiance for disbandment May 23, 1858.
This appears to have been one of the most careful, complete, and
interesting' of the reconnaissance expeditions prior to the war.
A preliminary report appears in the annual report of Captain Hum-
phreys, in charge of Office of Explorations and Surveys, War Department,
1858, from pages 31 to 42, inclusive
EXPEDITION FROM SANTA FE, N. MEX., TO THE JUNCTION OF THE GREEN AND GRAND RIVERS,
BY CAPT. J. N. MACOMB, TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS, 1869.
The survey was commenced in July, 1859, to develop an unexplored
region to the northwest. The route was from Santa Fe to Canada, and
thence crossing the Rio Grande up the valley of the Chama via Abiquiu,
the then outpost of civilization in this direction, across the continental
divide to the headwaters of the San Juan via "Horse Lakes." crossing the
Navajoe and Blanco, reaching Pagosa Springs; thence to the valley of the
Rio Dolores, crossing the streams known as Piedras, Los Pinos, Las Animas,
La Plata, and Mancos, and thence northwestward to the Grand River, to a
point whence could be seen the junction of its valley with that of the Green
River. To Ojo Verde the route followed sensibly the old " Spanish Trail."
Returning, a southerly direction was taken till the San Juan was
struck, near the mouth of Rio de la San Abaso, the right bank of which
was followed up to a crossing opposite ('anon Largo, which canon was fol-
lowed up to the divide, which was crossed to the valley of the Rio Grande;
thence to the pueblo of Jemez, to the crossing of the Rio Grande at San
Domingo, and to Santa, Fe.
The expedition was commanded by Capt. J. N. Macomb, Topograph-
ical Engineers, the escort a detachment of Company E, Eighth Infantry,
by Lieut. M. Cogswell. The civil assistants were: J. S. Newberry, geolo-
gist; C II. Dimmock, topographer; F P. Fisher, as time and astronomical
observer; Messrs. Dorsey and Vail, meteorologists. Captain Macomb was
the astronomical observer and computer.
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.— 1857-1S80. 61 1
The instruments were sextants and artificial horizons, a refracting
telescope of about 6 feet focal length and 4 inches aperture, prismatic and
pocket compasses, sidereal chronometers, barometers, and thermometers.
A report was made November, 1860, to Capt, A A. Humphreys,
Topographical Engineers, in charge of Office of Explorations and Surveys,
and printed (page 149, Senate Ex. Doc. No. 1, second session Thirty-
sixth Congress).
Subsequent duty with the Army in the field prevented a more full
report on the part of the officer in command.
A map* of the route was prepared on a scale of 2 inches to 1 mile or 1 to
31,680, a reduction from which was incorporated in the map of explorations
and surveys in New Mexico and Utah, 1860, scale 1 inch to 12 miles,
constructed and engraved on a steel plate by F. W. von Egloffstein.
The survey was completed in September, 1859.
The Geological Report was published by the Engineer Department,
U. S. Army, 1876 (1 vol., 4°, 152 pp ) While the map was engraved in
1860, the publication of this report, in common with others on western
surveys, was arrested by the war of the rebellion, each and every available
military officer and man being called to the field.
Captain Macomb, while en route east, proceeded to the southwest
corner of the then Territory of Kansas and retraced that part of the
boundary along the thirty-seventh parallel from the old monument to the
one hundred and third meridian, and erected a stone monument at the
intersection of the above meridian and parallel in November, 1859.
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS FOR WAGON-ROADS ACROSS THE GREAT BASIN OF UTAH FROM
CAMP FLOYD TO GENOA, BY CAPTAIN SIMPSON, T. E., 1859.
This exploration and survey, ordered by Bvt. Brig. Gen. Albert S.
Johnson, commanding Department of Utah, and having for its object the
discovery of routes across the Great Basin of Utah more direct and
practicable than the Fremont route — hitherto believed the only one
possible — left Camp Floyd May 3, 1859. No itinerary is given, but the
party reached the termination of the westward exploration June 12, started
"This map contains on its face the latitude and longitude of a number of points determined
(astronomically) by the expedition.
612 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TII MERIDIAN.
on its return June "24, and readied Camp Floyd August 5, having discovered
two practicable emigrant and military roads, either of which shortened the
distance between Camp Floyd and Genoa 200 miles.
The party, in command of Capt. J. IT. Simpson, Topographical Engi-
neers, was accompanied by an escort of twenty men commanded by Lieut.
Alexander Murray, 10th Infantry, and consisted of Lieut. J. L. Kirby
Smith, Topographical Engineers, in charge of observations, with sextant for
latitude and time or longitude; Lieut. II. L Putnutn, Topographical Engi-
neers, in charge of compass survey of route and topography, observations
with astronomical transit for longitude and of dip-circle and magnetometer;
Henry Engleman, geological, meteorological, and botanical collector; Charles
S. MeCarthay, collector of specimens of natural history and taxidermist ; C. C.
Mills, photographer; Edward Jagiello and William Lee, assistants to astron-
omer, meteorologist, and photographer ; H. V. A. von Beckle, a soldier,
as artist to take sketches. Asst. Surg. Joseph C. Bailey accompanied the
expedition. The entire party, including the escort and employe's, numbered
sixty-four persons. The expedition was provided with three sextants, three
artificial horizons, one astronomical transit, four chronometers, twobarome
ters, and several prismatic and pocket compasses.
The report of Captain Simpson, made to the Chief of Topographical
Engineers, February 5, 1861, is accompanied by reports from his assistants
on the topographical, geodetic, magnetic, geological, niineralogical, botan-
ical, ethnological, and pictorial character of the country traversed, by a
map drawn by J. P. Mechlin (scale 1 to 1,000,000), by profiles, diagrams,
and sketches. An important result of the expedition was the establishment
by Captain Simpson of a new and more accurate longitude of Salt Lake
City, differing largely from certain previous determinations, which has since
been substantially verified by the telegraphic determination of the Coast
Survey. The report of Simpson was published by the War Department at
the Government Printing Office in 1876, and appears as one volume, quarto,
495 pages, accompanied by maps and other illustrations. There is a geo-
logical report by Henry Engleman, one on paleontology by Prof. F. B.
Meek, a list of birds by Professor Baird, a chapter on ichthyology by
Theodore Gill, with botany by Dr. George Engleman.
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.-1857-1880.
613
rhe entire report consists of an "Introduction, Report, and Journal"
and nineteen appendices. It is accompanied by a map (scale 1 to 1,000,000)
of the wagon-roads explored and opened by Captain Simpson, which con-
ains origma lopognphieel data of parts of the Great Interior Basin, then
1859) but little known. Captain Simpson in 1858, prior to his western
trip, examined and surveyed a new wagon route (the itinerary of which
appears in the above volume) from Camp Floyd to Fort Bridger, winch was
constructed also under his direction, and a. report of which appears in Sen-
ate Exec.ut.ve Document No. 40, Thirty-fifth Congress, second session.
H E CO NNAIS ™. F0ET DALLES , OHKOO,, XO OK EAT SALT LAKE VALLEy , ^ ^
DIXON, T. E., 1859.
A command was organized for the purpose of exploring and opening a
wagoned from Fort Dalles, Oregon, on the Columbia River, to Great Salt
Lake Valley, by special orders No. 40, Headquarters Department of Ore-
gon dated April 27 1859, Brig. Gen. W. S. Harney, commanding. Capt.
H. D Wallen, Fourth U. S. Infantry, was in command of the expedition,
and Rvt. Second Lieut Joseph Dixon, Corps of Topographical Engineers
was assigned to duty with the command.
The route traveled commences at Fort Dalles and runs nearly due
south, crossing Deschutes River, at the mouth of Warm Spring Creek to
Crooked River, following the same to its headwaters, and from thence to
Lake Harney; from thence northeasterly, crossing the Blue Mountains to
Ma heur R,ver; crossing which, meandering mountain passes and adjacent
valleys, Malheur River is again crossed, to Snake River and along this
stream to Raft Creek, which is followed to its source at Cedar Spring; thence
crossing the dividing ridge to Bear River, which it crosses near mouth of
Roseaux River, and from thence nearly due south to Salt Lake City and
Camp Floyd. J
Another route commences at Fort Dalles and runs easterly to Umatilla
River, winch it crosses and follows for about 30 miles, thence southeasterly
crossing the Blue Mountains to headwaters of Burnt River, which it follows
to its mouth on Snake River; thence to Malheur River where the first
route crosses that river the second time.
614 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
Another route was traversed by Lieutenant Bonnycastle, of the expe-
dition, from Crooked River to Fort Dalles, crossing the Deschutes at its
mouth on the Columbia.
Still another route, by Mr. L Scholl, was also traveled, from vicinity
of the mouth of the Owhyee near where the first route crosses Snake River,
following the course of the Owhyee to near mouth of Kearney River,
which it follows to its source, thence passing headwaters of Canon Creek,
Bruneau, and Salmon Falls River, etc., to Rock Creek, connecting with
first-mentioned route.
The instruments used on this exploration consisted of sextants, chro-
nometers, barometers, compasses, odometers, etc.
The reconnaissance was completed as far as Lake Harney, and on
October 20, 1859, the command returned to Fort Vancouver.
The report of Lieutenant Dixon was submitted to the Chief of Topo-
graphical Engineers and published in Senate Executive Document No. 1,
second session Thirty- sixth Congress, accompanied by a map, scale 1 inch
to 20 miles, compiled under the direction of Capt, George Thom, Topo-
graphical Engineers.
A general report of this expedition, accompanied by reports of Lieu-
tenant Dixon and Lewis Scholl, guide and topographer, appears as Senate
Executive Document No. 34, Thirty-sixth Congress, first session. In the
appendices are found (pp. 46-49) tables of latitudes, longitudes, variations
of the needle, altitudes, and distances.
SURVEY OF THE NORTHWESTERN BOUNDARY OF THE UNITED STATES, 1857-61.
STATE DEPARTMENT.
The United States Commission, authorized to determine and mark the
boundary line between the United States and the British Possessions, from
the crest of the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, according to the
treaty of June 15, 1S4G, and to act conjointly with a similar English com-
mission, was created by act of Congress of August 11, 1856.
A commission, consisting of Captains Prevost and Richards, Royal
Navy, was appointed by the British Government to determine that part of
the line which runs through "the channel which separates the continent
from Vancouver's Island."
EXPLOITATIONS AND SUEVEYS.— 1857-1880. 615
In the summer of 1858 Col. J. S. Hawkins, Royal Engineers, appointed
as British commissioner to determine the land portion of the boundary, ar-
rived with a party organized for field operations. In February, 1857, Mr.
Archibald Campbell was appointed commissioner for the United States ;
Lieut. John G. Parke, Topographical Engineers, chief astronomer and sur-
veyor, and G. Clinton Gardner, assistant astronomer and surveyor. Other
members of the expeditionary force were William J. Warren, secretary to
the commission; John J. Major, clerk to the chief astronomer; J. 8. Harris,
general assistant; C. 13. R. Kennedy, surgeon and naturalist; Henry Custer
and Francis Herbst, topographers; George Gibbs, assistant geologist; J. N.
King, quartermaster and commissary; R, V. 1'eabody, guide and interpreter;
Prof. James Nooney and F. Hudson, computers; Charles T. Gardner, sur-
veyor; E. Ross, assistant; and James M. Alden, artist; also, the requisite
number of packers, laborers, etc.
The United States Commission was duly organized and repaired to
Fuca Straits in the spring of 1857 ; — from whence, because of the inability
to co-operate of the British Commission, the United States Commission
established a depot and located an observatory at the western land terminus
of the forty-ninth parallel, and continued reconnaissances and explorations
in the vicinity of the boundary eastward as long as the season permitted.
Four astronomical points on the forty-ninth parallel were determined. A
meeting of the joint commission was held in the summer of 1858, and a
plan for the field operations for the survey of the land boundary was agreed
upon.
The reconnaissance at the close of this season had extended as far east
as the valley of the Skagit, and the astronomical observations necessary for
marking the three points of the parallel in the valley of the Chiloweyuck
were completed.
The following is the work done during season of 1859: Completion of
the determination and marking the parallel from three points fixed the pre-
vious year ; observations for latitude at six stations, between which the
parallel has been determined, and seven points marked at crossings of
streams; chronometer-trip for difference of longitude between Camp Simi-
ahmoo and Chiloweyuck Depot; longitude determined at two of the latitude
616 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 10DTII MERIDIAN.
stations ; triangulation covering an area of 50 square miles ; route survey
(chained) connecting- astronomical stations of about 370 miles; reconnais-
sance for developing the topography along and adjacent to the boundary
line and for communications; magnetic observations at one station and
meteorological registers at all the stations occupied.
It is understood that the commission remained in the field during the
seasons of 1860 and 1861, but no report is available from which to trace
its operations and results for these seasons. The commission passed the
winter of 1859-60 at Fort Colville.
United States troops for the protection of the parties were furnished by
General Harnev from the Department of Oregon. In 1859 an additional
escort, under Captain Archer, met the parties in the valleys of the Simil-
kameen and Okinakane.
The route of the United States Commissioner in 1859 commenced at
Fort Langley, thence running down Fraser's River by water to mouth of
Chiloweyuck River ; thence along the latter to its source, crossing the divide
to head of Similkameen River, thence following its northern bank to Lake
Osoyas; thence via valley of the Ne-hoi-al-pit-gua River to Fort Colville;
thence via Slavoutchas and Chemikana Rivers to the Spokane River; thence
to Lewis Fork or Snake River, at the mouth of the Peloux, and to Walla
Walla ; thence due south to the Umatilla ; thence to Fort Dalles ; from the
Dalles by water to Monticello, thence along the Cowlitz River and the
headwaters of the Chehalis to Olympia on Puget Sound.*
The transportation was largely by mules and pack-trains on land, and
whale-boats on the water. Bridging streams, corduroying and grading
rough roads, with ferryings at river crossings, was constantly done.
The instruments used were astronomical transits, heliotropes, zenith
telescopes, transit theodolites, telescopes, sextants, chronometers, magnetic
theodolites, dip-circles, compasses, pocket levels, chains, tapes, camera-
obscura, barometers, hygrometers, and thermometers.
Monuments marking stations on the parallel were constructed of pyra-
midal piles of stones 6 to 8 feet high, or earthen mounds, covering wooden
posts.
"Tli is route is indicated in manuscript on a printed map of Oregon and Washington Territories, 1859.
Scale 1 to 1,000,000, Bureau of Topographical Engineers.
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.— 1857-1880. 617
These stations were established at nearly every accessible point from
which the line was ascertained, and traced along vistas crossing valleys and
trails. The reconnaissance line connecting stations was 800 miles, embrac-
ing an area of 30,000 square miles. Within this space over 800 barometric
heights were obtained. The boundary line exceeds 9° in longitude, or
about -410 miles, and the amount expended (see Senate Ex. Doc. No. 8G,
Fortieth Congress) for its survey and demarkation, including the prepara-
tion of results, was $569,223.79, or at the rate of $1,388.34 per mile. Mag-
netic observations were made over an arc of 3° 20' in latitude, and 4° in
longitude.
Reports upon the geology, botany, and natural history of the recon-
naissance area were prepared. Glaciers were discovered and perpetual snow
found in the cascades (2 feet of snow found on the route in July, 1859).
Much of the line ran through a heavy growth of pine and fir, with much
fallen timber.
A progress report of the marking of the boundary, made November
12, 1859, appears as Senate Ex. Doc. No. 16, Thirty-sixth Congress, first
session. The expenditures made appear in House Ex. Doc. No. 86, Fortieth
Congress, second session, in which a letter from Mr. Campbell to the Sec-
retary of State gives data concerning the nature and extent of the services
performed, but I have been unable to trace the manuscript of the final
report, including that of the chief astronomer and the specialists, which it is
believed was made. According to the Journal of the Senate of February
9, 1871, this report was called for by the Senate, but a search of the Senate
records, and also those of the State Department, made at my request by
Mr. Dwight. librarian of the State Department, remained unavailing on
June 15, 1887. Mr. William J. Warren, secretary of the commission, now
chief clerk of the Engineer Department, recollects to have seen the manu-
script of this report at the office of the Northern Boundary established in
1873, as does also Maj J. F. Gregory, Corps of Engineers, a member of
that commission, but it could not be found by Mr. Dwight in the records
transmitted at the close of the latter survey to the State Department.
The original manuscript maps are on file in the State Department, photo-
graphic copies of which were furnished the General Land Office.
618 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
Captain Prevost, R. N., visited the 49th parallel in October, 1S57, and
in absence of Captain Richards proposed to proceed to the determination of
the water boundary. He claimed Rosario Straits (the channel nearest the
continent), and Mr. Campbell the Canal de Haro (the channel nearest Van-
couver's Island), as the boundary channel intended by the treaty. The
British commissioner, after correspondence, proposed to compromise by
running the boundary through an intermediate channel, thereby securing
the island of San Juan to Great Britain, which the United States com-
missioner declined.
Senate Ex. Doc. No. 29, second session Fortieth Congress, contains
the correspondence above referred to ; also a geographical memoir of the
islands in dispute, and a map and cross-section of the channels.
In pursuance of the tilth section of the act creating the commission the
superintendent of the Coast Survey was directed to place the steamer Active
and brig Fauntleroy at the disposal of the commission. Both of these vessels
were emph^ed for the survey and soundings of the various channels and
islands between the continent and Vancouver's Island, co-operating with
Captain Richards of the British surveying steamer Plumper, as a result of
which a thorough survey of these channels and islands south of the 49th
parallel was made during the saveral seasons, which was shown on the map
above mentioned.
Maps. — The following maps were constructed and compiled under the
supervision of Archibald Campbell, commissioner, and Lieut. John Gr.
Parke, Topographical Engineers, by Assistants L. D. Williams, Theo.
Kolecki, and Ed. Freyhold, in 1866, and found reproduced, as follows:
" Survey of the northwest boundary, 1857-61, from Point Roberts,
along the forty-ninth parallel f<> the Rocky Mountains between the British
Possessions and the United States," fourteen sheets, scale 1 to 60,000, photo-
lithographed on double the scale of the originals; also, maps showing the
boundary line from the western coast of the continent to the middle of the
channel which separates the continent from Vancouver's Island, and thence
southerly through the middle of said channel, etc., to Fuca Straits, scale 1
inch to 4 miles (engraved) ; also, map embracing the country between the
parallels 46° and 49° 30', and from the Pacific to 110° west longitude (all
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.— 1857-1880. 619
in Washing-ton Territory), scale 1 inch to 17 miles (photographic copies);
also, a series of cross-sections from Vancouver's Island on parallels 49°, 48°
45', 48° 35', and 48° 25', respectively, to the mainland, were also prepared
(engraved).
MILITARY ROAD, FORT WALLA WALLA TO FORT BENTON, BY CAPT. MULLAN, 1858-'62.
The purpose of this expedition, which took the field in 1858, was to
survey, locate, and build a wagon-road from Fort Benton, on the Missouri,
to the Oregon country at Walla Walla, thus completing a northern line of
road communication to the. Pacific.
The route commenced at Walla Walla and ran northeast to Snake
River at the mouth oi Palouse Creek, crossing on the way Dry Creek and
Ponchet River; along Palouse River, Cow Creek to Aspen Grove; from
thence northeast crossing the head of Rock Creek, a tributary of the Oray-
tayons River, to Hangman's Creek and to Spokane River, which it crossed
and followed to Cceur d'Alene Mission and the river of that name ; thence
crossing summit of Bitter Root Mountain and striking the source of St.
Regis Borgia River, the valley of which and also that of Bitter Root River
it follows to Hell's Gate ; thence along the Big Blackfoot River to Hell's
Gate River; thence along Deer Lodge River; thence northeast over hilly
ground to Little Blackfoot, up which and over the west base of the Rocky
Mountains at Mullan's Pass to Prickly Pear Creek, which it follows to near
its mouth ; thence due north to Dearborn River ; thence via Bird Tail Rock
to Blackfoot Agency on Sun River, and thence northeast to Fort Benton.
The expedition was under the command of Capt John Mullan, Second
Artillery. He was assisted by C. R. Howard and Capt. W. W. de Lacey,
civil engineers; P. M. Engel, topographical engineer; Theo. Kolecki,
topographer ; John Weisner, meteorologist, and assistants ; G. Sohon, guide
and interpreter, and others in various capacities. The military escort
consisted of 100 men, detailed from the Third Artillery, at Fort Vancouver,
accompanying which were Lieuts. James L. White, II. B. Lyon, and James
Howard, Third Artillery. The report made to the Chief of Corps of Topo-
graphical Engineers was published as Senate Executive Document No. 43,
Thirty-seventh Congress, third session, accompanied by four maps : One,
620 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TII MERIDIAN.
reconnaissance from Fort Dalles via Fort Walla Walla to Fort Taylor, on
Snake River, scale 1 to 300,000; one from Fort Taylor to the Cceur
d'Alene Mission, scale 1 to 300,000; one from Cceur d'Alene Lake to Dear-
born River (tributary of the Missouri River), scale 1 to 300,000, and a
general map of the entire route, scale 1 to 1,000,000. The field work
closed in September, 1862. In the exploration and location of this road
distances were measured by the odometer, longitudes determined by lunar
culminations, latitudes by polaris and meridian altitudes and prime vertical
observations (the astronomical transit and sextant being employed), bear-
ings by the Schmalcalder compass, profiles by the barometer, together with
variations of the needle from camp to camp. The resulting latitudes,
longitudes, and altitudes appear in an appendix to the above document.
Considerable topographical information regarding territory on either side
of the route, especially from a reconnaissance northward to Fort Colville,
Wash., appears for the first time on the resulting general map. During the
Indian difficulties of 1858, Lieutenant Mullan commenced the exploration
and location of this road from Fort Dalles as far as Cceur d'Alene Mission,
as acting topographical engineer on the staff of Col. Geo. Wright, Ninth
Infantry, and his report forms Senate Executive Document No. 32, Thirty-
fifth Congress, second session.
EXPEDITION TO THE HEADWATERS OF THE YELLOWSTONE AND MISSOURI, BY CAPT. W. F.
KAYNOLDS, CORPS OF TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS, 1859-'60
The expedition started from St. Louis, May 28, 1859, by steamer,
passed up the Missouri to Fort Pierre, and left the river at that point June
28, 1859, having for its object the examination of the headwaters of the
Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers, and of the mountains in which they have
their sources.
Leaving Fort Pierre the expedition went westward, skirting the
northern slope of the Black Hills to the waters of the Powder River; down
that stream to within 40 miles of the Yellowstone ; thence westward to that
river, below the mouth of the Big Horn ; thence southward to the Platte,
by two routes, one up the Big Horn, skirting the eastern base of the Big
Horn Mountains, the other from 20 to 50 miles farther east. The expedi-
tion wintered at Deer Creek, on the North Platte. From winter quarters
EXPLOEATIONS AND SURVEYS.— 1857-1880. 621
to the three forks of the Missouri the expedition was divided. One party
passed up the Wind 1 liver with the intention of reaching the headwaters of
the Yellowstone, but was compelled by impassable mountains to cross to
the headwaters of the Columbia, near the sources of the Colorado ; thence
along the west side to Henry Lake ; thence down the Madison to the three
forks of the Missouri. The second passed through the valley of the Big
Horn to the lower canon; thence westward, by the Yellowstone and Galla-
tin of the Missouri to the three forks ; thence to the mouth of the Yellow-
stone by three routes — the first by way of the Yellowstone ; the second
overland, on the east side of the Missouri to Fort Benton, thence by the
Missouri; and the third overland from Fort Benton, following approximately
the line separating the waters of the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers.
From the mouth of the Yellowstone part of the expedition descended the
Missouri in boats to Omaha, and the remainder reached that place by a
route never passed over before on the west side of the Missouri.
The expedition was commanded by Capt, W. F. Raynolds, Corps of
Topographical Engineers.
The escort for the year 1859 was commanded by First Lieut Caleb
Smith, Second Infantry. The escort for the year 1860 was commanded by
First Lieut. John Mullins, Second Dragoons, and First Lieut. Henry E.
Maynadier, Ninth Infantry, was assistant,
Astronomical positions en route were determined with sextant and
chronometer The topography was sketched with the use of prismatic
compass and odometer The longitude of "winter quarters" was deter-
mined by observations ot moon culminations with transit instrument
The report, delayed by the breaking out of the rebellion, was made to
the Chief of Engineers in 18G7. The narratives ot Captain Raynolds and
his assistants were published as Ex. Doc. 77, Fortieth Congress, first ses-
sion (8vo, 174 pages).
A special geological report by F. V. Ilavden was printed in 8vo, 174
pages, at the Government Printing Office in 1869. The report (Ex Doc.
77) was accompanied by a topographical map on the scale of 1 to 1,200,000,
by profiles and sketches of routes, and by numerous illustrations, and the
special geological report contains the above topographical map, geologically
colored.
622 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
This exploration first pointed out a route for a wagon-road, which was
subsequently opened from the Platte to the three forks of the Missouri,
skirting- the eastern base of the Big- Horn Mountains, and first located cor-
rectly the Yellowstone River from where it leaves the mountains to the
mouth of Powder River. Captain Raynolds was told by his guide, James
Bridger, of the latter having visited and seen "burning plains, immense
lakes, and boiling springs" near the sources of the Yellowstone, as also the
"Two Ocean River;" but impracticable ridges and deep snows prevented
the party from penetrating from the Wind River direction the region since
so well known as the Yellowstone National Park.
Note. — Bridger also gave Lieutenant Gunnison, while the latter was associated with Stansbury
on the Salt Lake Survey (1S49- '50), a description of the natural wondera of the Upper Yellowstone,
mentioning a lake GO miles long ; plains where the ground resounded to the tread of the horses; geysers
spouting 70 feet high ; waterfalls; mammoth hot, acid, and other springs. (See Gunnison, History of
the Mormons, 1852, page 151.)
The following papers accompanying the report have not been pub-
lished:
Tables of latitudes and chronometer errors.
Tables of meteorological observations and barometrical heights (two routes 1859, and two routes
I860).
Tables of meteorological observations at Deer Creek.
Tables of meteorological observations at Fort Prien.
Report on Fossil Plants, by Prof. J. S. Newberry.
Report on Fossil Birds, by Dr. Elliott Coues.
Report on Mammals.
Catalogue of Plants, by Dr. George Fugleman
Report on Carices, by Prof. Chester Dewey.
List of Mosses anil Liverworts, by Professor Sullivan.
List of Shells, by Professor Binney.
The party reached Omaha, where it disbanded, October, 1860.
HAKNET LAKE Tu E0GENE CITY, OKEGON, LIEUTENANT DIXON, TOPOGEAPHICAL ENGINEERS,
1860.
By special order No 37, Headquarters Department of Oregon, April 0,
1860, a command was again organized for the purpose of opening a wagon
road from Harney Lake to Eugene City, Oregon, in extension of the explo-
ration made in 1 859.
The expedition was commanded by Maj. Enoch Steen, First Dragoons;
and Bvt. Lieut. Joseph Dixon, Corps of Topographical Engineers, was
assigned to duty with it. The instruments used were the same as in 1859.
EXPLORATIONS AND SUE VETS.— 1.^57-1880. 623
A preliminary report, dated September 24, 1860, was made of this
expedition by Lieutenant Dixon to the Chief of the Corps of Topographical
Engineers, and will be found in his annual report for 1860.
A map of this expedition by Lieutenant Dixon, scale 1 to 750,000, is to
be found in Senate Executive Document No. 1, Thirty-seventh Congress,
second session.
The reconnaissance was commenced May 24, 1860, and on June 16 it
had reached Lake Harney. From thence it was continued in a northwest-
erly direction with satisfactory results for a distance of 105 miles, when, on
account of Indian difficulties, it returned to Lake Harney, and September
14, 1860, to Fort Vancouver.
The area traversed by the expeditions of 1859 and 1860 embraces a
great portion of the country between latitude 42° and 45° and longitude
117° and 119° W. from Greenwich, independent of the southeasterly routes
reaching Great Salt Lake.
UNITED STATES AND TEXAS BOUNDARY COMMISSION! .1. II. C'LAKK, UNITED STATES COMMIS-
SIONER, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, 1858, 1809, 1860.
The boundary line is the one-hundredth meridian west from Greenwich,
between the main Red River and the parallel of 36° 30' north latitude;
this parallel between the one-hundredth and one hundred and third merid-
ian, the latter meridian between the parallels of 36° 36' and 32° and this
parallel between the one hundred and third meridian and the Rio Grande.
This commission was organized and conducted by instructions of the
Secretary of the Interior of July 9, 1858, pursuant to act of June 5, 1858.
Mr. J. H. Clark (the commissioner for the United States) was assisted in
the astronomic work by II. Campbell and for the topography by J E.
Weyss and W. P. Clark.
No corresponding Texas commission was continuously in the field, and
the only known published results appear in Senate Executive DocumentNo.
70, Forty-seventh Congress, first session.
This document, which embraces the field-notes of the astronomic and
topographic work, is accompanied by fourteen detailed photolithographic
maps (incomplete), each showing a portion of the line, one having upon it
624 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
the scale of 1 inch to 2J miles, or 1 to 132,000. The general map, scale
1 inch to 1") miles 4,133 feet (reported as lost in the above document), was
found and photolithographed at the Engineer Department, the original
having passed into the office of the Commissioner of Public Lands. None
of the maps are authenticated or approved, and one is missing.
The held work commenced on January 9, 1859, near the junction of
the thirty-second parallel with the Rio Grande, connection being had with
the longitude determination of the Mexican boundary near El Paso, and
terminated September 7, 18G0, the winter quarters of the commission being
at Fort Smith, Ark. The latitudes of forty-six stations, resulting from
zenith telescope and sextant observations, are found on page 143.
Lunar culmination observations for longitude were made near junction
of one hundred and third meridian and thirty-second parallel and near
northwest corner, results from which were used in the field, but no final
longitude computations are given.
The northwest corner was established by the transfer of longitude
from the Kansas boundary, checked by a lunar culmination longitude and
independent zenith telescope latitude.
The eastern boundary was joined to that part of the one-hundredth
meridian between the Red and Canadian Rivers, run (with the assistance of
Daniel G. Major, astronomer) by Messrs. Jones and Brown, in 1859, for the
Indian Bureau.
That part of the west boundary between, approximately, 33° and 33° 45'
north latitude was not traced and marked on the ground on account of the
desert character of this portion of the Staked Plains.
No part of the line was officially agreed upon or accepted by the two
Governments. The length of the boundary is about 800 miles, the deter-
mination of which, on account of physical obstacles, required a survey of
more than 1,400 miles, checked by nearly 4,000 astronomic observations.
The latitude of Fort ( !obb was determined, a part of the Pecos mean-
dered, and considerable topography sketched on either side of the line.
The monuments were of cairns of stone or mounds of earth.
The appropriation of 8x0,000, made for field operations alone, w r as
also available for the office work, so far as continued. The work was
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.— 1857-1880. 625
transferred to the General Land Office, and suspended on January 21, 1SG2,
with the maps left, as stated, in a partially finished condition.
During the period from 1857 to the outbreak of the war officers of the
corps of Topographical Engineers were engaged in the survey, location,
and construction of military wagon-roads in the following States and Ter-
ritories, viz: Minnesota, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, southern and
northern Oregon, Washington and Utah Territories.
"While geographical data was not the principal object, the survey of
each and every road added its details to the first topographical knowledge
of a vast expanse of country, while sketches and maps were always availa-
ble in compilation of general maps issued by the Topographical Bureau.
The Interior Department during this period were also engaged in the
construction of what were termed "Pacific wagon roads," of which Albert
II. Campbell was superintendent. (See House Ex. Doc. No. 108, Thirty-fifth
Congress, second session, and Senate Ex. Doc. No. 3G, Thirty-fifth Congress,
second session, the latter accompanied by a number of compiled maps.)
The principal therein mentioned are the "Fort Ridgely and South Pass
Road," the " Fort Kearney and South Pass and Honey Lake Road," the
"El Paso and Fort Yuma Road," and the "Nebraska Road."
The Land Office or planimetric subdivision surveys, necessary for mark-
ing the legal townships and other divisions, were carried on steadily in the
several States and Territories west of the Mississippi River during this period.
The Coast Survey operations (devoted principally to the hydrography
and a narrow strip of topography adjacent to main harbors) commenced on
the west coast in the year 1848. Their progress, which is not especially
pertinent to this memoir, will be found in the several annual reports of this
service.
The wagon-road examined from Fort Defiance to the Colorado River
by E. F. Beale, under the War Department, during the summer and winter
of 1857-58, will be found reported upon in House Ex. Doc. 124, Thirty-
fifth Congress, first session. This report is accompanied by a map and
itinerary from Albuquerque to the Colorado.
The outbreak of the war of the rebellion called all available officers
and enlisted men to duty with the army in the field. The officers of Topo-
40 wh — VOL I
626 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OE 100TH MERIDIAN.
graphical Engineers were one and all called from the scene of their geo-
graphical labors in the Far West for actual war military service.
This corps was merged with the present Corps of Engineers in 1863,
and no duties of a topographical character were resumed till the close of the
war, when, in 1865, such service was first resumed in the Military Division
of the Pacific by Major Williamson, as will appear in the succeeding chap-
ter. (See annual reports of the Chief of Topographical Engineers up to
1863, and all reports of the Chief of the Bureau of Exploration and Survey,
accompanying the Secretary of War, for reference to details of wagon-roads,
compiled maps, and various results of a topographical nature, concluding
those of the ante-war period.)
CHAPTER II.
RECONNAISSANCES, EXPLORATIONS, AND SURVEYS, HEADQUARTERS, MILI-
TARY DIVISIONS AND DEPARTMENTS A. D. 1865 TO A. D. 1880.
SUSANVILLE TO FORT 1UIIWELL, CALIFOltNIA, AND FORT KLAMATH; MAJOR WILLIAMSON,
CORPS OF ENGINEERS, 1865.
The survey made by order of Maj. Gen. I. McDowell, commanding
Department of the Pacific, organized at Fort Crook, and left there July
IS, 18G5. It had for its object the examination of routes of communica-
tion from .Susan ville, California, to Idaho and Surprise Valley, and from
there to Fort Klamath, and the exploration of such unknown localities as
might he of military interest, and to report upon sites for military posts
which might become necessary for the protection of the increasing settle-
ments and mining interests.
The routes traveled were from Fort Crook to Susanville, to Smoky
Creek Depot, to Summit Springs on the Idaho route, to Surprise Valley, and
along its west side to Fort Bidwell, where a connection was made with the
northeast boundary corner of California, as established by the surveyor-
general of California, and Warner's Valley and Mountains located. From
Fort Bidwell a route was surveyed across Warner's Range by Lassen's Pass
to Pitt River, the south fork of which was explored to its headwaters in the
range near Saddle Mountain, which was ascended and its altitude obtained;
thence to Madeline Plains and Pass and to Susanville by Pine Creek.
From Susanville a more direct route was examined by Eagle Lake across
Madeline Plains to the south end of Surprise Valley ; thence by its western
side to Fort Bidwell ; thence by Lassen's Pass to Hot Springs at the head
687
628 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TB MERIDIAN.
of Goose Lake, to south fork of Sprague River, and down this to Fort
Klamath ; thence to Lost River, along- this to Grass Valley, and thence hy
the Old Emigrant Trail to Fort Crook.
Maj. R. S. Williamson, Corps of Engineers, commanded the expedition,
and Captain Tillinghast the escort, The civil assistants were John D.
Hoffman, photographer, and G. S. Demerit!, barometric observer.
The prismatic compass was used for angles, the odometer for distances,
and the barometer for altitudes. Latitudes by sextant were observed at
nearly every camp.
The report was made to the General Commanding the Department,
but was not subsequently printed. It was accompanied by a map on a scale
of 1 inch to 3 miles. In 1866 a map of parts of California, Nevada, Oregon,
and Idaho was compiled, comprising the results of the expedition, and
published with the consent of the Commanding General by Britton and Rey,
of San Francisco.
The survey was completed by the return to Fort Crook, September
28, 1865.
RECONNAISSANCE MADE BY MAJ. R. S. WILLIAMSON. CORPS OF ENGINEERS, IN 1866, FROM FORT
CHURCHILL TO CAMP McDERMIT, THENCE TO RlTBY AND SILVER CITY VIA CAMP LYON AND
RETURN TO CHURCHILL.
The survey made by order of General Halleck, organized July 25,
1866, at Fort Churchill, Nevada, to examine the hitherto unknown portions
of northern California and Nevada and southern Oregon and Idaho, with
the special object of discovering more direct and easy routes of travel.
The route was from Fort Churchill to the bend of the Truckee River,
down this river to where it empties into Pyramid Lake.
A curious discovery was here made of the forking of the Truckee, one
branch emptying into Pyramid Lake, the second into Winnemucca Lake,
some 3 miles distant and 50 feet lower, 15 miles long and 3 wide.
The shore of this lake was followed to its northern extremity ; thence
the route lay in a northeast direction to Camp McDermit, a number of
springs being discovered on the way. From Camp McDermit the usual
circuitous trail to Camp Lyon was followed, from whence an examination
was made to Ruby City, Silver City, and vicinity, returning to Camp Lyon.
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.— 1857-18S0. 629
From there a direct route was examined back to Camp McDermit, passing-
by the forks of the Owyhee River, which flows for many miles through a
canon from 500 to 1,500 feet deep, which can be crossed in but few places.
One of these crossings is at the forks, where wagons can ascend and descend.
Thence in a southeast direction an elevated plateau was crossed, from the
top of which the descent of several thousand feet was made to the valley of
Qiiin's River, where Camp DcDermit is situated. An attempt was made to
find a better and more direct route from this camp to Lassen's Meadows, but
the country was found to be sandy, with water only at long distances.
From Lassen's by another route to Winnemucca Lake and thence to Fort
Churchill.
Maj R. S. Williamson, Corps of Engineers, commanded the expedition.
There was no commissioned officer commanding the escort, but Lieut. W.
H. Heuer, Corps of Engineers, was Major Williamson's assistant. G. C.
Demeritt was the meteorologist.
The instruments used were the sextant, prismatic compass, and odom-
eter. Sextant observations were made nearly every night.
The report was made to the assistant adjutant-general, Department of
California, accompanied by tables of distances, altitudes, etc., and a topo-
graphical sketch. The report was never printed, but a map on a scale of 1
inch to 12 miles was subsequently lithographed by Britten and Rey, of San
Francisco. It is now out of print.
INDIAN EXPEDITION FROM FORT RILEY TO FORT DODGE AND FROM FORT DARKER TO DENVER,
COLORADO, 1S67, UNDER COMMAND OF GEN. \Y. S. HANCOCK AND BVT. MAJ. GEN. G. A. CUSTER—
LIEUT. M. R. BROWN, CORPS OF ENGINEERS.
The route was from Fort Riley via Smoky Valley and Smoky Hill
River to Salina, thence to Fort Harker, thence to Fort Zarah, thence along
Arkansas River to Fort Lamed, the*nce up Pawnee Fork to Indian Village,
thence to Fort Dodge to headquarters of Coon Creek, thence to Fort
Lamed; from Fort Larned to Walnut Creek, and crossing Smoky Hill
River to Old Fort Hayes on Big Creek, thence via Smoky Hill Valley
to Fort Harker.
The expedition left Fort Harker again via Smoky Hill River Valley
to Fort Hayes; thence along Big Creek to its source; thence to the head of
G30 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
Castle Rock Creek and Fort Wallace; thence along the South Fork of
Smoky Hill River via Big Timber to Cheyenne Wells; thence via Deering's
Wells, David's Wells, and Hugo Springs to Willow Springs; thence along
Big Sandy Creek to River Bend. From here the command proceeded by
two different routes. The first, north by way of Cedar Point, Fairmount,
Benham Springs, Bijou, and Kiowa; the second, south via Reed Springs,
Bijou Basin at the source of Bijou Creek, and crossing Kiowa River to
Denver. A route was also pursued from Fort Wallace along the valley of
the Smoky Hill to Chalk Bluff, thence to Castle Rock, thence to Downers,
and along the valley of Smoky Hill River to New Fort Hayes.
Lieutenant Brown had with him on this expedition a sextant, transit,
and artificial horizons, and made observations for latitude, longitude, and
variation of the needle.
Accompanying bis manuscript report, dated Fort Leavenworth, Octo-
ber 19, lS(i7, to the Chief of Engineers, are tables of distances measured
by odometer, detail journal sketches of the country passed over, its topo-
graphical and geological character, and information concerning wood,
water, and grass.
REPUBLICAN FORK TO ONE HUNDREDTH MERIDIAN, KANSAS PACIFIC RAILROAD, CAPTAIN
HOWELL, CORPS OF ENGINEERS, 1868.
A transit and level line with chain measurement was run by < 'apt.
Charles W. Howell, Corps of Engineers, in 18C8, from a point on the Kan-
sas Pacific Railroad up the Valley of the Republican Fork (east side) and
across the divide to the valley of the Platte, to connect with a monument
erected on the Union Pacific Railroad to mark the crossing of the one hun-
dredth meridian west of Greenwich. The topography was sketched in, and
( 'apt, George 1 ». Graham was in charge of the escort, consisting of two non-
commissioned officers and ten privates, Tenth Cavalry. The longitude of
the terminal point of the survey was determined by observations with a
sextant and telegraphic communication with Chicago. The monument was
first established by the engineers of the railroad company by measure-
ment from old Fort Kearney, Nebraska.
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.— 1857-1880. 63 I
RECONNAISSANCE IN NORTHERN DAKOTA, BY CAPT. W. J. TWINING. CORPS OF ENGINEERS 1860
The survey, made by orders from headquarters Department of Dakota,
started July 1, 1869, having for its object a reconnaissance of the part of
northern Dakota lying east of longitude 100° 30'.
The surveyed lines were as follows: (1) From Fort Abercrombie to
Fort Totten ; (2) from Fort Totten to St. Joseph, crossing the" head-
waters of the western tributaries of Red River, and returning to the Avest of
Devil's Lake; (3) from Fort Totten to Mouse River and Turtle Mountain
and return ; (4) a direct trail from Fort Totten to the south bend of Mouse
River ; and (5) from Fort Totten to Georgetown, on the Red River.
The officer in command was Capt. W. J. Twining, Corps of Engineers.
The party was escorted, after leaving Fort Totten (September 6), bv Lieu-
tenant Lacristo, Twentieth Infantry, thirty men, and four Indian scouts.
The routes traveled were surveyed with a small compass and odometer,
and were checked in latitude by frequent astronomical observations.
The report was made to the department commander, February 20,
1870. The map of the reconnaissance, incomplete, was embodied in the
maps of northern Dakota. The report, field-notes, and astronomical obser-
vations were also used in connection with the work of the United States
Northern Boundary Commission (1872—74).
RECONNAISSANCE OF THE YUKON R1YER, ALASKA, BY CHARLES AV. RAYMOND, CAPTAIN OF
ENGINEERS, 1869.
The survey was commenced July 1, 1869, having for its object to fix
the geographical position of Fort Yukon (latitude 66° 33' 47" north, longi-
tude 14;")° 17' 47" west), and generally to gain information concerning
northern Alaska, its resources, the disposition of the native tribes, etc.
The following is the itinerary of the route: Sailed from San Francisco
April 6, 1S6!>, to Sitka; thence on the Commodore to San Michael's Island,
Morton Sound, carrying their small stern-wheel steamer Yukon, to be used
in the ascent of the river of that name, under deck, leaving Sitka May 9.
On July 1 the Yukon was launched, and on the 4th the voyage to the
upper mouth of the Yukon River commenced. Fort Yukon was reached
632 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
July 31 (distance 1,040 miles). This was the first journey by steam that
had been made on the Yukon.
On August 28 the return trip was commenced. Anvic River was
ascended in canoes to the head of navigation, 50 miles from mouth, thence
over a divide a portage was made to the valley of the Golsova Richka,
thence over an almost impassable country, arriving September 24 at the
native village of Ikikitoik, on the coast of Norton's Sound, whence, on the
5th of October, a messenger was sent to San Michael's Island for assistance,
from whence a whale-boat was secured, in which the party were taken to
the ship Commodore, which sailed for San Francisco and reached there No-
vember 6, 1869.
Capt. Charles W. Raymond, Corps of Engineers, commanded the
expedition, Mr. John J. Major being assistant. For surveying, prismatic
compasses and hand levels were used; for astronomy, a sextant and five
chronometers, portable transit, and zenith telescope; for hypsometry, mer-
curial and aneroid barometers, wet and dry bulb thermometers; magnetic
instruments, theodolite magnetometer, and dip-circle.
The report was made to Maj. Gen. H. W. Halleck, commanding Mili-
tary Division of the Pacific, and was printed as Senate Executive Document
No. 12, Forty-second Congress, and was accompanied by a map litho-
graphed by Julius Bien, on a scale of 1 inch to 50,000 feet, or 1 to 600,000.
The geographical co-ordinates of Fort Yukon being determined, it was
found to be on United States territory. Possession was taken and the United
States flag raised.
EXPEDITION FOR A MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE THROUGII SOUTHERN AND SOUTHEASTERN
NEVADA IN 1809— LIEUTENANT WHEELER. CORPS OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY.
This expedition started from Camp Halleck, Nevada, on the 27th of
June, 1869, and had for its object, in accordance with instructions from
headquarters Department of California, Brig. Gen. E. O. C. Ord, command-
ing, a thorough reconnaissance of the country to the south and east of the
White Pine Mines, extending, if practicable, to the head of navigation on
the Colorado River, with a view to opening a wagon road thereto from the
White Pine or Grant mining district; obtaining correct data for a military
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.— 1857-1880. 633
map of the country, and for the selection of the site or sites for such mili-
tary post or posts, to cover the mining- country south and east of White
Pine from hostile Indians, as might be required. Explorations and exami-
nations in reference to the physical geography of the country, its physical
resources in wood, water, agricultural, and mineral productions, were re-
quired, and notice was also to be taken of the character, habits, and number
of Indian tribes, and their disposition toward miners and settlers.
The area embraced by the reconnaissance of this year was 24,428
square miles, including portions of . southeastern Nevada and western Utah.
The officer in command (Lieut. George M. Wheeler, Corps of Engineers,
U. S. Armv, chief executive officer and field astronomer) was assisted by
an officer of Engineers as assistant executive officer and field astronomer,
an assistant surgeon of the Army, one chief topographer, one assistant to-
pographer and photographer, one surveyor and draughtsman, one assistant
surveyor and recorder, one collector, one guide, and the requisite number
of teamsters, packers, and laborers.
Personnel of expedition. — First Lieut. George M. Wheeler, Corps of
Engineers, U. S Army, in command, chief executive officer and field astron-
omer; First Lieut. D. W. Lockwook, Corps of Engineers, U. S. Army, as-
sistant executive officer and field astronomer; John D. Hall, assistant sur-
geon, U. S. Ami}- ; P. W. Hamel, chief topographer; Carl Rahskopff,
assistant topographer and photographer; Charles E. Fellerer, assistant topog-
rapher and draughtsman; William M. Ord, assistant surveyor and recorder;
John Koehler, collector; Henry Butterneld, guide.
The escort consisted of two non-commissioned officers and twenty-five
enlisted men, drawn principally from company H, Eighth U S. Cavalry.
Besides the daily latitudes and chronometric longitudes, by means of
which and trigonometric measurements all the lines of survey were cheeked,
it was found practicable to determine, by telegraph, longitudes at the fol-
lowing stations: (1) Camp Halleck, (2) Peko, (3) Elko, (4) Camp Ruby,
(5) Camp near Hamilton, and (6) Monte Christo Mill, White Pine district;
the value and character of which appear in the preliminary report.
Instruments. — The instruments used were sextants, theodolites for ob-
servations upon peaks, and small ( lasella instruments with Schmackalder
634 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
compasses for meandering. Comparison of time was had with members of
the U S. Coast Survey, and Maj. II. M. Robert, Corps of Engineers, San
Francisco, Cal.
Transportation. — The train consisted of thirty-six persons, eight
wagons, forty-eight mules, and thirty-one horses. Supplies were provided
at specified points, to which they were transported by the above army
wagons, from whence, as centers, they were taken when required by pack
animals along the routes following trails, or across country.
Reports. — A special report of this reconnaissance was made to General
Ord, commanding the Department of California, and printed at San Francisco
in 1869 in a folio pamphlet, accompanied by a topographical map, sepa-
rately issued, on a scale of 1 inch to 12 miles.
This report, with additions, was reprinted in quarto form (pp. 72) and
without the map, at the Government Printing Office in Washington, in 1875.
On account of absence in the Held no annual report was made at the close
of the fiscal year 1868—69 to the Chief of Engineers.
During this survey eighteen mining districts were visited, viz: Cave,
White Pine, Robinson, Patterson, Sacramento, Snake, Shoshone, Ely, El
Dorado, Yellow Pine, Timber Mountain, Hercules, Tim-pah-ute, Pahrana-
gat, Reveille, Hot ('reek, Morey, and Grant, and notice was taken of their
character. The examination showed that there were two distinct extended
parallel lines of mineral deposits, both bearing southerly to the military
road from Mohave to Prescott. The route for a through line of travel,
shortest and most practicable for a rail or wagon road, was found to be the
one which crosses the Colorado River at the mouth of the Virgin River,
furnishing more wood, water, and grass, and having generally less barren land
along its way. By this route loaded wagons can reach Camp Toll-Gate
from the Central Pacific Railroad in twenty-one days. Four mineral belts,
having a general north and south course, are contained in the region trav-
ersed, viz, the Hot Creek, Humboldt, Egan, and Schell Creek belts or
ranges. The minerals found are gold, silver, copper, lead, antimony, iron,
salt, gypsum, alum, and cobalt; silver being the principal one.
The highest mountains are in the Humboldt and Spring Mountain
ranges, some of the peaks reaching 12,000 to 13,000 feet. The rivers are
EXPLORATIONS AND SUEVEYS.— 1S57-18S0. 635
the Colorado, Humboldt, and Virgin, and of the numerous smaller streams
many become absorbed in the plains.
A large portion of the region observed is unfit, from its mountainous
and desert character, for agricultural purposes, and, where cultivation is
possible it must be with irrigation usually. Timber and game are not
abundant, and in portions of the valleys water and grass are scarce. The
timber for use is white and yellow pine ; the principal forage, bunch grass.
Herds of cattle range in the principal valleys.
Besides the mining settlements or camps, seven Mormon settlements
were encountered along the route surveyed. Indians of the following tribes,
to the number of about 2,500, were found within the limits of the survey,
viz: Shoshones, Gosiutes, Snakes, Pahvants, Utes, and Pah-Utes.
About 5 miles from where Muddy Creek enters Virgin River is a large
deposit of rock salt, known as Salt Mountain. On the left bank of the
Virgin, about 8 miles from its entrance into the Colorado, is a salt mine
yielding 80 per cent, of salt ; the yield of the mountain being 90 per cent.
On an extensive mesa, near the mouth of the Virgin, there is a salt well,
and saline water is found in pools along the river wash.
A cave in Cave Valley, 3,000 feet in extent, is found near the Patterson
mining district.
The Colorado River formed the southern limit of the survey, and was
noticed, with reference to practicability of navigation, at Black and El
Dorado Canons, and other points. It was found to lie navigable at all
seasons as far as El Dorado Canon, above which point, until obstructions
are removed, navigation is dangerous as far as it may ever be carried, viz,
to the foot of the Grand Canon. The part of the Colorado River touched
upon was afterward traversed in boats during the exploration of the Grand
Canon in 1871.
This survey discovered that the body of water known as Preuss Lake
in the memoirs of Fremont's explorations is the reservoir into which Sevier
River empties, and, instead of being in Nevada, lies wholly in Utah. It is
now known as Sevier Lake, and, with Salt, Utah, and Owen's Lakes, lies
within the great interior basin embracing portions of California, Nevada,
and Utah, the waters of which find no outlet to the ocean.
636 U- S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
Field work terminated on the 28th of November, nearly six months
having' been occupied in preliminary and actual observations.
The reductions, necessary upon which the maps were based were made
at San Francisco, California, at the headquarters of the Department of
California, where the reports were also prepared.
Results. — The principal result of this reconnaissance was the topo-
graphic data gathered over an area of 24,428 square miles, and published in
preliminary and also final form, the latter appearing on regular atlas sheet,
48 D, 40, 57, 58, 59, and 66. Many new latitudes, longitudes, and altitudes
were added to those hitherto existing.
This reconnaissance, based principally on meander methods checked
by principal and intermediate astronomic determinations (of the former of
which there were six stations), was the precursor of more elaborate recon-
naissance work in 1871 and subsequent years, until the introduction of trian-
gulation methods in 1873, that subsequently were carried to the establish-
ment of a complete trigonometric basis for the detailed topography in 1874
and subsequently.
RECONNAISSANCES IN MONTANA AND DAKOTA TERRITORIES, BY CAPT. D. P. HEAP, CORPS OF
ENGINEERS, 1870.
Capt. D. P. Heap, Corps of Engineers, as engineer officer of the Depart-
ment of Dakota in 1870, surveyed the trails from Pembina to Fort Totten,
and from Fort Ransom to Fort Wadsworth. He also approximately deter-
mined the forty-ninth parallel and marked it from Red River to Pembina,
and later in the season made a short reconnaissance of the country near
the mouth of the Yellowstone, commencing at Fort Buford, thence up the
Yellowstone for 50 miles and return ; thence west between the Yellow-
stone and Missouri, a distance of 40 miles, turning north and striking the
Missouri ; thence southeast, reaching the outward trail at Nelson's Springs,
returning to Buford by the outward route.
Mr. King acted as Captain Heap's assistant in these surveys, except
the last, when Mr. Sturgis was engaged.
The instruments used were odometer, compass, chain, sextant, pocket
chronometer, and engineer's transit. The distance traveled was about 184
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.— 1857-1880. 637
miles. A report and map of the last reconnaissance, on a scale of 1 inch
to 2 miles, were forwarded to department headquarters.
YELLOWSTONE EXPEDITION OF 1870, LIEUT. G. C. DOANE, U. S. ARMY.
Lieutenant Doane, in August, 1870, in accordance with instructions
from headquarters military district of Montana, with one sergeant and four
privates of Company F, Second Cavalry, escorted the surveyor-general of
Montana (H. D. Washburn) and eight others to the falls, lakes, and hot
springs and geysers of the Yellowstone.
While this expedition does not answer to the criterion of those coming
within the scope of the memoir (no latitudes or longitudes having been
determined), yet it is introduced as a link in the chain of exploratory
endeavor that led to the discovery, exploration, location, survey, and
physical examination of that wonderful region now known as the Yellow-
stone National Park, the probable existence of which was first made known
to the scientific world by Captain Raynolds, of the Topographical Engi-
neer in his report on the exploration of the Yellowstone, published in
18G8. This party started from Fort Ellis August 22 on the direct road to
the Yellowstone River, which was reached near Butler's Ranch. The val-
ley of the river was then followed to the "Great Falls," thence to Yellow-
stone Lake, thence via head of Yellowstone and Snake Rivers to Fire-
hole River, a tributary of the Madison, which was followed to near the
upper settlements, Lieutenant Doane reaching Fort Ellis in return via
Sterling.
A descriptive report by Lieutenant Doane appears as Senate Ex. Doc.
No. 51, Forty-first Congress, third session. The information gathered by
him was also presented to the Philosophical Society of Washington during
the winter of 1870-'71, by Prof. S. F. Baird, and doubtless stimulated the
further exploration of this region during the season of 1871 by Prof. F. V.
Hayden and party, under the Interior Department, and Captains Barlow
and Heap, under the Engineer Department.
638 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
RECONNAISSANCE. OF THE UPPER YELLOWSTONE, BY CAPT. J. W. BARLOW, CORPS OF ENGINEERS,
AND CAPT. D. P. HEAP, CORPS OF ENGINEERS, 1871.
By order of Lieut. Gen. P. H. Sheridan, commanding Military Divis-
ion of the Missouri, the survey took the field at Fort Ellis, Mont,, July 16,
1 s7 1 , having f< >r its object the examination of the sources of the Yellowstone,
Missouri and Snake Rivers, for the purpose of verifying the reports of
extraordinary phenomena existing in that region. Crossing the Bozeman
I h'vide it proceeded up the valley of the Yellowstone, discovering and exam-
ining the remarkable system of hot springs near the mouth of Gardner's
River; thence the Great Falls, the Boiling Mud Springs and the Yellowstone
Lake were visited; thence west to the wonderful geyser basin on Fire
Hole River, a tributary of the Missouri; thence up the valley and across to
the Yellowstone Basin. The western shore of the Yellowstone Lake was
meandered, and then the party turned southward to the sources of the
Snake River; thence eastward to the Yellowstone, down this valley to the
lake, the eastern shore of which was surveyed; thence to the Great Falls
on the east side ; thence a detour to the east fork of the Yellowstone, which
was descended to its mouth. Recrossing the Yellowstone the party returned
to Fort Ellis, and disbanded September 1, 1871.
The expedition was in command of Capt. J. W. Barlow, Corps of
Engineers, who was assisted by Capt, I). P. Heap, Corps of Engineers.
The civil assistants were W. II. Wood and II. G. Prout, topographers;
Thomas J. I line, photographer. The small cavalry escort was commanded
by Capt, G. L. Tyler.
The instruments were sextants, chronometers, barometers, compasses,
and odometers.
The report forms Senate Ex. Doc. No. 06, second session Forty-second
Congress, and is accompanied by a map of the route traversed on a scale of
1 to 300,000.
EXPLORATION IN UINTAH MOUNTAINS, UTAH, BY CAPT. W. A. JONKS, CORPS OF ENGINEERS, 1871.
The object of this expedition, as determined by the instructions from
headquarters Department of the Platte, was as follows :
(1) To ascertain the character and extent of the valleys of the streams
and their adaptability to cultivation or grazing
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS. —1857-1880. 639
(2) To ascertain the character of the timber, its amount, location, and
the feasibility of getting it to the railroad.
(3) If possible, to find a wagon road from Fort Bridger to the Uintah
Indian Agency.
(4) If practicable, to examine the country on Green River with refer-
ence to the large mineral deposits reported there.
Generally, to give all useful information concerning the country
examined, which is now comparatively unknown.
The party left Omaha June 11, 1871, and arrived at Fort Bridger
June 29, proceeding south along the west branch of Smith's Fork (9 miles
distant), thence ascending this stream 24 miles, thence to Gilbert's Pass,
thence eastward 12 miles to the headwaters of a branch of Lake Fork
called Big Spi'ing Creek, which was followed for 12 miles to within 14
miles of its mouth on the Uintah River. After examination and survey in
this vicinity the Uintah Valley Agency, on the North Uintah River, was
reached via the valley of this stream.
From thence northeast across Tau-a-wah to Ashley Creek, tributaries
of Green River ; thence northerly to near the summit of the mountains ;
thence northwesterly via the heads of Hunting-Ground Creek, Sheep
Creek, and Burnt Fork to Henry's Fork, near boundary between Utah and
Wyoming; thence northwesterly through the "Bridger Bad Lands" to
Sage Creek, northerly along valley of Cottonwood Creek, and due westerly
across to Smith's Fork, arriving at Bridger August 19, 1871.
The country was minutely and carefully examined on either hand from
the route pursued. On account of the poor character of the transportation
furnished it was found impracticable to examine the Green River country
as had been anticipated. The expedition was in command of Capt. W. A.
Jones, Corps of Engineers, assisted by one topographer and one flagman,
and with an escort of one corporal and six men, under Lieut. W. W. Wood,
Thirteenth Infantry.
A practicable wagon route was found from Fort Bridger to the Uintah
Valley Agency via the pass at the head of the main branch of Smith's
Fork, discovered by Lieutenant-Colonel Gilbert, Seventh Infantry. The
funds available admitted of only a simple reconnaissance.
640 U. S GEOGKAPHICAL SUKVEYS WEST 01 100TU MERIDIAN.
The report on this reconnaissance appears as Appendix A A of the
Annual Report of the Chief of Engineers for 1 8 T 2 , accompanying which
a map was prepared of the " Uintah Mountains and vicinity," scale 1 to
627,264, drawn by L. von Froben, 1872.
RECONNAISSANCES BY CATTAIN HEAP, 1872.
In 1872 Captain Heap made a reconnaissance of the right bank of the
Missouri from Fort Rice to the mouth of Heart River, and surveys of the
loads or trails from Fort Rice to the Northern Pacific Railroad crossing of
the James River, and from there to Fort Abercrombie.
The instruments employed were of a similar character to those used
by Captain Heap in 1870. Captain Heap, during' same year, also recon-
noitred the country between Beaver Dam and Buck Creeks, including that
portion between these streams above and below present site of Fort Abra-
ham Lincoln. A report and map (scale 1 inch to 4,000 feet) were for-
warded to department headquarters. The instruments used were sextant,
transit, and chain.
RECONNAISSANCE OF THE YELLOWSTONE AND MUSCLESHELL RIVERS, BY MAJ. J. W. BARLOW,
CORPS OF ENGINEERS, 1872.
Major Barlow, assisted by Second Lieut. Henry A. Irgens, accom-
panied the Northern Pacific Railroad engineers in their surveys in 1872
eastward from Fort Ellis, which they left July 27, to the Yellowstone,
thence after a few days' work northward to the Muscleshell, up this valley,
across the Belt Range, and down Sixteen-Mile Creek to the Missouri. Maj.
J. W. Barlow, Corps of Engineers, commanded the expedition.
The escort of three hundred and seventy-six men, cavalry and infantry,
was commanded by Bvt. Col. E. M. Baker, major Second Cavalry. The
survey disbanded at Fort Ellis about September 29, 1872.
The report was published in Ex. Doc. No. 16, third session Forty-
third Congress. A map (scale 1 to 1,200,000) of the country and a survey
of the camp where an Indian battle occurred were made, but not published
with the report.
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.— 1857-1880 641
SURVEY OF THE YELLOWSTONE RIVER FROM FORT BUFORD TO A POINT TEN MILES ABOVE
POWDER RIVER, BY CAPT. WILLIAM LUDLOW, CORPS OF ENGINEERS, JULY, 1873.
This reconnaissance was made in connection with the movements
of the Yellowstone expedition of that year. Boats loaded with stores
ascended the Yellowstone 85 miles to Glendine Creek, the point near
which the Northern Pacific Railroad survey line struck the river, and Cap-
tain Ludlow, after departure of the expedition from Glendine Creek, over-
took it 10 miles above the mouth of Powder River. The river was care-
fully mapped by means of compass bearings and estimated distances
checked by daily observations with sextant and chronometer. The expe-
dition which Captain Ludlow accompanied consisted of six companies of
the Sixth Infantry, commanded by Capt, H. S. Hawkins, Sixth Infantry.
A report and map (on a scale of 1 inch to 4 miles) were forwarded to
department headquarters.
The astronomical determinations will be found of record at the head-
quarters of the department at St. Paul.
LAVA BEDS, CAPT. G. J. LYDECKER, CORPS OF ENGINEERS. 1873.
Captain Ly decker made a reconnaissance of the lava beds during the
Modoc campaign in northern California in April and May, 1873.
The preliminary report was made to the commanding general of the
division, together with sketches and stereoscopic views, and subsequently
a general map (showing position of Jack's stronghold, lake shore and coun-
try between Hospital Rock and General Gillem's camp, scale 1 inch to 1
mile) was prepared and forwarded to the Engineer Department. Mention of
this reconnaissance appears in Captain Lydecker's annual report. (See An-
nual Report Chief of Engineers, 1873, Appendix FF.)
UTE COUNTRY EXPLORATION, BY LIEUT. E. H. RUFFNER, CORPS OF ENGINEERS, 1873.
This exploration was organized by command of Brigadier-General
Pope, commanding Department of the Platte. The expedition left Pueblo,
Colo, (the longitude of which was determined by telegraph), May 7, 1873,
and ran a line to Fort Garland, Colo., thence across the San Luis Valley and
up the Rio Grande to its source, and down the Animas River. Retracing
41 wh — VOL I
642 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TI1 MERIDIAN.
the line to the vicinity of longitude 107° the Pacific Divide was again crossed,
the Lake Fork of the Grand River was followed down to its grand canon,
thence east via Los Pinos Agency and Cochetopa Pass to the San Luis
Park, where the first line was joined at Del Norte.
Refitting at Fort Garland the expedition was continued over the Coche-
topa Pass, up Taylor River and its tributaries, across the Red Mountain
Pass to the head of the Arkansas River, and down it to Canon City, Colo.
A side line was run through Puncho Pass, ending at Fort Garland, to con-
nect with the Land Office surveys in San Luis Park. This expedition was
the outgrowth of the disturbed relations between the Uncompahgre Utes
and the miners of the so-called San Juan region, the ascertaining of the posi-
tion of the eastern boundary of the Indian reservation (107° west of Green-
wich) being the principal object, which was supplemented by an examina-
tion of the various approaches from the Arkansas to the Ute country.
The personnel was as follows: Assistant Engineer II. G. Prout (in
charge of field work); assistant engineer, James Bassett; recorder, Sam-
uel Anstey ; recorder, D. W. Campbell; geologist, F. Hawn ; assistant
geologist, L. Hawn ; photographer, T. Hines and two sergeants of the En-
gineer Battalion. A small escort from Company F, Eighth Cavalry, com-
manded by a sergeant, accompanied the first part of the exploration, and
Lieutenant De Lancy, with a detachment from Company D, Fifteenth Infan-
try, escorted the second party.
The line was run by theodolite, the angles being referred to meridians
determined nightly; the distance was ascertained by the use of a stadia, and
this is believed to be the first time this method has been used in mountain
work. A report made to the Chief of Engineers of this exploration, accom-
panied by a lithographed map on a scale of 1 to 500,000, was printed in
Executive document No. 1!»:;, Forty-third Congress, first session, House of
Representatives, and separately as a pamphlet by the Engineer Depart-
ment in 1874.
The expedition disbanded at Pueblo October 4, 1873.
Photographic copies of forty-six detail sheets (scale I to 50,000) are
on files of the Engineer Department.
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.— 1857-1880. C43
In appendixes to this report are found tables of distances with astro-
nomically determined positions and altitudes.
RECONNAISSANCE OF NORTHWESTERN W YOMING, INCLUDING THE YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL
PARK, BY CAPT. W. A. JONES, CORPS OF ENGINEERS, 1873.
The expedition, which took the field at Fort Bridger, Wyo., in June,
1873, had for its object "the reconnaissance of the country about the head-
waters of the Snake, Green, Big Horn, Gray Bull, Clark's Fork, and Yel-
lowstone Rivers;" also to find, if possible, a good route from the south, via
the Wind River Valley and Upper Yellowstone, to the Yellowstone National
Park and Montana. The route traversed was: leaving 1 Fort Bridirer June
12 ; thence northward to Camp Brown ; thence northward across the Owl
Creek Mountains into the valley of the Big Horn as far as the Stinking
Water River; thence westward across the South Shoshone Mountains to
Yellowstone Lake ; thence northward, a portion of the expedition going to
Fort Ellis, Mont, and making a wide detour to the westward, visiting all the
noted phenomena in the park; thence southeast via the head of Wind River
to Camp Brown, where the expedition disbanded.
Capt. W. A. Jones, Corps of Engineers, commanded the expedition,
and Capt, Henry E. Noyes the escort, of Company I, Second Cavalry, and
fifteen Shoshone Indians, who were accompanied by their families.
The assistants were Prof. T. B. Comstock, geologist ; Dr. C. C. Parry,
botanist and meteorologist; Assistant Surg. C. L. Heizman, U. S. Army,
chemist; Second Lieut. S. E. Blunt, Thirteenth Infantry, astronomer; Sec-
ond Lieut. R. H. Young, Fourth Infantry, acting assistant quartermaster
and acting commissary of subsistence; Louis von Froben and Paul Le
Hardy, topographers.
The instruments were one large transit theodolite, one small transit
theodolite, one chain, three odometers, pocket compasses, one reflecting circle,
one sextant, two box and two pocket chronometers, two mercurial and two
aneroid barometers, ordinary pocket maximum and minimum and radiation
thermometers, and one medical test chest, with apparatus for the field anal-
ysis of waters and gases.
The report was made to Brig. Gen. E. 0. C. Ord, commanding Depart-
ment of the Platte, and with the maps form House of Representatives
644 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OP 100T1I MERIDIAN.
Executive Document No. 285, first session Forty-third < Jongress; also House
of Representatives Bill No. 2854, first session Forty-third Congress. The
former document with additions, including geological report by Professor
Comstock, was republished by the War Department in 1875 (1 vol., 8°, pp.
331, with maps and sketches).
The much-doubted '' two-ocean water" was discovered where one
stream forms the common source of two, running respectively to the Atlantic
and Pacific flowing waters.
A very easy pass was found at the head of Wind River, thus opening
a route to Montana from the southeast via Wind River and the Yellowstone
National Park, the distance from Point of Rocks, Wyo., to Yellowstone
Lake being 289 miles, and to Fort Ellis 437 miles.
The reconnaissance was completed in September, 1S73.
FOKT GARLAND TO FORT WINGATE, LIEUTENANTS KUFFXER AND ANDERSON, 1874.
Lieut E. II. Ruflher states that in June, 1874, Lieut. G B. Anderson,
Sixth Cavalry, was detailed from Fort Lyon, Colo., to conduct a survey for
a direct wagon route from Fort Garland, Colo., to Fort Wingate, N. Mex.
A small detachment of Company M, Sixth Cavalry, accompanied the
party, which consisted, in addition to Lieutenant Anderson, of Assistant
Engineer D. W. Campbell and Recorder Samuel Anstey.
The instrumental work was done by azimuth and stadia, as in the
prior surveys of this office. The line was run southwest from Fort Garland,
the instrumental line commencing at a point on the land surveys at the
junction of the Conejos River and Rio San Antonio. Two lines were thus
carried across the high mountain spur separating the waters of the Conejos
and the Rio Chama, one of the tributaries of the Rio Grande, during the
month of July.
The report of Lieutenant Ruffner on the results of this examination
and survey, accompanied by that of Lieutenant Anderson, is found in House
Executive Document No. 172, Forty -fourth Congress, first session (with
map, scale 1 to 1,000,000).
An "atlas of detail sheets" (fourteen in number; scale, 1 to 50,000)
remain as originals on the files of the Engineer Department,
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.— 1S57-1SS0. 645
RECONNAISSANCE OF THE BLACK HILLS, CAPT. WILLIAM LUDLOW, CORPS OF ENGINEERS. 1874.
The expedition under command of Lieut, Col. G. A. Custer was organ-
ized in pursuance of special orders No. 117, Headquarters Department of
Dakota, June 8, 1874, and had for its purpose the reconnoiteringof a route
from Fort Abraham Lincoln to Bear Butte, in the Black Hills, and exploring
the country south, southeast, and southwest of that point.
The expedition consisted of ten companies of cavalry, two of infantry,
and a number of Indian scouts, in all about 1,000 men, one guide, inter-
preters, and teamsters. Captain Ludlow was detailed as its engineer officer.
The line of reconnaissance (1,204 miles in length) commenced July
2, moving southwestwanlly toward the bend of Heart River; thence across
the north fork of the Cannon Ball; thence across the south fork, called also
Cedar Creek; thence over the Belle Pierres Hills; thence into the valley of
the North Fork of Grand River; following this valley for a distance, the
trail bore to the southwest, across several bends of the South Fork of Grand
River, to a camp on a small branch of the Little Missouri; from this point
(called Prospect Valley) the trail led around the northern extremity of the
Short Pine Hills, into the valley of the Little Missouri; thence southeasterly
in the direction of Bear Butte, camp was made on a small branch of the Belle
Fourche, the valley of which stream was reached at a point 292 miles from
Fort Lincoln ; thence by Red water Creek, a tributary of Belle Fourche,
into the Black Hills ; thence to Myan Kara Creek, after the peak of that
name, which was here ascended, and near the source of which exploring
parties were sent out in various directions; thence camp was made in Castle
\ alley Creek; thence southeasterly to an unnamed creek (from whence
Harney Peak was ascended); from this point reconnaissances were made to
the south and southeast, toward the plains, rendezvous being again made
in the heart of the Black Hills. On August 6 camp was broken for the
return trip, which followed partly the incoming route, to determine the prac-
ticability of a road northward through the hills, emerging near Bear Butte.
Castle Valley and Elkhorn Prairie were retraversed, whence the plains
were reached, and a trail reconnoitered over a different route in 1875, return-
ing to Fort Lincoln (see pp. 1128 and 1129, Annual Report Chief of Engi-
neers), which point was reached August 30, the sixtieth day of the trip
646 U. S. GEOGRAPniCAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TII MERIDIAN.
Captain Ludlow was assisted by W. IT. Wood, topographer, and a
detachment of Engineer soldiers. Prof. W. H. Winchell was geologist;
Dr. Williams, surgeon, U. S Army; George Bird Grinned, paleontologist
and zoologist; a photographer also accompanied the party.
The instruments used were odometers, prismatic compasses, mean solar
chronometers, barometers and thermometers, a Wurdemann transit, and a
sextant.
The general topography along all routes and at all points visited was
carefully recorded and the lines checked by astronomical latitudes and
points in the hills checked from a measured base by trigonometric means.
A preliminary report of this expedition was made to the Chief of Engi-
neers, and appears in his Annual Report for 1874 (Appendix KK). A
subsequent report, including summaries of distances, latitudes, longitudes,
and altitudes, and the result of geological examinations of W. H. Winchell,
State geologist of Minnesota, and upon paleontological observations by
George Bird Grinnell, representing Prof. 0. C. Marsh, appears as Appendix
PP, Annual Report Chief of Engineers for 1875. This report also, accom-
panied by maps, was subsequently reproduced in quarto in 1875 (pp. 121).
The latter document is accompanied by a map of the reconnaissance
(scale 1 inch to 12 miles); one of the Black Hills, topographical (scale 1
inch to 3 miles), and a geological map, based on the same.
RECONNAISSANCE FROM CARROLL, MONTANA, TO THE YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK AND
RETURN, BT CAPT. W. LUDLOW, CORPS OF ENGINEERS, 1875.
The reconnaissance commenced at Carroll, Mont., July 13, 1875; thence
the Carroll road was surveyed to Camp Baker, .Mont.; thence to Fort Ellis;
thence through Bozeman Pass and up the Yellowstone River to the Yellow-
stone Park, and return by same route to Ellis August 31; thence to the
South Fork of Deep Creek; thence down the South Fork of the Musselshell
to the forks; thence along the Carroll road to Armelis Creek. From this
point an examination of the Judith basin was made by Lieutenant Thomp-
son, under direction of Captain Ludlow; thence to Carroll, September 19,
1875.
Captain Ludlow commanded the expedition, assisted by Second Lieut.
R. E Thompson, Sixth Infantry. The escort from Carroll to Baker was
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVKYS.-1857-1880. 647
10 men, Second Cavalry, under command of Second Lieut. C. F. Roe,
Second Cavalry, and from Ellis to Carroll of 2 non-commissioned officers
and 8 men of Second Cavalry. The civil assistants were W. H. Wood and
Edwin Ludlow, topographers; G. B. Grinnell, paleontologist and zoology ;
Edward S. Dana, geologist, besides his detachment of engineer soldiers;
and Charles Reynolds, hunter and guide.
The instruments used were transit, chain, sextant, reflecting circle,
prismatic compass, odometers, and chronometers.
The report was accompanied by a map of the reconnaissance on a
*cale of 1 inch to G miles. The published report (Appendix NN, Report
Chief of Engineers, 1876) is illustrated by three maps-of the reconnais-
sance 1 inch to 12 miles; of the Judith Basin, 1 inch to 6 miles; and of
the Geyser basin, 1 inch to 6 miles. This report was also separately pub-
lished in quarto, 155 pages, in 1876.
BIG HORN AND YELLOWSTONE EXPEDITION, CAPT. W. S. STANTON, CORKS OE ENGINEERS, X876.
This expedition, of fifteen companies of cavalry, five of infantry, one
hundred and five wagons, and six hundred pack-mules, commanded in person
by General George Crook, was organized at Fort Fetterman in May, 1876^
The expedition left Fetterman May 29, marching northward on the old
Montana road, camping first on Sage Creek ; thence on branch of Cheyenne ;
thence across two tributaries to headwaters of this stream; thence to Dry
Fork of Powder River; thence to Clear Fork of Powder River; thence via
old Fort Phil Kearney to camp on Little Piney Creek; thence to Hay
Creek- thence to mouth of Prairie Dog Creek; thence returning along tins
creek, 'reaching camp on Goose Creek; thence to Rosebud Creek, where a
successful engagement was had with the Sioux Indians; thence to a small
stream in vicinity of Tongue River; thence by a devious route to new ren-
dezvous camp on Goose Creek; thence to Camp Cloud Peak, on same stream;
thence to main Fort Smith road, near Fort Phil Kearney, returning by the
outward route and reaching Fort Fetterman June 21.
Captain Stanton, engineer officer to the expedition, was assisted by Mr.
R. F. Koehneman, draughtsman and topographer; Private Henry Kelil,
general service, and two infantry soldiers.
648 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
The instruments employed were sextants and chronometers for differ-
ence of time and latitude, mercurial and cistern barometers, prismatic
compass and odometers. Careful topographical sketches of country adjoin-
ing 1 the route were made.
A report of the reconnaissance will be found as Appendix PP, Annual
Report Chief of Engineers, 1876, and it is also mentioned in Appendix
QQ, Annual Report Chief of Engineers, 1877.
CAMPAIGN AGAINST THE HOSTILE SIOUX, LIEUT. E. MAGUIRE, ENGINEER OFFICER, 1876.
The expedition organized in the Department of Dakota was in command
of Brig. Gen. A. H. Terry, and to which Lieutenant Maguire, U. S. Engi-
neers, was attached as chief engineer.
It left Fort Abraham Lincoln May 17, 1876, marching almost due
west to Heart River ; thence to Sweet Brier Creek ; thence to Crow's Nest,
or Buzzard's Roost Butte; thence to Big Muddy Creek ; thence via Big
Muddy Valley to Thinfaced Woman's Creek; thence to north fork of Heart
River ; thence to valley of Powder River ; thence to valley of Davis Creek ;
thence to the Little Missouri ; thence via Sentinel Buttes to Beaver Creek ;
thence via head of Cabin Creek to U'Fallon's Creek ; thence to Powder
River; and thence to the Yellowstone — a total distance of 318J miles.
The command with which Lieutenant Maguire moved was transferred
by steamer up the Yellowstone, to near the mouth of the Big Horn, where
the march to the Little Big Horn commenced, which was reached about
!) miles above its mouth, near the scene of the Custer massacre, which battle-
field was mapped.
A return march was made to the Yellowstone, and a reconnaissance
carried up the valley of the Rosebud and via Tongue River to Pumpkin
Creek ; thence to the valley of Powder River via a tributary of the Mizpah,
and thence .again to the Yellowstone, from whence movements were made
in different directions. Astronomical observations, necessarily interrupted
by the specially military necessities of the campaign, requiring moving by
pack train at a moment's notice in any direction, without intervals of repose,
were taken at a number of points, results from which appear on pages 1359
and 1360, Annual Report Chief of Engineers, 1877.
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS. -1857-1880. 649
The instruments used were chronometers and sextants, with artificial
horizons.
Transportation was both by wagon and pack-train. The elevations
are barometric ; the measurements are odometric.
Lieutenant Maguire was assisted by Second Lieut. E. J McClernand,
Second Cavalry, and Mr. W. H. Wood. His report appears as Appendix
PP of Annual Report Chief of Engineers, 1877.
The original map, now on the files of the Engineer Bureau, drawn by
Sergt. James E. Wilson, Battalion of Engineers, is to the scale of 1 inch to
12 miles.
RECONNAISSANCE OF ROUTES IN WYOMING, BY CAPT. W. S. STANTON, CORPS OF ENGINEERS, 1877.
The parties took the field at Cheyenne, Wyo., July 11, and proceeded
first to Fort Laramie, 88 miles ; thence to Hat Creek, 60 miles ; thence to
Deadwood, 126 miles; thence to Fort McKinney, 197 miles; thence to
Fort Fetterman, 9 1 miles ; thence to Rock Creek Station, Union Pacific
Railroad, 83 miles; thence to Laramie Peak, 45 miles; thence to Fort
Laramie, 60 miles; thence to Camp Robinson, 73 miles; thence to Dead-
wood, 157 miles; thence to Custer City, 55 miles; thence to Hat Creek,
87 miles ; thence to Camp Robinson, 53 miles ; thence to Sidney Barracks,
120 miles; where disbandment was made November 3.
The length of the reconnaissance was 1,328 miles. Forty-four lati-
tudes and longitudes were determined, twenty-two magnetic declinations,
and two hundred and seventy-one barometric altitudes.
The expedition was in command of Captain Stanton, who was assisted
by Lieutenant Swigert, Second Cavalry ; Lieut. Henry Seton, Mr, R. F.
Koehsman, draughtsman and topographer; 10 enlisted men, one of whom
acted as photographer. An escort of 1 sergeant and 9 men from Fort
Laramie, and a like number from Camp Robinson, accompanied the expe-
dition.
The instruments employed were sextants, chronometers, prismatic
compass, cistern and aneroid barometers, and odometers.
Independent of latitude and longitude determinations by Captain
Stanton, as well as magnetic variations, careful topographic sketches of
650. U. S GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
country adjacent to the routes was recorded, and the usual hypsometric
observations taken for altitudes.
The report of this extended instrumental reconnaissance will be found
as Appendix RR, Annual Report of the Chief of Engineers for 1878, p.
1705 It is accompanied by a sketch map of the routes (scale 1 to 900,000).
The result of his explorations was availed of by Captain Stanton in
compilation of a military map of the Department of the Platte.
The engineer officers at headquarters military divisions and depart-
ments have, from time to time, made surveys of military reservations and
of wagon-roads, prior to the construction of the fatter, the results of which
appear in the Annual Reports of the Chief of Engineers; or, if unpublished,
in the archives of the Engineer Department or at the headquarters offices
respectively. It has been impossible to make an exhaustive study of these
separate surveys, and doubtless some established latitudes and longitudes
have been missed which would be developed upon a more complete and
extended search, which should be done, when final working tabulated lists
of latitudes and longitudes shall be made up, weighted and graded accord-
ing to precision and reliability, with description of monuments, and with
full bibliographical references.
The following are the authorities available for the compilation of a
standard official list of latitudes and longitudes west of the Mississippi
River :
1. Annual reports of Chief of Topographical Engineers (Graham, Lee, Poe) ; 1860, p. 341 ;
1860-'61, pp. 554 and 571.
2. Annual Reports Chief of Engineers U. S. Army to date (Lockwood, Bailey, Ruffner, Wheeler,
Wisner, Ruffner, Hoffman, Major, Greene, Barlow, Safford, Maguire, and others); 1860-61,
pp. 576 and 581 ; ls6G, p. 48; 1870, p. 546; 1873,p.681; 1874, pt. 2, pp. 432 and 610-620 ; 1877,
p. - ; 1879, p. — ; 1881, Vol. Ill, p. 2844; 1882, pt. :!, p. 2833, and elsewhere.
3. U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey to date (various observers).
4. U. S. Geographical Surveys, annual reports 1*75 to 1879, inclusive ; 1875, p. 11 ; 1876, pp. 6-35;
1877, pp. 1214-1217; 1878, pp. 6-14; 1879, pp. 114-r_>\.' : 1880, p. 35.
5. Tables of geographic positions, etc., U. S. Geographic Surveys, 1885 (Wheeler, Lockwood,
Hosie, Marshall, Kampff, Safford, Clark. Austin. Eastman, Wheeler, and Roberts).
C. U S Geographical Survey Reports, Vol. I, especially App. A, and Vol. II, pp. 488-491.
7. Vol I, Reports of fortieth parallel, p. 766.
8. Astronomic report, 1874; preliminary report, 4°, 1869; distances, etc., 4°, 1872; U. S. Geo-
graphic Surveys.
9. Hayden reports, Bull., Vol. Ill, No. 3, p. 713, 1877; annual reports 1872, p. 796, and annual
report 1878, p. 463.
10. Final report Lake Survey (Professional Papers, Corps of Engineers, No. 24; Comstock, Adams,
Lockwood, Price, Ruffner, Wheeler, Wisner, Maguire, and others).
11. General Land Office for State and Ten it- i ;i1 I • :■ ml:i ries.
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.— 1857-1880. 651
12. Texas ami United States (Clark). Senate Ex. Doc No. 70, Forty seventh Congress, first
session.
13. United States and Mexican boundary reports (Emory. Whipple, and Michler).
14. United States and Northwestern boundary (Parke and Gardner). MSS. in State Department
archives.
15. United Slates and Northern Boundary report (Twining, Gregory, Greene, and Boss) ; p. 198.
16. Warren, Vol. XI, Pacific Railroad reports.
17. Naval Observatory, annual report 1871, p. xvi and others.
18. Reports on transit of Venus and eclipse expeditions (Harkness, Newcomb, and others).
19. Yukon River (Raymond and Major); Jones, Wyoming (Blunt 1 Hitt) ; Mullan's wagon
road, p. 360 (Wiesner and Kolecki); Ives, Colorado River ; Simpson, Great Basin; Ludlow,
Black Hills; Stanton, Nebraska; Liverinore in Western Texas (unpublished), and others.
20. General records of the Engineer Department (see among others 305 and 2139 of 1879, 651 and
2664 <>f 1881, 3476, 4032 and 4900 of 1882).
21. General records of the Geological Survey (probably).
CHAPTER III.
GEOGRAPHICAL AND GEOLOGICAL EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS UNDER
THE WAR AND INTERIOR DEPARTMENTS, 1865 TO 1880.
WAK DEPARTMENT.
GEOLOGICAL EXPLORATION OF THE FORTIETH PARALLEL. (KING.)
This expedition first took the held in 1867, and continued its observa-
tions therein during the seasons of 1868, 1869, 1870, 1871, and 1872.
The object of the exploration, as determined by the instructions of
General Humphreys, Chief of Engineers (see Appendix V, Annual Report
Chief of Engineers, 1869), was "'to examine and describe the geological
structure, geographical condition, and natural resources of a belt of country
extending from the one hundred and twentieth meridian eastward to the
one hundred and fifth meridian of longitude, along the fortieth parallel of
latitude, with sufficient expanses north and south to include the lines of the
Central and Union Pacific Railroads, and as much more as may be consist-
ent with accuracy and a proper progress."
To "examine all rock formations, mountain ranges, detrital plains,
mines, coal deposits, soils, minerals, ores, saline and alkaline deposits."
To "collect material for detailed maps of the chief mining districts,
coal fields, salt basins, etc., as well as also for a topographic map of the
region traversed, and to ((induct a systematic series of barometric and ther-
mometric observations, with constant stud}' of the atmospheric conditions
bearing upon the subject of refraction and evaporation."
To "make collections in botany and zoology, with a view to a memoir
on these subjects, illustrating the occurrence and distribution of plants and
animals."
The Union and Central Pacific Railroads were used as the base lines
of operations, and thence north and south, generally to distances not ex-
653
654 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
ceeding 40 or 50 miles, such routes as were found necessary to reach the
points occupied for geological or other purposes were visited.
The area embraced was about 86,390 square miles *
EXPEDITION OF 1867.
The area embraced during this season was bounded by the one hun-
dred and twentieth meridian on the west and 117° 30' on the east, and lat-
itude 39° 3' north and 41° north, in western Nevada.
The expedition took the field in July 27, disbanding at Virginia City
December 15, 1867.
During the succeeding winter investigations by Mr. King and one
assistant on the Comstock Lode were prosecuted. A statement of progress
fur this season is found in Annual Report Chief of Engineers, 1868, pages
76 to 77.
The instruments employed for the topographic field work were zenith
telescopes for latitude, 8 and 6 inch Wurdemann theodolites, each reading
to 10", for triangulation, and a zenith sextant and chronometers, and 4" gra-
dienter for topographic details, steel tapes and chains, cistern barometers
and hvgrometers.
The transportation consisted of army wagons, saddle animals, either
riding mules or horses, and pack-mules.
The personnel was as follows: Clarence King, geologist in charge;
James D. Hague, assistant geologist; Arnold Hague, assistant geologist;
!S. F. Emmons, assistant geologist, volunteer; James T. Gardner, chief
topographer; H. Custer, assistant topographer; F. A Clark, assistant
topographer; Sereno Watson, assistant topographer; W. W. Bailey, bota-
nist; Robert Ridgway, zoologist; T. II. O'Sullivan, photographer, f
•This area is shown on the general sketch map of the fortieth parallel atlas, and colored on each
edition of the Animal Progress Chart of United States Geographical Surveys.
tThe lists of personnel do not im lude such assistants as geological collectors, barometer observ-
ers, and persons employed from time to time as general assistants.
The following extract from a letter from Mr. King serves as a general reference to (lie principal
Held assistants, the class of work of each, with mention also of the published results:
" I can say to you, in general, that the geological work was under my own personal direction ;
that I was assisted in this department, by Arnold Hague and S. F. Emmons; that the mining geologj
was executed in conjunction with myself by James 1). Hague. The topographical work was under
the general direction of James T. Gardner, who executed the road triangulation ou winch the map is
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.— 1857-1>80. 655
The escort consisted of 20 mounted enlisted men, with the proper
number of non-commissioned officers, the necessary camp equipage, trans-
portation, and subsistence, and also medical attendance. Supplies were also
authorized to be purchased from the Quartermaster and Commissary De-
partments.
SEASON OF 1868.
The field observations required along the belt in question, commenc-
ing April 15, were carried until October 1"; eastward, nearly as far as the
Great Salt Lake, and to the westward limit of its immediate desert, making
a belt of 100 miles wide and 500 miles long in Nevada and western Utah,
with preliminary explorations in vicinity of Mono Lake, California, and
continuation of investigation of the Comstock Lode.
The personnel was as follows : Clarence King, geologist in charge ;
James D Hague, assistant geologist; Arnold Hague, assistant geologist;
S. F. Emmons, assistant geologist; James T. Gardner, chief topographer;
II. Custer, assistant topographer; A D. Wilson, assistant topographer; F.
A. Clark, assistant topographer; Sereno Watson, botanist; Robert Ridg-
wav, zoologist; T II. O'Sullivan, photographer.*
The escort consisted of one sergeant, three corporals, one bugler, and
fourteen privates, Troop H, Eighth Cavalry.
SEASON OF 1869.
The season's labors were commenced May 1, and disbandment was had
in September.
The area occupied was in the vicinity of Great Salt Lake, and adja-
cent to mountain ranges in Utah and to the eastward as far as the Green
River Divide between 111° to 114° west longitude, and 40° to ^2° north
latitude.
based, and measured the astronomical and check liases. The topographical assistants were A. D.
Wilson, F. A. (.'lark, and Henry Custer.
"The legend sheet of the main alias, the title-page of the mining atlas, and the title-pages of
the various volumes, give in full the authorship of the publications of the survey."
'Work carried on in three parties in charge, respectively, of Mi ssrs. King, Arnold Hague, and
Emmons. James D. Hague conducted the investigation of mining districts of Nevada and Colorado,
in preparation for Volume III on Mining Industry.
65(j (J. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SUEVBTS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
A reference to the progress for this season appears in Annual Report
Chief of Engineers, IS 70, page 87, Vol. III. The first of the quarto series
was put to press during the winter of 1*69 and 1870.
The following constituted the personnel ; < Ilarence King, geologist in
charge; James D. Hague, assistant geologist; Arnold Hague, assistant
geologist; S. F. Emmons, assistant geologist; James T. Gardner, chief
topographer; A. 1). Wilson, assistant topographer; F.A.Clark, assistant
topographer; Sereno Watson, botanist; Robert Ridgway, zoologist; T.
H. O'Sullivan, photographer.*
There was also an escort of one sergeant, one corporal, and nine men,
Company H, Eighth Cavalry, and ten men (all mounted), Company I,
Ninth Infantry.
SEASON OF 1870.
The field period, extending from August 12 to November 15, was used
in completing vacant spaces in the 1869 work, and special observations in
volcanic and glacial phenomena in northern California, Oregon, and Wash-
ington Territory.
The personnel was as follows : Clarence King, geologist in charge ;
Arnold Hague, assistant geologist; 8. F. Emmons, assistant geologist;
James T. Gardner, chief topographer ; A. 1). Wilson, assistant topographer;
F. A. Clark, assistant topographer.
An escort of one non-commissioned officer and two privates, Company
D, Twenty-third Infantry, and such transportation as required and could be
spared, was furnished by the military authorities.!
Only a commencement was made in this work, which was intended to
furnish monographs on the volcanoes, but was never carried to completion.
A progress report appears as Appendix ZZ, Annual Report Chief of
Engineers, 1871.
" Work carried on in three parties in charge, respectively, of Messrs. King, Arnold Hague, ami
Emmons.
t Preliminary examination of the volcanoes of the Pacific coast, Lassen's Peak, Mount Shasta in
California, Mount Hood in Oregon, Mount Rainier in Washington Territory.
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.— 1857-1SS0. 657
SEASON OF 1871.
The main exploration was continued to the eastward of longitude 111°
west in Wyoming, northern Colorado, and a part of Utah, including the
Uintah Mountains. The full complement of topographical work was pre-
vented by forest fires of great extent. Volume III, quarto reports, appeared
during 1871.
The personnel was as follows : Clarence King, geologist in charge
Arnold Hague, assistant geologist ; S. F. Emmons, assistant geologist
James T. Gardner, chief topographer ; A. D. Wilson, assistant topographer
F. A. Clark, assistant topographer.
The escort consisted of one sergeant, one corporal, and thirteen pri
vates (mounted). Forage from the quartermaster's department for not ex
ceeding forty animals was supplied.*
SEASON OF 1872.
During this field year the unfinished geologic and topographic observa-
tions in Wyoming and northern Colorado were completed, with a review of
the whole field of exploration from the 105th to the I22d meridian, and
further study of extinct volcanoes and glacial phenomena.
The party disbanded on November 13.
Omissions were supplied north of Humboldt River as far east as Hum-
boldt Wells, and field work carried to the region east of the North Platte.
Special observations were conducted in the Sierra Nevada, and at and
about Mount Humphreys and the San Francisco Mountain region of the
( Jolorado plateau.
The following was the personnel: Clarence King, geologist in charge;
Arnold Hague, assistant geologist ; S. F. Emmons, assistant geologist ;
James T. Gardner, chief topographer; A. D. Wilson, assistant topographer;
F. A. Clark, assistant topographer.
An escort of one sergeant and nine men of Company A, Second Cav-
alry, was detailed to accompany the party of Mr. Emmons.f
* The work was carried on in two parties under the charge of Messrs. Hague and Emmons, re-
spectively, the former taking the eastern, the latter the western portion of the region embraced.
tThe work was carried on in two parties under the charge of Messrs. Hague and Emmons, re-
spectively, the former taking the eastern, the latter the western portion of the region.
42 WH VOL I
658 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
Statement of progress for this year is found in Appendix DD and DD 2 ,
Annual Report, Chief of Engineers, 1873.
Mr. King alone in 1873 made a field geological review between Sep-
tember 2 and December 13 of the archsean formations as well as classi-
fication of the important mining districts visited.
The balance of the year was taken up in office work by himself, two
geological assistants, one topographer, one clerk, and one* microscopist.
The office work,* with two geological assistants, one topographer, one
clerk, and one microscopist, continued during the years 1871 to 1878, and
Mr. King's services in connection with this duty terminated January 30'
1879, while the publication of Vol. VII, the last of the quarto series, is
announced in the Annual Report Chief of Engineers for 1880. The main
results connected with this work are seven quarto volumes and one atlas.
This atlas contains ten sheets, five alone showing topography proper,!
while the geological representations are found in colors upon the above
topographic sheets in contours as a base.
Contributions from Messrs. J. D. and Arnold Hague, Emmons, Watson,
Eaton, Meek, Hall, Whitfield, Ridgway, Marsh, and Zirckel appear in the
several volumes other than No. I, by Mr. King. Volume III (Mining
Industry) was issued in 1870, V. (Botany) in 1871, VI (Microscopic
Petrography) in 187G, II and IV (Descriptive Geology and Ornithology and
Paleontology) in 1877, I (Systematic Geology) in 1878, and VII (Odontor-
nithes) in 1880 J
The only published geographical co-ordinates are seven latitudes, found
in appendix to Volume I, page 765.
It appears that the latitudes and longitudes of three stations (Verdi,
Salt Lake, and Sherman) by the U. S. Coast Survey were utilized.
The following main or initial astronomical stations of the U. S. Geo-
graphical Survey fall within the fortieth parallel:
(1) Virginia City, (2) Austin, (3) Carlin, and (4) Winnemucca, Nev.;
* Reports of office progress toward completion appear as appendices to Annual Report Chief of
Engineers, as follows: EE 1874, KK 1875, II 1876, MM 1877, and MM 1878.
t The hill work of the topographic sheets, instead of hachuress, is represented by brush shadiug
with an oblique light.
t A reference to progress and results of this work may be found in House Ex. Doc. No. 88, Forty-
fifth Congress, second session.
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS— 1857-1880. 659
(5) Ogden, Utah; (6) Green River, (7)* Fort Steele, (8) Laramie, and (9)
Cheyenne, Wyo.
Various altitudes are found on the maps, but no distances are given in
figures. The methods employed for establishing the field data, upon which
the topographic maps are based, is described by Mr. James T. Gardner,
pages 764 to 769, appendix to Volume I, Systematic Geology.
The many collections in mineralogy, paleontology, and other branches
of natural history were, upon the conclusion of the investigations, trans-
ferred finally to the National Museum.
The original field and manuscript records remain a part of the archives
of the Engineer Department.
The following is a brief list of maps and reports resulting from this
exploration:
MAPS.
1. General atlas. (Scales 1 inch to fiO miles and 1 inch to 4 miles.)
1. General and preliminary 1
2. Topographic 5
3. Geologic 5
4. Sections 1
2. Atlas with Volume III (geological and mining maps):
Geologic 3
Miscellaneous 3
Sections 7
Total 25
REPORTS.
1. Annuals separately published 4
2. Monographs, quarto 7
Total 11
The area examined and mapped was 86,390 square miles.
EXPEDITION FOR EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS IN NEVADA, CALIFORNIA, UTAH. AND ARI-
ZONA, IN 1871, FIRST LIEUT. GEORGE M. WHEELER, CORPS OF ENGINEERS, COMMANDING.
This expedition took the field at Halleck Station, Nevada, May 3, 1871.
Its main purpose, under detailed instructions from Brig. Gen. A. A. Humph-
reys, Chief of Engineers, was to obtain correct topographical knowledge
of the country traversed and to prepare accurate maps of the region entered.
Other objects of the survey were to gather as much information as possible
relating to the physical features of the country; the number, habits, and
"Connection was made with this station (see Annual Report Chief of Engineers, 1873, p. 1206).
660 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
disposition of the Indians; the selection of sites for military operations or
occupation; facilities for making' rail or common roads; to make such
examinations as were justifiable from their importance of the mineral
resources of the region; and to note the climate, geological formations,
areas valuable for agricultural and grazing purposes, and the relative pro-
portions of woodland, water, and other qualities.
The latitude and longitude of as many important points as possible
were also to be determined.
The area embraced was 72,250 square miles, including portions of
central, southern, and southwestern Nevada; eastern California; south-
western Utah ; northwestern, central, and southern Arizona. The area of
the expedition of 1869 was again entered along certain lines.
The following personnel constituted the expedition of this year: First
Lieut. George M. Wheeler, Corps of Engineers, U. S. Army, in command,
chief executive officer and field astronomer; First Lieut. D. W. Lockwood,
Corps of Engineers, U. S. Army, assistant executive officer and field astron-
omer; Second Lieut. D. A. Lyle, Second Artillery, U. S. Army, assistant
executive officer and field astronomer; A. H. Cochrane, acting assistant
surgeon, U. S. Arm}-, medical officer; W. J. Hoffman, acting assistant sur-
geon, IT. S. Army, medical officer and collector in natural history; Theodore
V. Brown, hospital steward, U. S. Army, barometric observer and recorder;
Frank Hecox, hospital steward, U. S. Army, barometric observer and
recorder; E. P. Austin, astronomical observer and computer; Archibald R.
Marvine, astronomical observer and assistant geological observer; P. W.
Hamel, Louis Nell, Joseph R. Mauran, Frank R. Simonton, and Charles E.
Fellerer, geodetic and topographic assistants; Francis Klett, assistant topog-
rapher and clerk; William J. Bradley, barometric recorder; Charles A.
Ogden, barometric observer and recorder ; Frederick W. Loring, barometric
observer and recorder; John Smith, barometer and odometer observer and
recorder; CI. K. Gilbert, geological observer; F. Bischoff, zoological col-
lector; John Kohler, zoological collector; T. H. O'Sullivan, photographer;
E. M. Richardson, general assistant ; W. D. Wheeler, clerk ; E. Martin
Smith, Charles King, Charles Spencer, Willard Rice, William Egan, and
( lharles Halm, guides.
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS— 1857-1880. 661
The permanent escort was composed of six non-commissioned officers
and twenty-six privates, Company I, Third Cavalry. Additional temporary
escorts were obtained from several of the posts in Arizona, also the requisite
number of cargadores, packers, teamsters, mechanics, laborers, etc.
The transportation was in the main by pack-train, wagons in certain
instances conveying supplies to rendezvous points.
The following were members of the boat parties engaged in exploration
of the Colorado River, including a part of the "Grand Canon" from Camp
Mohave to mouth of Diamond Creek: (1) Lieut. George M. Wheeler; (2)
Dr. W. J. Hoffman; (3) P. W. Hamel ; (4) G. K. Gilbert; (5) Frank
Hecox; (6) T. H. O'Sullivan ; (7) Frederick W. Loring ; (8) E. M. Rich-
ardson; together with six boatmen and mechanics, two enlisted men of
expedition escort, one sergeant and five privates from Company G, Twelfth
Infantry: also Captain Asquit and thirteen other Mohave Indians, to assist
in towing and general work.
INSTRUMENTS.
The following instruments were used:
Astronomic. — At the main stations a combined meridian instrument,
sextants with artificial horizons, and chronometers.
Topographic. — Six-inch theodolites, reading by vernier to 20" + 30" in
arc ; 3-inch transit theodolites, gradienters, and pivot-levels (Wurdemann
pattern), field, prismatic, and pocket compasses, steel and linen tapes, and
odometers attached to vehicles. For the inclination of the magnetic needle
a dip circle was employed. For hypsometric purposes, cistern, mountain,
and aneroid barometers, hygrometers, maximum and minimum and pocket
thermometers were used.
The instruments of the geologists were pick and hammer, clinometer
compasses, aneroid barometers, and hand levels.
REPORTS.
A special preliminary report of this exploration and survey was made
to Brig. Gen. A. A. Humphre} T s, Chief of Engineers, U. S. Army, early in
1 872, and published by departmental authority. A preliminary topographic
map on a scale of 1 inch to 24 miles accompanied the report, embracing a
662 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
skeleton of the general topographic information collected, location of routes
pursued, positions of mining camps, etc.
A few copies, expressly for office use, of a list of camps, distances, etc.,
of the expedition of this year, were printed in oblong folio.
On account of the urgency of other duties no regular annual report
for the fiscal year 1870-71 was submitted to the Chief of Engineers.
At the close of this expedition a plan for a systematic topographic
survey of the territory of the United States west of the 100th meridian
was, by request, prepared by Lieutenant Wheeler, approved by the Chief
of Engineers and the honorable the Secretary of War, and sanctioned bv
act of Congress approved June 10, 1872.
To facilitate operations, initial main astronomic stations were established
this season (longitude by telegraph) at the following points: Carlin, Battle
Mountain, and Austin, Nev.; Camp Independence, Cal.; St. George, Utah;
and Prescott, Ariz. Including the points determined in 1869, eleven
main astronomic stations were established by the survey in the western
interior, and the longitude of nine established by telegraph.
The majority of these stations was confined to the main lines of the
survey. Minor astronomical stations were established daily along the routes,
the prominent mountain peaks were occupied as subordinate triangulation
stations, while the extent of the country to be traversed precluded the pos-
sibility of carrying out any connected net-work of triangulation.
The principal mountain passes were traversed and profiled, and topo-
graphic sketches made at both prominent and minor points. Elevations
were obtained of most of the prominent features of the country, and tri-
daily meteorological observations made constantly by all the different parties.
The portion of the area surveyed during this season, with the most
topographic detail, was that embracing the Colorado River, and that receiv-
ing most attention in a physio-geographical view, was the Great American
Desert region, which was found to vary in breadth from 75 to 250 miles.
The Grand Canon of the Colorado was explored in boats, occupying one
branch of the survey, under the immediate command of Lieutenant Wheeler,
thirty-three days in the ascent of the river from Camp Mohave to Diamond
Creek, a distance of more than 200 miles. More than two hundred rapids
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS— 1857-1880. 663
were passed during- the trip, and there was revealed the most striking canon
scenery in the world, of some of which photographic pictures were made.
The trip was one of great hardship, and notwithstanding the loss of some
of the instruments, which limited observations, and a part of the records,
was highly successful.
In addition to the highly interesting exploration of the Colorado Canon
the extent and character of the great Colorado Plateau, first defined and
named by myself, were determined, and its peculiar features delineated.
The expedition also determined the existence and limits of several in-
closed basins without outward drainage, and separate from the Great Salt
Lake and Humboldt basins. These are mostly in Nevada, the Amargosa
or Death Valley Basin, being' most extensive and characteristic, its lowest
depression being below the level of the sea.
Ninety-two mining districts were embraced in the area surveyed,
eighty-six of which were visited by one or more of the members of parties,
and much information elicited in classified form. Notes of the principal
features of the mines appear in the report. The mapping of mineral dis-
tricts, showing their positions, direction of lodes, etc., was made a part of
the work of the survey.
A full series of meteorologic observations was taken during the sea-
son. The geological information acquired enabled a plan to be projected
of a final comprehensive report. The natural history collections, except of
coleoptera and in botany, were small, owing to the desolate nature of the
regions visited and rapid movements of the parties. Mineralogical speci-
mens were collected mostly from the mining regions.
Observations were made with a view to the practicability of establish-
ing north and south lines of communication, and one from Salt Lake south-
erly to the foot of the Grand Canon of the Colorado; one from the Central
Pacific Railroad through Washoe, east of the Sierras ; and one from a cen-
tral point on the Central Pacific across the Colorado River at the mouth of
Virgin River, were recommended as practicable.
The navigability of the Colorado River to Camp Mohave was noted,
and the practicability of navigation to Callville, a point 95 miles above
Camp Mohave, has been proved in an instance mentioned; and it is con-
664 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
eluded that steam navigation may ultimately be carried to the foot of the
Grand Canon, 57 miles above Callville, or 577 miles above the mouth of
the river.
The areas inhabited by the Shoshones, Pah-Utes, Chemehuevis, Utes,
Mohaves, Seviches, Hualapias, Apache-Mohaves, Cosninas, and Apaches,
were accurately determined and mapped, and information respecting the
numbers, manner of life, and disposition of these Indians towards the whites,
collected. Three members of the expedition were murdered near Wicken-
berg, Ariz., by Indians, near the end of the season, while en route home.
Remnants of the works of extinct aboriginals were met with during the
exploration.
The expedition reached Tuscon, Ariz., for disbandment December 4,
1871, after a protracted field season of a little more than seven months. A
temporary office for both business and reduction purposes was occupied for
a brief period in San Francisco, the balance of the winter months being
spent in Washington, D. C, in the preparation and publication of results.
EXPEDITION FOR EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS WEST OP THE ONE HUNDREDTH MERIDIAN IN
UTAH, NEVADA, AND ARIZONA, IN 1872.
The survey of 1872 commenced July 7, and was completed on the
1 1 th of December.
The chief objects were to establish main astronomic stations, in pur-
suance of a comprehensive system, at points available by telegraph and
contiguous to the areas of survey, in addition, to obtain the topographic
details of the sections visited, with sufficient accuracy to enable routes of
communication necessary for military operations to be delineated, as well as
to enable the general physical features of the country to be drawn to a
scale of 1 inch to 8 miles, this projection having been determined upon for
the atlas intended to cover that portion of the territory of the United States
lying west of the 100th meridian.
As the .survey progressed data were gathered for maps of the scale of
1 inch to 4 miles, 1 inch to 2 miles, 1 inch to 1 mile, and 1 inch to 1,500
feet, the latter at prominent mining districts.
Meteorologic observations were made hourly at the main astronomic
stations, and such geologic and mineralogic examinations as could be prose-
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS— 1857-1880. 6(35
cuted were made to determine the physical structure, with its geographic
and allied characteristics, and incidentally an examination of the condition
of the mining industry in the region visited
Collections in the remaining branches of natural history were also
made. Photographs representing geologic formations and other peculiar
natural features were taken. Such general data bearing upon the subjects
of irrigation, agriculture, sites for military posts, etc., as could be had were
also obtained.
Observations upon the varied native resources of the soil and under-
lying rock, in accordance with formal instructions, were undertaken for the
first time.
The main astronomical stations occupied were at (1) Beaver, Utah;
(2) Cheyenne, (3) Fort Fred. Steele, and (4) Laramie, Wyo. ; (5) Pioche,
New ; (6) Gunnison, Utah, and (7) Green River, Wyo., independent of the
secondary and daily latitude stations.
Reports upon results at these stations will be found in (1) Preliminary
Report for 1872, (2) Special Astronomic Report, 1874, and (3) Vol. II,
Quarto Reports.
The area embraced was 47,366 square miles, including portions of
central, western, and southwestern Utah, eastern Nevada, and northwestern
Arizona.
The areas of the expeditions of 1869 and 1871 were entered along
certain lines.
The following constituted the personnel of the year : First Lieut.
George M. Wheeler, Corps of Engineers, U. S. Army, in command, chief
executive officer and field astronomer ; First Lieut. R. L. Hoxie, Corps of
Engineers, U. S. Army, assistant executive officer and field astronomer;
First Lieut. W. L. Marshall, Corps of Engineers, U. S. Army, assistant
executive officer and field astronomer ; Second Lieut. W. A. Dinwiddie,
Second U. S. Cavalry, commanding cavalry escort ; Second Lieut. Wallace
Mott, Eighth U. S. Infantry, commanding infantry escort; H. C. Yarrow,
acting assistant surgeon, U. S. Army, medical officer and zoological
observer; Theodore V. Brown, hospital steward, U. S. Army, barometric
observer and recorder; E. P. Austin, John II Clark, William W. Marryatt,
666 IT. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OP 100TH MERIDIAN.
astronomic observers and computers ; Louis Nell, John E. Weyss, Gilbert
Thompson, Frank R. Simonton, and Henry Cruger, geodetic and topo-
graphic assistants; Francis Klett, assistant topographer and clerk; William
M. Ord, assistant surveyor and recorder; William Kilp, C D. Gedney, Mark
S. Severance, barometric observers and recorders; G. K. Gilbert, v, mineralogical observer and chemist; II W. Henshaw,
ornithological observer and collector; James M. Rutter, meteorological ob-
43 wh — vol i
674 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
server; Charles E. Aiken, ornithological collector; W. G. Shedd, collector;
T. H. O'Sullivan, photographer; John E. Weyss, Charles Herman, and
John C. Lang, draughtsmen (office); George M. Lockwook, Francis Klett,
and W. D. Wheeler, clerks ; Almont Barnes, general assistant.
The expedition of 1874 was unaccompanied by an escort. The requi-
site number of chief packers, cargadores, packers, herders, teamsters, and
laborers were employed.
The field work of these parties completed the connection of the areas
of New Mexico and Colorado, over which the surveyed portions were par-
tially joined in 1873.
The Indians encountered this season are portions of the Ute, Apache
and Navajoe tribes, and the Pueblos, none in large numbers. Except the
latter, who live in villages and are agricultural and pastoral, they were not
inclined to be specially friendly.
The mines visited are Rosita, in the Wet Mountains, those in Los
Cerillos, and the San Juan ; besides a new field which was being pros-
pected with some success on the Alamosa.
One of the important discoveries this season was that of a new pass
through the main divide of the Rocky Mountains, near the head of the main
fork of Poncha Creek, just south of Hunt's Peak. It is lower than any
pass across these mountains in Colorado, and will admitof a grade of not more
than 212 feet to the mile for a road from Pueblo or Canon City, on the
Arkansas. By this pass 80 miles in distance can be saved to the Gunnison
River and mines at its head. This pass (since used by the Denver and Rio
Grande Railroad) has been named from its discover, Lieutenant Marshall.
The discoveries and collections in natural history were also important,
and in several fields include new varieties and species. In the vicinity of
San Ildefonso the discoveries embrace specimens of fish, of which quite a
number of Cyprenidce are new. Human remains of a tribe of which we
have no history were found at a ruined fortified town at Abiquiu. In botany
9,000 specimens were collected. In ornithology, besides many varieties,
six species were added to the known fauna of the United States.
An extensive series of deposits of the Eocene age was discovered in
New Mexico, and its examination rewarded by the collection of remains of
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.— 1857-1880. 675
a considerable number of species of vertebrata, mostly mammalia, and
among them four species of two new genera of Toxodonita, an order not
previously identified as having existed on this continent Many mineral
springs were visited by the different parties ; and vocabularies were made
of four Indian languages.
The following is a summary of the field and office work during the
year, viz:
Field. — Main telegraphic longitude stations, 5 ; latitudes determined,
main stations 6, sextant stations 50; main triangulation stations occupied,
51; topographical stations occupied, 103; miles traveled, 11,440; main
barometric stations occupied, 572; aneroid stations, 3,335; botanical speci-
mens collected, 9,000; specimens of mammals, fish, reptiles, and insects,
20,155; specimens of birds, 1,227; other ornithologic specimens, 83; lots
of geologic and mineralogic specimens, 497.
Office. — Astronomic positions computed, 55; sheets plotted, 15; cistern
barometer altitudes computed, 872; aneroid barometer altitudes computed,
3,965. Atlas maps, 1 inch to 8 miles, published, 8; ready for publication, 3;
partly completed, 2 Atlas sheets, 1 inch to 8 miles and 1 inch to 4 miles,
in preparation, 13. Reports published, 5; in course of publication, 2 ; nearly
ready for publication, 4. Maps distributed, 7,864.
Results obtained during the year of observations at Julesburg, which
location was placed on some of the Government maps north of latitude 41°
in Nebraska, show that it lies south of that latitude in Colorado. The
astronomic co-ordinates of the main stations at Las Vegas and Cimmaron,
N. Mex., Sidney Barracks and North Platte, Nebr., and Julesburg, Colo.,
were determined.
The astronomic instruments employed were similar to those of the
preceding year with the addition of an automatic instrument for the deter-
mination of positive personal equation.
The additional implements of the geologists were picks and heavy
chisels for collecting vertebrate fossils.
No special report of this survey was made except that which is con-
tained in the regular annual report submitted by the officer in charge to the
676 U. S. GEOGEArniCAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
Chief of Engineers, June 30, 1875, which is printed as Appendix LL to
the Report of the Chief of Engineers for that year.
During this year's operations of the survey a number of topographic
and geographic maps of therregular series were prepared and published.
EXPEDITION FOR GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH MERIDIAN IN COLO-
RADO, NEW MEXICO, NEBRASKA, UTAH, CALIFORNIA, AND NEVADA, IN 1875.
The expedition was organized in two sections of three parties each, one
to operate from Los Angeles, Cal., and the other from Pueblo, Colo., at
initial points. The California division disbanded at Caliente, Cal., in No-
vember, 1875, and the Colorado section at West Las Animas, Colo.,
November 25.
The object of the survey, as in preceding years, was primarily the
collection of data for the construction of detailed topographic maps, in
pursuance of the systematic geographic and topographic survey of the
western mountain region.
In addition, and to the extent practicable, investigations were conducted
in geology, paleontology, mineralogy, and the several branches of zoology
and botany. All mines and mining camps that could be reached were
visited and examined, and mineral and thermal springs noted.
The systematic classification of the land hitherto begun received espe-
cial attention during this and subsequent seasons, becoming one of the most
important incidentals to the main objects of the survey.
Careful and copious notes taken by the topographers of the several
parties enable the areas entered to be divided into arable, grazing, timber,
and desert, and also with reference to the presence of the precious and
economic minerals at a trifling additional labor and expense.
The topographic maps serve as a basis for the delineation of these sub-
divisions in colors.
The area occupied was 39,169 square miles, including portions of
southern Colorado, northern New Mexico, southern California, small sec-
tions in southwestern Nevada, and western Arizona.
The areas occupied during seasons of 1869-71, 1873, and 1874 were
again entered along certain lines with a view to perfect the triangulation and
other connections of the areas of former years.
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.— 1S57-1S80. 677
The personnel of this expedition was as follows : First Lieut. George
M. Wheeler, Corps of Engineers, U. S. Army, in command, chief executive
officer and field astronomer ; First Lieut. William L. Marshall, Corps of
Engineers, U. S. Army, assistant executive officer and field astronomer;
First Lieut. Eric Bergland, Corps of Engineers, U. S. Army, assistant execu-
tive officer and field astronomer; First Lieut. William L. Carpenter, Ninth
Infantry, U. S. Army, assistant executive officer; First Lieut, Rogers Birnie,
jr., Thirteenth Infantry, U. S. Army, assistant executive officer and field
astronomer ; First. Lieut. Charles C. Morrison, Sixth Cavalry, U. S. Army,
assistant executive officer and field astronomer ; Second Lieut. Charles W.
Whipple, Third Artillery, U. S Army, assistant executive officer and field
astronomer ; H. C. Yarrow, acting assistant surgeon, U. S. Army, medical
officer and zoological observer; J. T. Rothrock, acting assistant surgeon,
U. S Army, medical officer and botanical observer ; Theodore V. Brown,
hospital steward, U. S. Army, barometric computer; Dr. F. Kampf, trian-
gulation observer and computer ; Louis Nell, Gilbert Thompson, F. 0.
Maxson, J. C. Spiller, Frederick A. Clark, Frank Carpenter, William A.
Cowles, Anton Karl, and George H. Birnie, geodetic and topographic
assistants; Frank M. Lee, William Sommers, William C. Niblack, George
M. Dunn, John A. Hasson, Alston C. Ladd, and William Looram, bar-
ometric observers and recorders ; Frank Holland and T. Von Brockdorff,
barometric recorders ; Prof. Jules Marcou, geological observer; Dr. Oscar
Loew, geologic and mineralogic observer and chemist; Alfred R. Conk-
ling, geological observer; Douglas A. Joy, geological assistant; H. W.
Henshaw, zoological observer and collector ; Charles F. Shoemaker, col-
lector ; Francis Klett and W. D. Wheeler, clerks (field; ; William H. Ride-
ing, general assistant ; John E. Weyss, Charles Herman, and John C. Lang,
draughtsmen (office); Prof. F. W. Putnam, ethnologist (office) ; George M.
Lockwood and J. D. McChesney, clerks (office).
The expedition was accompanied by two engineer soldiers and one
sergeant and nine privates of the Twelfth Infantry ; also the usual number
of chief packers, cargadores, packers, herders, teamsters, laborers, etc.
Some of the work finished this year has permitted the completion and
publication of maps of all those mountainous portions of the West of most
678 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
intricate drainage areas, upon a scale of 1 inch to 4 miles, besides furnish-
ing material for other maps, complete or in progress, on a scale of 1 inch to
8 miles, for the plateau and semi-desert regions.
Lieutenant Marshall, in charge of party No. 1, Colorado section, sur-
veyed an area in south central Colorado, or that portion of the Platte and
Arkansas divide between the southern edge of South Park and the Arkansas
River.
The following is a general summary of important results of the season's
work :
Sextant latitude stations 102
Bases measured 106
Triangles about bases measured 50
Main triangulation stations occupied Ill
Secondary triangulation stations occupied 273
Three point stations occupied 436
Camps made 825
Miles meandered 9, 463.3
Miles traversed not meandered 4,799.9
Stations on meanders 835
Magnetic variatious observed 222
Monuments built 237
Cistern barometer stations occupied 707
Aneroid stations' occupied 5,553
Mining camps visited 22
Mineral and thermal springs noted 21
Geological and mineralogical specimens collected 380
Paleontologieal specimens collected 107
Botanical specimens (species) collected 350
Mammals, specimens collected 90
Birds, specimens collected 710
Other ornithological specimens collected 57
Reptiles, lots collected 67
Fishes, lots collected 29
Insects, lots collected 325
Shells, lots collected 12
Crustacea, lots collected 11
Radiates, lots collected 5
Ethnological specimens collected 363
The only noteworthy change made this year in the instruments used
by the survey was in the transit. An instrument subsequently known as
"Young's Meander Transit" was devised from notes furnished by the topog-
raphers of the survey as the result of experience required, and has been
adopted as combining in as great a degree as possible, strength, simplicity
of design, and convenient size, with the necessary accuracy of results.
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.- -1857-1 SSO. 679
The pack-train of mules represented the only means of transportation
for the working parties.
A report of the season's operations was made as Appendix J J of the
Annual Report of the Chief of Engineers for 187G. This was subsequently
repaged and published as Annual Report upon the Geographical Surveys
West of the one-hundredth meredian.
This annual report contains, in addition to the executive and descript-
ive reports of the officers in charge of parties, a number of professional
papers.
During the year two large quarto volumes (III and V) were issued from
this office.
The archaeological investigations about Santa Barbara resulted in the
acquisition of a large amount of very valuable material in the shape of
Indian utensils, implements, etc., which were exhumed under circumstances
that proved, for some of them at least, a considerable antiquity.
Dr. Loew conducted a series of interesting experiments with reference
to the determination of the physiological effects upon the human system of
the hot climate of the Colorado Valley, where the temperature of the air
rises above blood-heat for weeks in summer.
Upon studying the Indian vocabularies collected by himself in the
West, Dr. Loew finds that certain Pah-Ute words show a resemblance to
the Chinese and Japanese languages, this similarity not being noticed in
any other tribe.
The result of Lieutenant Bergland's examination of the Colorado
River, with reference to the practicability of its diversion for agricultural
purposes, afforded a negative answer.
Mount Whitney, or Fisherman's Peak, the highest peak in the Southern
Sierras, and presumably the highest in the range, was ascended by two
parties, and its height found to be 14,470 feet.
Triangulation was carried forward this season in accordance with the
general plan, and the system of points connected with the work of previous
years.
As a result of the work of the season in the San Juan region, a special
sheet was published on a scale of 1 inch to 2 miles.
680 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TU MERIDIAN.
The efficiency of method of the topographic work and the .accuracy
in its delineation showed a notable advance in this as during each of the
previous seasons.
EXPEDITION FOR GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH MERIDIAN, IN
COLORADO, NEW MEXICO, CALIFORNIA, AND NEVADA. IN 1876.
The expedition was organized in two sections; the Colorado section,
of two parties, at Fort Lyon, Colo., and the California section, of four par-
ties, at Carson City, Nev.
These sections took the field during the month of August, and were
disbanded late in November at the above-named points. The delay in or-
ganization was caused by the lateness of appropriations for work of the
year.
The methods and objects of the survey were the same as during the
previous year. The country examined and surveyed amounted to 21,044
square miles, situated in southeastern Colorado, northern and west central
New Mexico, western Nevada, and eastern California. The areas that had
been visited during the years 1871, 1873, 1874, and 1875 were again en-
tered along certain lines when necessary to perfect the continuous belts of
triangulation required to cover entirely the country under examination,
which latter often enters connected areas likely to be occupied in ensuing
years.
The following constituted the personnel : First Lieut. George M. Wheeler,
Corps of Engineers, U. S. Army, in command, chief executive officer and
field astronomer; First Lieut. Samuel E. Tillman, Corps of Engineers,
U. S. Army, assistant executive officer and field astronomer, First Lieut
Eric Bergland, Corps of Engineers, U. S. Army, assistant executive officer
and field astronomer ; Second Lieut. Thomas W. Symons, Corps of Engi-
neers, U. S. Army, assistant executive officer and field astronomer ; First
Lieut. Rogers Bimie, jr., Thirteenth U. S. Infantry, assistant executive
officer and field astronomer ; First Lieut. Charles C. Morrison, Sixth U. S.
Cavalry, assistant executive officer and field astronomer; Second Lieut. M.
M. Macomb, Fourth U. S. Artillery, assistant executive officer and field
astronomer; Dr. F. Kampf, triangulation observer and computer; Louis
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.— 1857-1880. 681
Nell, Gilbert Thompson, F 0. Maxson, J. C. Spiller, Frank Carpenter, Anton
Karl, and William A. Cowles, geodetic and topographic assistants; Frank
M Lee, Louis Seckles, George M. Dunn, William C. Niblack, Alfred Du-
Bois, and S. B. Cameron, barometric observers and recorders; Isaiah Brown,
messenger and barometric recorder; Alfred R Conkling, geological observer;
H. W. Henshaw, zoological observer and collector; Francis Klett, property
clerk; John E. Weyss, Charles Herman, and John C. Lang, draughtsmen
(office) ; George M Lockwood, clerk (in charge of office during field season);
J D. McChesney, money clerk (office); C. D. Davis, quartermaster's clerk
(office).
Two non-commissioned officers and five privates drawn from the
Twelfth and Nineteenth Regiments of Infantry accompanied the exped-
ition, and the usual number of cargadores, packers, herders, teamsters, labor-
ers, etc.
The geology of the mountainous area about Lake Tahoe and near Car-
son City was studied by Mr. A. R. Conkling in connection with party No.
2, California section, while its zoology received attention at the hands of
Mr. H. W. Henshaw.
The more prominent features of the field-work for the season are indi-
cated in the following summary :
Sextant latitude stations 74
Bases measured 2
Triangles about bases measured 50
Main triangulation stations occupied 64
Secondary triangulation stations occupied 80
Stations ou meanders 5, 115
Three-point stations occupied 765
Camps made. 317
Miles meandered 4,379. 48
Magnetic variations observed 208
Monuments built 168
Cistern barometer stations occupied 749
Aneroid stations occupied 3,804
Mining camps visited 15
Mineral and thermal springs visited 16
Mammals, specimens collected 13
Birds, specimens collected 109
Reptiles, specimens collected 10
Fishes, specimens collected 9
Insects, lots collected 31
Shells, lots collected 2
682 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
Instruments. — These were practically the same as employed previously,
with such slight modifications as had been suggested by experience, espe-
cially in regard to instruments used at main triangulation stations, the
object had in view being to increase the portability without decreasing the
value of the instrument for accurate work.
The transportation employed was entirely that of pack-trains, except
that a light spring-wagon was used by the party engaged in the valley of
the Carson for the safe transit of instruments.
Pack-train transportation has been necessary in all of the expeditions,
as most of the routes were over regions where no roads or trails exist.
The usual report of the season's operations was made to the Chief of
Engineers, and appears as Appendix NN of that officer's Annual Report for
1877. In addition to the main report and the customary executive and de-
scriptive reports by the officers in charge of the several parties, it contains
a number of accompanying papers and several atlas sheets.
The unusual shortness of the field season had its effect in limiting the
amount of work accomplished. The special survey of Lake Tahoe in-
augurated this season gave satisfactorv results, and the data at hand war-
ranted the production of a map of this extremely interesting lake region
on a scale of 1 inch to 1 mile.
The requirements made upon the topographers and others by which
their notes furnished information relating to the natural resources of the
regions traversed, especially of the amounts of arable, timber, grazing,
mineral, and arid lands, very satisfactorily met, and much further valuable
data was thus secured.
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.— 1857-1880. 683
EXPEDITION FOR GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF THE ONEHUNDREDTH MERIDIAN IN COLO-
RADO, NEW MEXICO, UTAH, WYOMING, IDAHO, NEVADA, CALIFORNIA, AND OREGON IN 1877.
The expedition was organized in three divisions — one, of two parties,
at Fort Lyon, Colo.; a second, of two parties, at Carson, Nev.; and a third,
of two parties, at Ogden, Utah.
The several parties were disbanded between the dates of November
25 and December 10, at Carson, Nev.; Ogden, Utah; Fort Garland, Colo.;
and Fort Union, N. Mex.
The general plan of the survey and its objects have been detailed under
accounts of previous seasons.
The field of survey comprised 32,477 square miles, in west central
Colorado, central New Mexico, northwestern Utah, southeastern Idaho,
northeastern and east central California, and south central Oregon.
The areas embraced by the expeditions of 1873, 1874, 1875, and 1876,
were again entered along certain lines when required to complete triangu-
lation observations and topographic details.
The personnel was as follows: First Lieut. George M. Wheeler, Corps
of Engineers, U. S. Army, in command, chief executive officer, field astron-
omer, and in charge of survey: First Lieut. Eric Bergland, Corps of Engi-
neers, U. S. Army, assistant executive officer and field astronomer; First
Lieut. Samuel E. Tillman, Corps of Engineers, U. S. Army, assistant exec-
utive officer and field astronomer; Second Lieut. Thomas W. Symons, Corps
of Engineers, U. S. Army, assistant executive officer and field astronomer;
First Lieut. Rogers Birnie, jr., Thirteenth Infantry, U. S. Army, assistant
executive officer and field astronomer; First Lieut Charles C. Morrison,
Sixth Cavalry, U. S. Army, assistant executive officer and field astrono-
mer; Second Lieut. M. M. Macomb, Fourth Artillery, U. S. Army, assistant
executive officer and field astronomer; Dr. F. Kampf, triangulation ob-
server and computer ; Louis Nell, F. 0. Maxson, Gilbert Thompson, Miles,
Rock, C. J. Kintner, J. W. Ward, Alfred Downing, J. C. Spiller, William
A. Cowles, Anton Karl, and E. T. Gunter, geodetic and topographic assist-
ants; Frank M. Lee, Louis Seckels, George M. Dunn, William C. Niblack,
Thomas W. Goad, John A. Hasson, Eugene L. Vail, J. M. Harris, C. D.
684 U". S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
Davis, William Looram, F. E. McCraiy, S. B. Cameron, T. H. Simpson,
Jay Cooke, jr., and J. B. Callahan, barometric observers and recorders;
Isaiah Brown, messenger and recorder; H. W. Henshaw, zoological ob-
server and collector; John A. Church, mining observer; Alfred R. Conk-
ling, geological observer; John E. Weyss, Charles Herman, and John C.
Lang, draughtsmen (office); Francis Klett, clerk (field); J. D. McChesney,
Gwyn A. Lyell, and C. D Davis, clerks (office).
Four privates of the Fourteenth Infantry and one of Company D,
Nineteenth Infantry, accompanied the expedition, with the usual number
of cooks, packers, teamsters, and men of all work.
Five main base lines were measured at (1) Ogden and (2) Terrace,
Utah; (3) Verdi and (4) Austin, New; and (5) Bozeman, Mont,
The triangulation observations of this season were pushed with great
vigor, the nets being extended over all the territory examined and connec-
tion made with prior years.
In addition to the several main parties, the special survey of the Lake
Tahoe region was completed by a party organized by Lieutenant Wheeler,
and with which he remained for a short time, consisting of Mr. John E.
Weyss and others.
A special party under Lieutenant Wheeler operated from Ogden to the
northward to the east of Cache Valley, in vicinity of Bear Lake, along
Twin Creeks, and to the eastward in the Green River drainage, disbanding
at Evanston, on the Union Pacific Railroad.
The examination of the Comstock Lode, begun by Mr. J. A. Church
in June, was continued during the season, his attention being exclusively
directed to the structure of the vein, the regimen of the mines and the high
temperature encountered in the rocks.
Mr. A. R. Conkling continued his geological investigations, taking for
his field a section of eastern California and western Nevada lying between
latitude 38° and 39° 30', and longitude 119° 15' and 120° 54'.
Collections in the several departments of zoology were made by Mr.
H. W. Henshaw, in the region from Carson, Nev., along the eastern base of
the Sierras, into southern Oregon ; special attention being directed to the
ornithology.
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.— 1857-18S0. 685
The following mining districts were visited during the season and
reported upon : Bodie, Meadow Lake, Placerville, Washington, Castle,
Alpine, West Walker, Confidence, Monitor, and Silver Mountain in Califor-
nia, and the Iowa district in Idaho.
The following is a brief summary of certain important features of the
work :
Sextant latitude stations 145
Bases measured 5
Triangles about bases measured 56
Azimuths about bases measured 13
Main triangulation stations occupied 106
Secondary triangulation stations occupied 264
Cross-sight stations observed 1, 060
Three-point stations occupied 1,414
Stations on meanders 12, 366
Miles measured 10,801
Cistern barometer stations occupied 1,447
Aneroid stations occupied 8, 900
Magnetic variations observed 424
Rivers and creeks gauged 58
Camps made 761
Monuments built 367
Mining camps visited 19
Mineral and thermal springs noted 60
Minerals, fossils, and ores (specimens of) approximate 1,100
Mammals, specimens collected 14
Birds, specimens collected 228
Reptiles, lots collected 11
Fishes collected, lots 23
Fishes collected, specimens 200
Insects, lots collected 14
Shells, lots collected 8
No changes were made in the class of instruments used.
Reports, more or less in detail, of the routes followed by the several
parties, and descriptive accounts of the areas examined, appear as Appendix
NN in the Annual Report of the Chief of Engineers for 1878, accom-
panied by special reports and a number of atlas sheets.
This Appendix was repaged and printed separately as Annual Report
upon the Geographical Surveys of the Territory of the United States West
of the One-hundredth Meridian.
Volumes 2 and 4 of the quarto series were issued during the year.
The season of 1S77 included a period of from six to seven months,
and was an extremely successful one in almost all the several branches of
the work, resulting in a very large accumulation of data.
686 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
Among other interesting matters may be mentioned the tracing of the
Bonneville Beach, or outlines of the ancient fresh-water lake of the Great
Basin, northward through Cache Valley and westward through Malade
Valley. Sufficient additional information was obtained regarding this
ancient lake to complete its outlines.
The collection of fishes of this season, though small, proved to be
extremely interesting ; besides containing two new species it illustrated
several items of importance respecting the geographic range of previously
known species.
EXPEDITION FOE GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF THE 100TH MERIDIAN, IN COLORADO, NEW
MEXICO, UTAH, CALIFORNIA, NEVADA, OREGON, AND WASHINGTON, IN 1878.
The expedition took the field in three divisions of three parties each.
Of the Colorado division one party was organized at Fort Stanton, N. Mex.,
and two at Fort Garland, Colo. The two parties of the California division
were organized respectively at Carson, Nev., and at Camp Bidwell, Cal.,
Ogden, Utah, was the initial point of the Utah section.
Owing to the lateness of the appropriation field work was not begun
until the 1st of July.
The parties were disbanded after a season of about five months.
An area aggregating 25,550 square miles was occupied, situated chiefly
in southwestern New Mexico, northern Utah, northern, central and south-
western California, western Nevada, and central Oregon.
Areas embraced during the seasons of 1873, 1874, 1875, 1876, and 1877
were again visited along certain lines when rendered necessary in perfecting
triangulation and topographic details.
The following were the personnel : First Lieut. George M. Wheeler,
Corps of Engineers, U. S. Army, in command, chief executive officer, field
astronomer and in charge of survey; First Lieut. Samuel E. Tillman, Corps
of Engineers, U. S. Army, assistant executive officer, field astronomer and
triangulator ; First Lieut. Thomas W. Symons, Corps of Engineers, U. S.
Army, assistant executive officer, field astronomer and triangulator; Second
Lieut. Willard Young, Corps of Engineers, U. S. Army, assistant executive
officer, field astronomer and triangulator; Second Lieut. Eugene Griffin,
Corps of Engineers, U. S. Army, assistant executive officer, field astronomer
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.— 1887-1880. 687
and triangulator ; First Lieut. Rog'ers Birnie, jr., Ordnance Corps, U. S.
Army, assistant executive officer, field astronomer and triangulator; Second
Lieut. M. M. Macomb, Fourth U. S. Artillery, assistant executive officer,
field astronomer and triangulator; Second Lieut. Henry H. Ludlow, Third
U. S. Artillery, assistant executive officer and triangulation observer; Sec-
ond Lieut. B. H. Randolph, Third U. S. Artillery, acting assistant quarter-
master, acting assistant commissary of subsistence, and ordnance officer ;
Prof. T. H. Safford and Miles Rock, astronomic observers and computers;
John H. Clark, astronomic observer; Louis Nell, Gilbert Thompson, F. 0.
Maxson, J. C. Spiller, Frank Carpenter, Anton Karl, James S. Polhemus,
Charles P. Kahler, W. G.Walbridge, and Ed. Gillette, jr., geodetic and topo-
graphic assistants; Francis Klett, assistant topographer and clerk; Thomas
W. Goad, George M. Dunn, Frederick W. Floyd, G. H. Schleicher, John A.
Hasson, Louis Seckles, H. S. Wallace, William Hollis, John H. Morgan,
Mark B. Kerr, and William L. Bailey, barometric observers and recorders;
Sergt. Thomas Knight, Company F, Fourteenth Infantry, barometric ob-
server; Isaiah Brown, barometric observer and messenger; R. Pitcher,
Edward W. Lyon, John Bishop, W. A. Purington, W. A. Phillips, jr., and
J. B. Callahan, odometer observers and recorders ; Prof. J. J. Stevenson,
geological observer ; Israel C. Russel, assistant geological observer ; H W.
Henshaw, zoological assistant; Almont Barnes, general assistant and clerk;
C. S. Chesney and C. D. Davis, clerks (office and field).
Office. — First Lieut. Charles C. Morrison, Sixth U. S. Cavalry, tem-
porarily in charge ; John D. McChesney, money clerk ; John C Lang,
Charles Herman, and John E. W T eyss, draughtsmen ; Gwynn A. Lyell,
draughtsman and clerk; Alfred Downing, draughtsman and computer;
James M. Ewing, clerk.
The Army furnished one sergeant, one corporal, and two privates of
the Fourteenth Infantry, and the usual quota of packers, laborers, etc., were
hired.
In addition to the regular organizations covering contiguous and con-
nected areas, the following special parties were sent out during this season:
A party in charge of Lieutenant Young was intrusted with the survey
of Great Salt Lake. This included a meander of its shore line and of the
688 U- S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
islands, the gauging the amount of inflowing water, the determination of
the amount of surface evaporation, and the rise and fall of the lake, as
well as the topography of the country immediately bordering the lake and
the islands. The Terrace-Lucin base-line previously measured was leveled
and connected with the general triangulation system.
The detailed plane table contour survey of the Washoe mining region
was completed and copies of the maps of all the underground workings
kept up. Lieutenant Young visited several mining districts in southern
California; Lieutenant Birnie others in New Mexico. (See Annual Report,
1879.)
Initial astronomical stations (with telegraphic determination of longi-
tude) were concluded at (1) Fort Walla Walla, Wash.; (2) The Dalles,
Oregon; (3) Fresno, Cal.; (4) Fort Bayard, N. Mex., and (5) Fort Bliss,
near El Paso, Tex. Signals were sent from Fort Bayard Station to Ogden,
Utah, by both an eastern and western circuit, thus affording independent
determinations for comparison. Bases were measured at each of these
points and developed connecting with the triangulation in every instance
except at Walla Walla. An auxiliary basis was also measured near Aus-
tin, Nev.
The base line of 24 miles measured between Lucin and Terrace,
Utah, was developed to connect witli the triangulation work, the latter
being carried, as was the custom, over the entire area surveyed in 1878 and
where practicable extending it across to points lying in areas of prior years.
Prof. J. J. Stevenson continued his examination of the geology of
certain areas in south central Colorado and north central New Mexico,
which includes parts of the three great drainage areas — those of the Pur-
gatory, the Canadian, and the Rio Grande.
Mr. H. W. Ilenshaw accompanied party No. 1, California section, and
made zoological collections in the region traversed, with a special view to
the study of its ornithology.
Fourteen mining districts were reported upon, viz: Ridge Bar, San
Gabriel, San Antonio, Holcomb, Bear Valley, and Lone Valley, California ;
the Lone, Chloride, Mimbres. Pinos Altos, Aztec and Moreno, Los Cerillos,
and Placer Districts, New Mexico; and the Las Animas District, Colorado.
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.— 1857-1880. 689
The following' table expresses certain of the prominent features of the
field work:
Number of main astronomical statious 5
Sextant latitude stations 90
Bases measured 5
Triangles about bases measured 64
Main tr.angulatiou stations occupied 70
Secondary triangulation stations occupied 87
Three-point stations occupied 763
Stations on meander 13, 936
Miles measured 10/299
Cistern barometer statious occupied 1, 041
Aneroid stations occupied 7, 057
Magnetic variations observed 197
Monuments built 156
Mining camps visited 15
Mineral and thermal springs noted 23
Minerals, fossils, aud ores collected (approximate) 1,467
Mammals, specimens collected 11
Birds, specimens collected 243
Birds' eggs collected 12
Mammals (alcoholic) collected 3
Mammal crania collected 1
Bird crania collected 7
Fishes, specimens 200
Fishes, lots 12
Suakes, specimens 25
Snakes, lots 16
Lizards, specimens 25
Lizards, lots 7
Batrachians, specimens 50
Batrachians.lots 11
Hemiptera collected 1
Orthoptera, specimens 200
Orthoptera, lots 6
Shells, specimens 25
Shells, lots 3
Crustaceans, specimens 12
Crustaceans, lots 1
Fossil leaves, specimens 72
The field instruments employed were those given in description of
" methods."
A report of the season's results appeared as Appendix 00 of the Chief
of Engineers Annual Report of 1879. A repaged edition was issued as the
annual report of the survey, Vol. VI, Botany, of the quarto series issued
from the press during the year.
With the report was a progress map and an outline map of the Comstock
Lode. Accompanying the report, but in separate covers, were seven quarter
atlas sheets.
44 wh — vol I
690 C S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
The results of the season of 1878, while presenting no especially novel
features as contrasted with previous years, are yet notable in a general way
for the great amount of work accomplished and the value of the data gath-
ered bearing on the several -subjects of inquiry. In this respect this, the
latest field season, exceeds in the aggregate of its results any previous year.
While this gratifying showing is in part due to the large working force
employed, no small amount of the credit should be attributed to the improved
methods of work, and to the experience in their several departments gained
by the members of the survey. Experience in extended surveys is
especially necessary. In fact nowhere is the value of a skilled personnel
more apparent than in a survey of the far West, where new problems and
unforeseen contingencies are continually arising that tax ingenuity, patience,
and forethought to their utmost.
GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEY PARTIES FOR THE SEASON OF 1879, IN COLORADO, CALIFORNIA, AND
UTAH.
No funds for field operations being available after June 30, compara-
tively little work was accomplished during the field season of 1879. Several
small parties were, however, sent out to complete details in certain areas
entered during the years 1873, 1875, 1877, and 1878.
A party under Lieutenant Young continued the hydrographic and
topographic survey of Great Salt Lake, occupying the interval between
April 22 and June 30.
A second party, with Lieutenant Macomb as executive officer, took up
the survey of the area in east central California, as left by his division at
the close of the field season of 1878, and finished important details. This
party was in the field from May 16 to June 27.
A party under Louis Nell was engaged in triangulation observations
in central Colorado ; it localized a number of new mining camps, as Silver
Cliff, Leadville, Ten Mile, Carbonate, Frying Pan Gulch, Monarch, and the
new discoveries in the basin of the Gunnison.
Professor Stevenson again entered, for a brief interval, the scene of his
previous year's labors, and filled in certain gaps in the work. He also
visited and examined the mines of the Placer Mountains and of Los Cerillos
near Galisteo Creek.
EXPLORATIONS AND SOTt VETS.— 1857-1880. 691
Reports by Lieutenants Young- and Macomb on the work intrusted to
them, and a preliminary report by Profossor Stevenson on the section
examined by him, will be found in the annual report for 1879, as cited
above.
The personnel was as follows : Capt. George M. Wheeler, Corps of
Engineers, U. S. Army, in command ; First Lieut. 13. H. Randolph, Third
Artillery, U. S. Army, field quartermaster, ordnance officer, and commis-
sary ; Second Lieut. Willard Young, Corps of Engineers, U S. Army, chief
of party and field astronomer; First Lieut. M M. Macomb, Fourth Artillery,
U. S. Army, chief of party and field astronomer ; Louis Nell, chief of party,
triangulation and topographic observer ; F. 0. Maxson, field triangulation
and topographic observer ; Prof. John J. Stevenson, chief of party and
geological observer; Francis Klett, topographer and surveyor; E. Gillette,
jr., assistant topographer; Louis Seckles, barometric observer and recorder;
C. D. Davis, clerk; Isaiah Brown, barometric recorder and messenger;
Sergt. Thomas Knight, Company F, Fourteenth Infantry, U. S. Army,
barometric observer and recorder ; Corp. Joseph T. Hill, Company I,
Fourteenth Infantry, U. S. Army, odometer recorder.
Office, July 1, 1879. — First Lieut. Samuel E. Tillman, Corps of Engi-
neers, U. S. Army, temporarily in charge; John D. McChesney, money clerk;
H. W. Henshaw, clerk in charge of reports and publications ; Miles Rock,
astronomic and geodetic computer; Fred. W. Floyd, computer; Charles
P. Kahler, J. S Polhemus, J. C. Spiller, Gilbert Thompson, and Anton
Karl, topographic assistants ; Charles Herman, John C. Lang, John E.
Weyss, and Albert Noerr, draughtsmen ; James M. Ewing and Mark B.
Kerr, clerks ; John W. Irwin, jr., general assistant.
Subsequent to July 1, with all available means and assistants, the vari-
ous reports and maps were brought as near as possible to completion (see
list of reports and maps in this volume), while finally the office closed for
lack of funds, February 28, 1884; since which, as circumstances have
permitted, the volume on geographic positions, etc., the Venice report, and
the present and final volume have been issued, as also a number of maps.
The mountainous part of the total area of 1,443,360 square miles west
of the oue-hundredth meridian is 993, 3G0 square miles, of which 359,065
692 U.S. GEOGRAPAICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
square miles were surveyed topographically and otherwise examined during
the expeditions above noticed. A summary of results in the several branches
appears on pages 137 to 14G of the volume herewith. The manner of con-
ducting the survey operations (observations and reductions) will be found
as Appendix C of this volume.*
Of necessity much material and many records, incompletely reduced,
were transferred to the Engineer Department, U. S. Army, as were all
original field and manuscript records of the astronomic, geodetic, trigono-
metric, topographic, hypsometric, and magnetic departments, including
original triangulation sheets (unpublished); original platting sheets (pub-
lished); original platting sheets (unpublished), and original finished topo-
graphic sheets (published).
Nothing was elsewhere or otherwise transferred. Numerical results for
latitudes, longitudes, and altitudes will be found distributed through the
annual, special, and main quarto reports.
The following is a tabulated list of maps and reports:
MAPS.
1. Topographic maps, atlas sheet series (scales, 1 inch to 8 in.les, 1 inch to 4
miles, and 1 inch to 2 miles, including live preliminary sheets) 55
2. Land classification sheets based on above (scale 1 inch to 4 miles) 30
3. Geologic sheets based on above (scales 1 inch to 8 miles, 1 inch to 4 miles,
including two preliminary sheets) 13
4. Maps of all kinds, bound with reports 54
5. Special and miscellaneous maps (scales from 1 inch to 12 miles to 1 inch to
1,500 feet) 12
Total 164
REPORTS.
1. Regular quarto volumes 8
2. Miscellaneous quarto volumes 7
3. Annual reports, separately published 12
' 4. Special reports, folio and royal octavo 3
5. Miscellaneous pamphlet reports, octavo and duodecimo 11
Total 41
"The project presented in 1872 for a connected and continuous survey, approved by act of June
10, 1872, estimated a cost of |2,500,000, spread over an interval of 15 years. Had not the appropria-
tion been stopped in 1879 the field work for the whole area west of one-hundredth meridian could easily
have been completed by 1887, if not earlier.
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.— 1857-1880. 693
LAKE SURVEY.
While the admirable work of this office has been within areas east of the
Mississippi, yet it has also successfully co-operated with certain western
parties, in the establishment of telegraphic longitudes, results from which
appear on page 763 et seq. (Professional Papers, Corps of Engineers, U. S.
Army, No. 24 ; Primary Triangulation of the U. S. Lake Survey ; Corn-
stock, 1882.)
The observers at Detroit were Capt. H. M. Adams and Lieut. P. M. Price,
U. S. Engineers, and assistants O. B. Wheeler and A. R. Flint. The lati-
tudes and longitudes of twelve points are given : Four in Dakota, Wyom-
ing, and Nebraska (Capt. W. S. Stanton, U. S. Engineers, observer) ; one
in Nevada (Capt. W. A. Jones, U. S. Engineers, observer) ; one in Utah
(Dr. F. Kampf, U. S. Geographical Survey, observer) ; one in Kansas
(Lieut. E. H. Ruffner, U. S. Engineers, observer); and five in Texas (Lieut.
William Hoffman, U. S. Army, observer).
In 1876 the duty of making a survey of the Mississippi River 'was
placed upon the Lake Survey, which was commenced at Cairo, 111., during
the winter of 1876-77, and base measuring triangulation, topographic,
hydrographic, and precise leveling work was continued also from Memphis
southward during two succeeding winters.
All of these results were availed of by the Mississippi River Commission
Survey, including complete maps (topographic and hydrographic) of 40
miles of the river southward from Memphis.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER COMMISSION SURVEY.
This Commission, constituted by act of June 28, 1879, instituted a
system of surveys not useful only to the proximate ends in view, but also
in connection with the wider ultimate range of inquiry when necessary.
The U. S. Lake Survey, during the winter of 1876— '77, began a special
survey of the Mississippi River (topographic and hydrographic) in the
vicinity of Cairo, which was continued during the winters of 187 7-78 and
1878-79, at and below Memphis, all of the work of which was availed of
by the Mississippi River Commission.
694 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
It consisted of a developed line of secondary triangulation, resting
upon secondary bases when necessary, principally from Cairo to the head
of the Passes, about 1,100 miles. The triangulation at Cairo connects and
depends upon a secondary base of the U. S. Lake Survey. Co-operation
was extended during 1880 and 1881 by triangulation and hydrographic
parties of the Coast and Geodetic Survey, as appears from the reports
of this office and also that of the Commission.
Tertiary triangulation was availed of along certain reaches.
All existing survey data was utilized* and co-operation had with the
Coast Survey as to the triangulation and precise leveling, which was carried
from a beach point at the Gulf along the banks of the river northward to
Fulton, 111., and from thence to the level of Lake Michigan, at Chicago,
where it is joined to the line of precise levels brought by the Lake Survey
from tidewater at New York City.
The average closure of the triangles ranged from 2 to G seconds.
Topography consists of developing the shore line of the actual river,
with its banks, tow-heads, chutes, islands, etc., also levees, elevations of
banks, water surfaces, cross-sections of levees, etc., all resting upon the
triangulation, with five-foot contours depending on numerous elevations
(sketched) carried back an average distance of three-fourths of a mile each
side.
All topographic work intermediate between A stations was deter-
mined by stadia measurements frequently checked.
Nine principal trans-alluvial level lines, were run to obtain information
as to the alluvial bottom lands and their reservoir capacity- also similar
levels over 160 miles between Lower Red River and the Atchafalaya.
P^levations by vertical angles (by circle or telescope level), all creeks
and lakes, between bluffs and the river located.
Collections were made of reliable high-water marks of 1883.
The topography includes outlines of bluffs, old river lakes, and bayous,
the Red River, and Cut-off Bayou to the main stream; also sloughs, swamps,
fields, woods, and houses.
* In 1879 the Coast Survey had published charts of the river betweeu Poiut Houmas (7'2 miles above
New Orleans) and the Gulf, showing depths and marginal topography.
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.— 1857-1880. 695
Measurements made of caving and changes in sliding banks, with bank
line, cross-section, and reliable elevations of old and new river banks. Dif-
ference of elevation determined between top and bottom of bluffs, with
heights of tops above mean water surface; also connections with county
and State lines and with township and section corners of public lands. The
precise levels were run in duplicate, in opposite directions, with permanent
beach marks every 3 miles.
Hydrography. — Soundings in boats for cross-sections of the river and
its approaches for about every half mile, with intermediate lines across base.
Cross-sections were repeated near the principal crevasses after the flood of
1882.
Profile of water surface for low water of 1883 from St. Louis to New
Orleans was determined. Special hydrographic surveys made in vicinity
of crevasses.
Resurve}* made to determine the enlargement of the Atchafalaya.
Besides normal sections in 1882 soundings were taken (1882) along the
line of deepest water. In 1884 special surveys made above, below, and
through cut-offs.
Observations made of flood escapes through crevasses ; correct data
obtained as to depths of bad bars at low water.
Longitudinal lines sounded along the thread of deepest water from
Island No. 1 to Donaldson's Point, also 98 miles north of Caruthersville.
Physical inquiries extending to all the recognized phenomena likely to
have a bearing upon problems of improvement were instituted.
Physical examinations of selected reaches, presenting locally and rela-
tively the most widely contrasted elements of width, depth, and curvature,
were made.
Stations for recording river elevations were maintained and increased
where necessary, so as to trace the progress of floods and the principal
features of the river slopes.*
The trigonometric stations have been marked by stones 3 feet long,
dressed 6 by 6 inches at one end; balance rough, with top projecting a few
inches from the ground.
"Twenty gauges have been maintained continuously on the main river and its tributaries.
696 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
The precise level stations were marked by flat stones 18 inches square
and 4 inches thick, with hole in center, into which a copper bolt is leaded.
This is incased by a cast-iron 4-inch pipe 5 feet long, with elevations of top
of pipe and stone both determined.
Computations. — The computations were usually made by angle adjust-
ments by least squares for quadrilaterals and pentagons, with computations
of lengths, and azimuths of the sides, and formation of equations of condi-
tion and their solutions.
Instruments. — The instruments employed were as follows: Triangula-
tion, Troughton & Sims 12-inch and Gambey 10-inch theodolites, Repsold
1 "2-inch and Pistor & Martins 5-inch universal instruments, Wurdemann-
Gambey 10-inch and G-inch transit theodolites, and ordinary transits. There
were also Stackpole and Kern Y levels, with rods, ordinary and pocket
sextants, chronometers, stadias, standard meter, iron standard bars, steel
tapes, prismatic compasses, pedometers, and hand levels.
The cost of certain parts of the completed survey is stated at $169
per lineal mile and at $57 per square mile for topography alone, exclusive
of the cost of all other branches.
Geographic co-ordinates (latitudes and longitudes) results of the trian-
gulation may be found published in progress report, 1881, being Senate
Executive Document No. 10, Forty-seventh Congress, first session; Appen-
dix SS, Part III, Annual Report Chief of Engineers, 1883, pages 2158
et seq.; and Appendix TT, Part III, Annual Report Chief of Engineers,
1884, pages 2445 et seq.
Maps — The map publications consist of detailed contour charts (3 feet
and 5 feet intervals), scale 1 to 10,000; including outline and topographic
maps, and those of the river lakes, the same reduced to 1 to 20,000; pre-
liminary maps, 1 to 63,360; with a general map of the whole alluvial basin
from Cape Girardeau to the Gulf (see tabular list of maps).
The Progress and Annual Reports have usually been published first as
executive documents, appearing during the sittings of Congress, which
have afterwards been incorporated in the Annual Report of the Chief of
Engineers, as follows: Appendices SS, 1881; RR, 1882; SS, 1883; TT,
1884; WW and WW,, 1885. The Annual Report for 1886 appears as
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.— 1857-1880. 697
House Executive Document No. 30, Forty-ninth Congress, second session.
The survey is considered complete below Cairo; above Cairo the tri-
angulation is carried to Keokuk, Iowa, the detailed field survey being com-
plete for 25 miles above Cairo.
The first extension when made will be to complete topography and
hydrography upward as far as the mouth of the Missouri, it being in con-
templation finally to continue it as far as St. Paul, Minn.
MISSOURI RIVER COMMISSION.
Prior to 1884, commencing in 1878, the surveys on the Missouri River
consisted of an accurate delineation of the shore line, islands, and sand bars,
the general topographic features of the valley, and the line of bluffs bor-
dering the same, the whole checked by a system of triangulation carried
along the river banks.
Soundings were made, on lines normal to the current, from 500 to
1,500 feet apart; carefully checked levels were carried from Pierre to the
mouth.
The results have been reduced and published as photolithographs,
scale 1 inch to 1 mile. The Missouri River Commission commenced in
1884 a secondary triangulation of the river, to be carried from bluff to
bluff, marked by permanent monuments and the establishments of perma-
nent bench marks, all to be connected with former surveys.
The monuments marking the triangulation points consisted of a stone
18 by 18 by 4 inches placed 3 feet 4 inches in the ground, in which was
placed a 4-inch gas-pipe 3 feet long, the top covered with a cast iron cap,
secured by a bolt and nut. (See Appendix XX, Annual Report Chief of
Engineers, 1885, Part IV, pages 3015 et seq.)
SURVEYS FOR RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS.
These have been conducted at numerous points throughout the whole
country, including frequent reaches of navigable rivers, also harbors and
their approaches, but being for Engineers' purposes solely have been
directed to the physical relations of channels and water-ways, within the
purview of the improvements, and hence have been made with an eye
698 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
single to these improvements. Immeeiate results have always been re-
quired, and hence, while often possessed of much topographic and hydro-
graphic detail, are possessed of no geographic connection (no latitudes, or
latitudes being established as a rule) and are valuable more particularly
in preliminary compilation. The plats are either published with the Annual
Reports of the Chief of Engineers, in executive documents, or held as
original drawings at the Engineer Department.
MAPS, ENGINEER DEPARTMENT.
The recompilation of the Western Territory Map, originally constructed
and compiled at close of the Pacific Railroad surveys by Lieut. Warren, com-
mencing in 1867, was the only general topographic map of this territory
until a new compilation (scale 1 to 500,000) was begun in 1876, and pub-
lished in 1879 as a photolithograph (scale 1 to 2,000,000). The compila-
tion of a new outline map of our territory west of the Mississippi was com-
menced in 1880, the compilation completed in 1882, the same engraved and
published in 1884 in outline, and in 1885 with hill work in color.
Special photolithographed maps (1 to 1,500,000) were issued in 1880,
separately, as follows: Colorado, Oregon, Washington and Idaho, New
Mexico and Arizona, California and Nevada.
A new map covering the entire territory of the United States, designed
both for military and geographic purposes, had in 1869 been compiled
and engraved. This was revised in 1874, and a new edition printed. This
was further revised, and in 1877 again re-issued.
In 1882 a new outline map of the United States was commenced, and
in 1885 engraved and issued.
In 188C a new outline map of the United States (scale 1 to 2,000,000)
was commenced, as also a compiled map of Central America (scale 1 to
1,250,000).
In 1881 an outline map of the United States (scale 1 inch to 52£
miles) showing location of works and surveys for rivers and harbors was
issued.
From time to time many military topographic and geographic maps of
various scales, usually prepared at the headquarters of military divisions
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS— 1S57-1S80. 699
and departments, have been published and issued either at the Engineer
Department or at the above offices, as appears from the several Annual
Reports of the Chief of Engineers. It has been impossible, for want of
data, to name all of them, and it may be said that these are such current
compilations, demanded by the commanding general, as means permit.
INTERIOR DEPARTMENT.
GEOLOGICAL EXAMINATION IN NEBRASKA, BY PROF. F. V. HAYDEN, 18G7.
In 1887, when Nebraska was admitted as a State, Congress set apart
the unexpended balance ($5,000) of the appropriation for legislative ex-
penses of the Territory for a geological survey of the new State.
The examination was conducted by Dr. F. V. Hayden, who was
assisted by Prof. F. B. Meek, and by Mr. James Stevenson as business
agent. The sale, for a party of ten, from the subsistence stores of the Army
was authorized.
The report of the work was made to the Commissioner of the General
Land Office, and was devoted to the geological structure of Nebraska.
GEOLOGICAL EXPLORATION OF WYOMING, BY PROF. F. V. HAYDEN, 1868.
In 1868 So, 000 was appropriated to continue the work of geological
exploration in Wyoming Territory.
The party consisted of nine persons and was organized at Che}'enne,
Wyo.
The field work extended westward to Greene River. The geological
structure along the line of the Union Pacific Railroad and along the Over-
land Stage Route was examined.
The Laramie Plains and North Park were visited and described.
The report of this work was also made to the Commissioner of the
General Land Office.
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES, BY PROF. F. V. HAYDEN, 18GC.
In 1869 the work was placed under the supervision of the Secretary
of the Interior, and an appropriation of $10,000 was made for a geological
examination of Colorado and New Mexico.
700 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
This may be regarded as the proper commencement of the survey.
The field party consisted of eleven persons in all, including, besides
Dr. Hayden, Mr. James Stevenson, managing director; Mr. Persifor Frazer,
jr., mining engineer; Prof. Cyrus Thomas, entomologist and botanist, and
Henry W. Elliott, artist,
The greater part of the outfit was furnished by the Quartermaster's
Department, and such aid as was needed was supplied at the military posts
en route.
The field labors commenced in the latter part of June at Cheyenne,
Wyo., from which point a reconnaissance was made along the eastern edge
of the Rocky Mountains via Denver, Central City, and Canon City to
Santa Fe, N. Mex.
Trips were made to the mines at the head of the Cache la Poudre
River, the coal mines at South Boulder, the silver mines of Georgetown,
the gold mines of Central City and Middle Park.
From Santa Fe the return was made via the Rio Grande through San
Luis Valley, Poncho Pass, Arkansas Valley, and South Park to Denver.
The resulting report and all those thereafter were made to the Secre-
tary of the Interior.
EXAMINATION OF 1870.
In 1870 the appropriation was $25,000.
The area explored comprised a portion of Wyoming Territory.
A reconnaissance was made from Cheyenne northward along the east-
ern base of the Laramie Range via the Chugwater, North Platte, and
Sweetwater Rivers to South Pass.
Frequent excursions were made on each side of the route of travel,
and the Sweetwater mines and the southern portions of the Wind River
Mountains were visited.
From South Pass the party passed down the Little and Big Sandy
Creeks to Green River, and thence by way of Church Buttes to Fort
Bridger.
A permanent camp was established at the latter point, from which
numerous excursions were made, especially to the Uintah Mountains, the
northern slopes of which were explored.
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.— 1857-1880. 701
From Fort Bridger the course was southward to Henry's Fork and
via that stream to Green River City, on the Union Pacific Railroad.
From the latter place the old stage road was followed up Bitter Creek,
over Bridger's Pass and the Medicine Bow Mountains, across the Laramie
Plains, and through the Laramie Range via Cheyenne Pass to Cheyenne,
the point of departure.
The party in the field in 1870 consisted of twenty persons, with Dr.
F. V. Hay den in charge; James Stevenson, assistant; Henry W. Elliott,
artist ; Prof. Cyrus Thomas, agriculturist ; William H. Jackson, pho-
tographer ; John W. Beaman, meteorologist ; Charles T. Turnbull, secre-
tary ; Arthur L. Ford, mineralogist ; C. P. Carrington, zoologist ; Henry
D. Schmidt, naturalist, and L. A. Bartlett, general assistant.
Outfits and equipments were furnished by the Quartermaster's Depart-
ment and assistance "by the military authorities of the west," which caused
a "great saving to the appropriation."
EXAMINATION OF 1871.
In 1871 it was decided to carry on topographic work in connection
with the geological explorations.
The plan adopted was that of a topographic reconnaissance — the
reconnaissance of the immediate line of march, with the country in sight
from it controlled by courses and distances, the former measured by com-
pass, the latter by odometer, and the whole checked by sextant latitudes.
The party organized as follows, at Cheyenne, Wyo.: Dr. F. V. Hay-
den, geologist, in charge; James Stevenson, assistant; Henry W. Elliott,
artist; Prof. Cyrus Thomas, agricultural statistician and entomologist; Anton
Shouborn, chief topographer; A. J. Smith, assistant; William H. Jackson,
photographer; George B. Dixon, assistant; J. W. Beaman, meteorologist ;
Prof. G. N. Allen, botanist; Robert Adams, jr., assistant; Dr. A. C. Peale,
mineralogist; Dr. A. C. Turnbull, physician; with a number of general
assistants, the entire field party numbering about thirty-six persons. The
greater portion of the outfit (including horses, mules, wagons, and other
equipments) were furnished from the Army, and aid, where possible, by the
military authorities. Commissary stores were purchased at cost price, with
702 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SCJKVEYS WEST OF 100TII MERIDIAN.
the cost of transportation added. One company, Second Cavalry, under
Captain Tyler and Lieutenant Grugan, was a joint escort to this party and
those of Captains Barlow and Heap, U. S. Engineers. The escort officers
were replaced at Yellowstone Lake by Lieutenant Doane.
The party proceeded by rail from Cheyenne to Ogden, in Utah, whence
a reconnaissance was made with a wagon train northward via Cache Valley,
Snake River Plains, and the Madison Valley, through Utah and Idaho into
Montana as far north as Bozeman, in the Gallatin Valley, and thence to
Boteler's ranch, on the Yellowstone River.
From the latter point a trip of some six weeks' duration was made with
a park-train to Yellowstone Lake and the geysers and hot springs on the
Fire Hole or Upper Madison River (a portion of which region was after-
wards set aside by Congress as the Yellowstone National Park).
The return trip was made along the Jefferson Fork of the Missouri and
across the Snake River Valley to Fort Hall, in Idaho, and thence via Bear
Lake Valley and Bear Lake to Evanston, Wyo., where the party disbanded
for the season.
The amount appropriated was $40,000.
EXAMINATION OF 1872.
In 1872 two well-equipped parties were put in the field. The topo-
graphic work was improved by the addition of a running system of triangu-
lation, which, in conjunction with the observations for latitude, were used
in correcting the work.
The first, or Yellowstone division, was under the immediate charge of
Dr. F. V. Hayden, with the following members: Adolf Burck, chief topog-
rapher; Henry Gannett, astronomer; A. E. Brown, assistant topographer; E.
B.Wakefield meteorologist; Dr. A. C. Peale, mineralogist ; W.H.Holmes,
artist; Walter B. Piatt, naturalist; W. B. Logan, secretary; and three gen-
eral assistants.
The rendezvous for this division was at Fort Ellis, in Montana, from
which point the trip to the Yellowstone Park was taken. The headwaters
of the Yellowstone, Madison, and Gallatin Rivers were explored in much
greater detail than during the previous year. The same assistance as that
of the previous year was rendered by the military authorities.
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.— 1857-1880. 703
The second, or Snake River division, was in charge of Mr. James
Stevenson, and was constituted as follows: Prof. Frank H. Bradley, chief
geologist; W. R. Taggart, assistant geologist; Gustavus R. Bechler, chief
topographer; Rudolph Ilering and Thomas W. Jaycox, assistant topog-
raphers; William Nicholson, meteorologist; John M. Coulter, botanist; Dr.
Josiah Curtis, surgeon and microscopist ; C. Hart Merriam, ornithologist;
Campbell Carrington, naturalist ; Robert Adams, jr., and others, general
assistants. The superintendent of the Yellowstone National Park also
accompanied the party. This division, starting from Fort Hall, in Idaho
Territory, made a reconnaissance of the country between that post and the
Yellowstone Park, including the sources of Snake River, and the Teton
Mountains and the southern portion of the Park.
The appropriation for the year was $75,000.
UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
SEASON OF 1873.
In 1873 the field of work was transferred, and fuller and more detailed
topographic observations, in charge of James T. Gardner, carried on in con-
junction with the geological examination.
A connected survey, covering uniformly the whole country, controlled
by a triangulation, took the place of the route reconnaissance of the pre-
vious years.
At the beginning of the work a base line was carefully measured near
Denver, and the system of triangulation was expanded by well conditioned
triangles. The triangulation was controlled by connection with stations at
Denver, Colorado Springs, and Trinidad, the latitude and longitude of which
were determined by the United States Coast Survey. The angles were
measured with 8-inch theodolites, reading to ten seconds of arc. The mean
error of closure of the triangles measured in 1873 is 10' 3".
The secondary triangulation was carried on by the topographers coin-
cidently with the topographic work. The angles were measured with a
4-inch theodolite reading to minutes. The mean error of closure is about
two minutes.
704 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
The topographic observations were made from commanding points,
mainly from the stations in the secondary triangulation susceptible of location
and were fixed in position by the intersections. All important streams were
meandered. Heights were measured by the cistern barometer, and by ver-
tical angles. The base barometer stations were so distributed, horizontally
and in height, that any hypsometric work could be referred to a base in no
case more than 50 miles distant nor differing in height more than 2,000 feet.
All the high mountain peaks were carefully connected by vertical angles,
and all barometric readings taken on them, were reduced to a common point,
and then referred to the observations taken on the summits of Mount Lin-
coln or Pike's Peak as a base.
The work in Colorado began in 1873 with an appropriation of 875,000.
The principal triangulation party was in charge of James T. Gardner.
The eastern portion of the mountainous part of the State was embraced
topographically and geologically by three divisions, which covered in all
siime 23,000 square miles. The first or Middle Park division was directed
by Mr. A R. Marvine, geologist, with G. R. Bechler as topographer and S.
13. Ladd topographical assistant.
The area surveyed by this division was approximately a rectangular
belt, the eastern end of which rested on the plains near Denver. This belt
extended westward across the main chain of the Rocky Mountains to and
including the Middle Park.
The second or South Park division was in charge of Mr. Henry Gan-
nett, topographer, with Dr. A. C Peale as division geologist, and Mr. W.
R. Taggart as assistant. The area surveyed by them extended westward
from the plains to the Elk Mountains.
The third or San Luis division was directed by Mr. A. D. Wilson,
topographer. Mr. George B. Chittenden was assistant topographer, and
Dr. F. M. Endlich division geologist.
The field occupied by this division was the southern portion of the
eastern mountainous part of the State.
Besides the division just enumerated, there was a party of supervision,
under Dr. F. V. Hay den, with Mr. W. H. Holmes as geological artist, and
Mr W. H. Jackson photographer, and various assistants and collectors.
EXPLOKAT10NS AXD SUKVEYS.-1S57-1880. 705
Second Lieut, William L. Cai-penter, Ninth U. S. Infantry, accompa-
nied the expedition as naturalist.
The same assistance as hitherto was afforded by the military authori-
ties.
SEASON OF 1874.
In 1874 Congress appropriated $75,000 for the continuation of the
work in Colorado, and the work was extended westward and southwest-
ward, covering an area of 13,000 square miles. The divisions were late in
reaching the field and were constituted as follows: Party of general super-
vision — Dr. F. V. Hayden, geologist in charge ; W. H. Holmes, assistant
geologist and artist ; Mr. George B. Chittenden, topographer. This party
was occupied mainly with the examination and mapping of the moraines
of the Upper Arkansas Valley and the detailed examination of the Elk
Mountains.
First division, A. R. Marvine, division geologist in charge; S. B. Ladd,
topographer.
This division continued their work of 1873 westward.
Second division, Henry Gannett, topographer in charge ; Dr. A. C.
Peale, geologist, The area surveyed was that lying west of the Elk
Mountains between the Grand and Gunnison Rivers.
Third division, A. D. Wilson, topographer in charge; Dr. F. M. End-
lich, geologist. The work of the preceding year was extended westward
and southward.
The party of primary triangulation was in charge of Mr. James T.
Gardner, and measured a base in San Luis Valley, carrying also the tri-
angulation over the southern part of the State.
The photographic and naturalist's division was under the supervision
of Mr. W. H. Jackson, photographer. Mr. Ernest Ingersoll was naturalist.
Middle Park and the San Juan region were visited and particular
attention paid to the cave dwellings and other ruins in southern Colorado.
Dr. Elliott Coues, surgeon U. S. Army, rendered valuable assistance
in and contributions to the publications, commencing with this year.
45 WH— VOL I
706 U- S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OP 100TH MERIDIAN.
SEASON OF 1875.
The appropriation for 1875 was $75,000, and work was resumed in the
western part of Colorado. An area of 24,000 square miles was surveyed
by the following divisions of the survey :
First or southern division, A. D. Wilson, topographer in charge ; Dr.
F. M. Endlich, geologist. This division was in the southern part of Colo-
rado, mainly in the Sangre de Christo Range and the adjacent country.
Second or southwestern division, W. H. Holmes directing, with George
B. Chittenden as topographer, continued the work of Mr. A. D. Wilson of
1874 to the westward. Mr. Holmes made also a special observation
regarding the prehistoric remains of southwestern Colorado.
Third or Grand River division, with Henry Gannett, topographer, as
director, and Dr. A. C. Peale as geologist, extended westward their work
of the previous year.
Fourth division, in charge of G. R. Bechler, topographer, worked in
the eastern part of the State, connecting by meanders and triangulation of
several isolated areas surveyed during the previous years.
The principal triangulation was under the supervision of James T.
Gardner.
The photographic and naturalists party was directed by W. H. Jackson,
with Ernest Ingersoll as naturalist. They spent most of the season in south-
western Colorado investigating the extent and distribution of the ruins in
that region. Their field was extended also to include the Moquis Pueblos.
SEASON OF 1876.
In 1876 an appropriation of $65,000 was made to complete the survey
of Colorado, of which about 10,000 square miles remained to be examined.
The field season was short, but the work was accomplished.
The primary triangulation was completed by Mr. A. D. Wilson, who
was accompanied by Mr. W. H. Holmes, for the purpose of taking a general
view (for comparison) of the two great plain belts that lie one along the
east and the other along the west base of the Rocky Mountains.
The first or Grand River division, directed by Henry Gannett, with
Dr. A. C. Peale, geologist, completed the western central portion of the
State, and also surveyed a small area lying north of Grand River.
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.— 1857-18S0. 707
The second or White River division was in charge of George B Chit-
tenden, topographer, accompanied by Dr. F. M. Endlich as geologist, and
worked south of White River, extending the survey over into Utah.
The third or Yampah division was directed by G. R. Bechler; Dr. C.
A. White was the geologist. The field of work was the extreme northwest-
ern portion of Colorado, lying hetween the Yampah and White Rivers,
which area was satisfactorily completed.
SEASON OF 1877.
Examinations were carried northward into Wyoming and Idaho Terri-
tories, beginning at the northern line of the work of the exploration of the
40th parallel. During the season 30,000 square miles, embracing parts of
Wyoming, Idaho, and Utah, were covered. The following parties were
put in the field :
First, party of primary triangulation, in charge of A. D. Wilson, chief
topographer.
Second, Green River division, in charge of Henry Gannett, topographer,
with Dr. A. C. Peale, geologist. The area surveyed was the Green River
Basin and the country westward of the Portneuf River.
Third, Sweetwater division, in charge of George B. Chittenden, topog-
rapher, with Dr. F. M Endlich as geologist. This division surveyed the
area east of the Green River Basin lying hetween the Union Pacific Rail-
road and the Wind River and Sweetwater Mountains, including the latter
range and a part of the former
Fourth, Teton division, in charge of G. R. Bechler, topographer, with
Orestes St, John, geologist. The region surveyed by this division was di-
rectly north of that occupied by the Green River division, and included
the Teton Mountains and a portion of the Snake River Plains.
There were also several special parties in the field, and among them
one for critical paleontologic work, under Dr. C. A. White, who examined
the geological formations that lie on both sides of the Rocky Mountains and
on the north and south of the Uintah Mountains.
Mr. W. H. Jackson, with the photographic division, made a tour through
the northern part of New Mexico and the northeastern part of Arizona,
708 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
securing material for the illustration of methods of building employed by
the Pueblos or town-building Indians.
On account of office work — superintending publications — Dr. Cones,
surgeon U. S. Army, could not perform extended field work.
SEASON OF 1878.
In 1878 the work of the preceding year was extended northward, and
included the Yellowstone National Park. The total area comprised was
7,000 square miles.
The appropriation for the year was 875,000, and four parties were put
in the field, so constituted that they could be divided as the work required.
They were made up as follows :
First, party of primary triangulation; A. D. Wilson, chief topographer,
in charge.
Second, Yellowstone Park division; Henry Gannett, topographer, in
charge. W. H. Holmes was geologist of the division, and investigated the
general geological structures of the Park. Dr. A. C. Peale was also a
member of the division, and made a special examination of the hot springs
and geysers of the Park.
Third, Teton division; F. A. Clark, topographer in charge; O. St.
John, geologist. This division surveyed the northern end of the Wind
River Mountains, the Gros Ventres, Shoshone, and Owl Creek Ranges, and
a part of the Snake River Valley.
Fourth, photographic division; W. II. Jackson, photographer, in charge.
This party was occupied in the Park and in the Wind River Mountains.
Nine maps (pocket form) accompanied the Annual Report of 1878, as
follows:
No. 1. Economic map of portions of Wyoming, Idaho, anil Utah. Scale, 1 inch to 8 miles.
No. 2. Geologic map of portions of Wyoming, Idaho, ami Utah. Scale, 1 inch to 8 miles.
No. 3. Geologic map of part of central Wyoming. Scale, 1 inch to 4 miles.
No. -1. Geologic map of parts of western Wyoming and southeast Idaho. Scale, 1 inch to 4 miles.
No. •">. Geologic map of parts of western Wyoming, southeast Idaho, and northeast Utah. Scale,
1 inch to 4 miles.
No. 6. Geologic map of Yellowstone National Park. Scale, 1 inch to 2 miles.
No. 7. Topographic map of central Wyoming. Scale. 1 inch to 4 miles (contours, 2110 feet).
No. 8. Topographic map of part of western Wyoming and southeast Idaho. Scale, 1 inch to 4
miles (contours, 200 feet).
Ni ■. 0. Topographic map of part of western Wyoming, southeast Idaho, and northeast Utah. Scale,
1 inch to 4 miles (contours, 200 feet).
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.— 1S57-18SO. 709
PUBLICATIONS.
The publications of the Geological and Geographical Survey of the
Territories may be grouped under the following:
Annual reports (octavo). — There are twelve regular, beginning with
18G7 and ending with 1878. There is also a report of the first three in one
volume, and also two preliminary reports (viz, those for 1877 and 1878)
and a supplement to the fifth annual, making in all sixteen publications of
this class.
Bulletins (octavo). — There are six volumes of the Bulletin, which in-
clude twenty-seven bulletins issued separately.
Miscellaneous publications (octavo). — There are twelve of these publica-
tions, independent of each other but forming a regular series, numbered from
I to XII, consecutively. As there are three editions of No. I and two of
No. V, the total number is fifteen.
Monographs (quarto). — The quarto series of final reports already pub-
lished includes eleven volumes. These are as follows: Vol. I, Fossil Ver-
tebrates, Leidy, 1873. Vol. II, Cretaceous Vertebrata, Cope, 1875. Vol.
Ill, Book I, Tertiary Vertebrata, 1884. Vol. IV, Miocene Vertebrata, Cope,
(unpublished), 1887. Vol. V, Zoology, Thomas, 1873. Vol. VI, Creta-
ceous Flora, Lesquereux, 1874. Vol VII, Tertiary Flora, Lesquereux,
1878. Vol. VIII, The Cretaceous and Tertiary Floras, Lesquereux, 1883.
Vol IX, Invertebrate Paleontology, Meek, 1875. Vol. X, Geometrical
Moths, Packard, 1876. Vol. XI, North American Rodentia, Coues &
Allen, 1877. Vol. XII, Fresh Water Rhizopods, Leidy, 1879; and Vol.
XIII, Fossil Insects, Scudder (unpublished), 1887.
Unclassified publications. — This class does not form any regular series,
and numbers fifteen in all, ranging in size from 18° to folio.
Maps. — Some of the published maps form parts of the various reports,
while others were issued separately. Of the latter, some of the principal
ones are as follows:
1871. — General map in colors, scale 1 inch to 10 miles, of portions of
Idaho, Montana, and AVyomiug, compiled, including work of that year.
1872. — Map of vicinity of headwaters of Snake River (Idaho, Wyom-
ing, and Montana), scale 1 inch to 5 miles, brush work for hills; and map
710 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
of Madison, Gallatin, and Upper Yellowstone drainage basins, scale 1 inch
to 4 miles, sketchy contours, approximating 100 feet. Both colored, and
issued as geological maps. General geologic map of the area explored and
mapped * * * 1869 to 1880, scale 1 inch to 41.03 miles, was also issued.
The principal map publication, however, was an atlas of Colorado (double
folio), in IS 78, consisting of 20 sheets, i. e., engraved title page, and legend
sheets; four general sheets, 1 inch to 12 miles each, covering all of Colorado,
(1) Triangulation, (2) Drainage, (3) Economic, and (4) General Geologic;
six detailed topographic sheets, 1 inch to 4 miles, upon which are based six
geologic sheets in colors, each sheet embracing 2i degrees of longitude and
1 J degrees of latitude; also, two sheets of geologic sections and two of pan-
oramic views.
The whole presents the .results of the field work from 1873 to 1876,
inclusive, and, besides Colorado, embraces small adjacent portions of Utah,
Arizona, and New Mexico.
A brief partial list of publications of this work is found in its catalogue
of publications, second edition (revised to December 31, 1876); also House
Executive Document No. 81, Forty-fifth Congress, second session (1878).
A reference to the methods employed to secure the topographic field
data upon which to base a topographic map to receive the geologic and
other colors, in and subsequent to 1873, will be found in Annual Report,
1873 (p. 627 et seq.), by James T. Gardner, and Annual Report, 1876 (p.
275 et seq.), by A. D. Wilson.
Commencing in 1867, the object of the observations by and under Dr.
Ilayden were the collection of data possible in a rapid geologic recon-
naissance, supplemented by topographic reconnaissance data commencing
in 1871, and subsequently more ample topographic details, referred to a
field triangulation, graphically reduced, the whole resting on initial check
points determined astronomically by the Coast Survey and quite similar to
the work prosecuted in the fortieth parallel geological exploration
The principal instruments used when the topographic work reached its
best stage were 8-inch Wurdemann theodolites graduated to 1 minutes and
reading to 5-seconds, gradientas, steel tapes, compasses and odometers,
cistern and aneroid barometers with hygrometers.
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.— 1857-1SS0. 711
Connection was made with Coast Survey astronomic stations at Denver,
Colorado Springs, and Trinidad, Colorado. Six readings were taken for
main triangulation stations and azimuths; with 10". 3, stated as error of closure
for these triangles and 2' for those subsidiary.
Determinations of position for the Colorado work are found in the
Annual Report for 1876, p. 285 et seq., and for that in Wyoming, Idaho, and
Utah in the Annual Report for 1877, p. 06 1. The elevations determined by
this sarvey (since compiled into the Dictionary of Altitudes, by Gannett)
are referred to by volume and page in the following list. Only the first
pages of continuous references are given: 1871, p. 521 et seq.; 1872, p. 799
et seq., 813 et seq.; 1873, p. 657 et seq., 667, 675, and 678.; 1874, p. 429 et
seq., 441, 446, and 492.; 1875, p. 299, 300, 342, 362 et seq, 388, 408, 418,
440; 1876, p. 336 et seq., 357 et seq., 377 ; 1877, p. 681 et seq.; 1878, p. 459
et seq.
The total area reported by Hayden as having been covered topograph-
ically is 107,000 square miles, of which 37,000 square miles lie north and
70,000 square miles south of the Union Pacific Railroad.
The last field season was that of 1878, subsequent to which office reduc-
tions were continued, while it would appear from the following that in the
main any unfinished results were transferred to the Geological Survey.
In the prefatory note to Vol. VIII, Floras (Lesquereux), the Director of
the Geological Survey states that "on the 27th of September, 1882, at the
request of Dr. F. V. Hayden, the completion of the publication of the U. S.
Geological and Geographical Survey of the Territories, formerly under his
charge, was committed to the Director of the Geological Survey," by an
order of the honorable the Secretary of the Interior.
The volumes thus referred to would appear to be Vols. Ill (except
Book I) and IV, Vertebrata; and Vol. XIII, Fossil Insects.
The Director further states that "a portion of the unpublished materials
of the Hayden Survey" was transferred to the Geological Survey, and that
"all the field-notes and the manuscript notes" were thus transferred, and
that "the present Geological Survey inherited all the unfinished topographic
work of the Hayden Survey, but it did not inherit its natural history work
and some of its work in paleontology."
712 U. 8. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
He further states that the Hayden Survey abandoned the unfinished
part of their work not germane to the present Geological Survey; i. e., the
natural history part.
The following is a condensed list of maps and reports resulting from
this exploration:
MAPS.
Nnmber.
1. General maps 3
2. Atlas of Colorado (scale 1 inch to 12 miles and 1 fuch to 4 miles):
1 2
2. Geology ." 4
3. Population 6
4. Geology 6
5 2
20
3. General, special, and sketch maps bound with reports 53
Total 76
REPORTS.
1. Annual reports, octavo ... 12
2. Bulletins, octavo 27
3. Miscellaneous, octavo 12
4. Monographs, quarto 11
5. Unclassified , 15
Total 77
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.— 1857-1880. 713
GEOLOGICAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEY OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION.
Mr. J. W. Powell states (see House of Representatives Report, No.
612, Forty-third Congress, first session, pp. 46 and 48) that in the years
1867,* 1868, and 1869, he was exploring in western Colorado and eastern
Utah, about the source of the Grand, White, and Yainpah Rivers, under
the auspices of the Smithsonian Institution and certain scientific societies.
■ In 1869 he made the descent of the Colorado River from Green River
Station, Union Pacific Railroad, through and including the Grand Canon
to the mouth of the Rio Virgin. In 1871 his work relating' to the explora-
tion of the basin of the Colorado River was placed under the Secretary of
the Interior.
The object of the examination, beginning with a general exploration,
seems to have been developed to embrace more or less definitely the
branches of geology, topography, natural history, including ethnology —
patterning somewhat after the geologico-topographic reconnaissance inau-
gurated by Clarence King in the exploration of the fortieth parallel.
In the later years of the work a classification of lands was attempted,
to determine the position and extent of the irrigable, timber, mineral, and
waste lands f
The total area explored, examined, or surveyed, suitable for publication
in map form, by and under the direction of Mr. Powell, from the time of
taking the field in 1867 to the close of the field duties of this expedition in
1878 (data from which is now being utilized by the Geological Survey), is
stated by him (page 47, Senate Miscellaneous Document No. 82, first session
Forty-ninth Congress) at 67,000 square miles.
'During 1867, by authority, rations for twelve men were purchased from the Army Subsistence
Department. Subsequently they were furnished for twenty-five men at the expense of the Wax-Depart-
ment.
t One sheet of the atlas of the Uintah Mouutaius shows classification colors for small detached
areas.
714 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
SEASON OF 1870.
Mr. Powell states that the total area explored and surveyed during
this season, in northern Arizona and southern Utah, was 6,000 square miles,
and that the professional personnel were : J. W. Powell, geologist, in
charge; A. H. Thompson, geographer; F. M. Bishop and W. II. Graves,
topographers; also one chief packer, one teamster, three employes, and
from two to ten others, temporarily, as guides and hunters. In pursuance
of joint resolution approved June 11, 1868, rations were issued by the
commissary branch of the War Department for twenty-five men lor the
years commencing- 1868 and ending in 1878.
The instruments used were, as found stated in the several reports, ze-
nith telescopes, theodolites, sextants, gradientas, wooden rods, steel tapes,
compasses, barometers, and hygrometers, part of which were borrowed
from the Engineer Department.
The route of the reconnaissance extended from Salt Lake City to the
Canons of the Colorado, thence eastward to the Moqui villages, disbanding
at Old Fort Defiance December 5, 1870.
SEASON OF 1871.
Professional personnel : J. W. Powell, geologist, in charge J. F.
Stewart, assistant geologist ; A H. Thompson, geographer ; F. M. Bishop,
F. S. Dellenbaugh, and S. V. Jones, topographers ; E. O. Beainan, photog-
rapher ; J. K. Hillers, assistant photographer ; also W. C. Powell, F. A.
Richardson, and A. J. Hatten as general assistants, with one chief packer,
13 temporary employes, and a number of Indians as guides, hunters, and
messengers
Area explored and surveyed in southern Wyoming, Utah, and Arizona,
12,000 square miles.
The routes pursued were by boat, leaving Green River May 22, de-
scending the Colorado to the mouth of the Paria, with land work for a
narrow belt on either side, thus gathering material for a reconnaissance
map
A preliminary report to the end of 1871 appears as House Mis. Doc.
No. 173, Forty-second Congress, second session (1872).
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.— 1857-1880. 715
SEASON OF 187L\
Professional personnel: J. W. Powell, geologist, in charge; A. H.
Thompson, geographer; S. V. Jones and F. S. Dellenbaugh, topographers;
J. K. Hillers, photographer; also W. C. Powell, A. J. Hatten, George
Adair, Jacob Hamlin, George Rile) 7 , Nathan Adams, John Renshawe as
general assistants, 18 temporary employe's, with from 2 to 20 Indians as
guides, hunters, and messengers.
Area surveyed in Utah and Arizona, 8,000 square miles.
The principal work for the year was in the Henry Mountains and
vicinity.
A partial report, of July 17, 1873, appears as House Mis. Doc No. 76,
Forty-second Congress, third session (1873).
SEASON OF 1873.
Professional personnel: J. W. Powell, geologist, in charge; A. H. Thomp-
son, geographer; J. H. Renshawe, topographer; J. K. Hillers, photographer;
also, Nathan Adams, Joseph Haycock, George Adair, and Jacob Hamlin
as general assistants, with temporary employes and a number of Indians.
Area surveyed in southern Utah and northern Arizona, 6,000 square
miles.
A third preliminary report was submitted to the Secretary of the Smith-
sonian Institution and by him to the House of Representatives (8°, pp. 36,
Washington: Government Printing Office. 1874), containing a summary of
all work then executed.
SEASON OF 1874.
Professional personnel: J. W. Powell, geologist, in charge; Edwin E.
Howell, assistant geologist ; A. H. Thompson, geographer; J. H. Renshawe,
W. H. Graves, and H. C. DeMotte, topographers; O. D. Wheeler, assistant
topographer; J. K. Hillers, photographer.
Area surveyed in Wyoming, Utah, and Arizona, 15,000 square miles.
SEASON OF 1875.
Professional personnel: J. W. Powell, geologist, in charge; G. K. Gil-
bert, Capt. C. E. Dutton (U. S. Army), and C. A. White, assistant geologists;
716 U. S GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
A. H. Thompson, geographer; Robert Bell, J. H. Renshawe, and W. H.
Graves, topographers; O. D. Wheeler, assistant topographer; J. K. Hillers,
photographer.
Area surveyed in Wyoming, Utah, and Arizona, 10,000 square miles.
SEASON OF 1876.
Professional personnel: J. W. Powell, geologist, in charge; G. K. Gil-
bert, Capt. C. E. Dutton (U. S. Army), and C. A. White, assistant geologists;
A. H. Thompson, geographer; J. H. Renshawe and W. H. Graves, topogra-
phers; O. D. Wheeler, assistant topographer; J. K. Hillers, photographer.
Area surveyed in Wyoming and Utah, 10,000 square miles.
This area is situated between the Wahsatch Mountains on the west and
the Green and Colorado Rivers on the east and southeast.
SEASON OF 1877.
Professional personnel: J. W. Powell, geologist, in charge; G. K. Gil-
bert and Capt. C. E. Dutton (U. S. Army), assistant geologists; A. H. Thomp-
son, geographer; J. H. Renshawe and W. H Graves, topographers; O. D.
Wheeler, assistant topographer.
Area surveyed in Utah, 10,000 square miles.
This work, in common with the greater share of all that executed by
this expedition, is situated in the basin of the Colorado of the West, above
the mouth of the Grand Canon.
A brief report of operations for 1876 and 1877 was submitted Novem-
ber 25, 1877, to the Secretary of the Interior (8°, pp. 19, Washington: Gov-
ernment Printing Office, 1877), in which reference to ethnologic work, after-
wards merged into the Bureau of Ethnology, is made.
SEASON OF 1878.
Professional personnel: J. W. Powell, geologist, in charge; G. K. Gil-
bert and Capt, C. E. Dutton (U S. Arm)-), assistant geologists; S. H. Bod-
fish, J. H. Renshawe, and O. D Wheeler, topographers; P. B Wright, W.
A. Phillips, Tipton, and F. P. Morgan, assistant topographers; J. K.
Hillers, photographer.
Area surveyed in Utah and Arizona, 10,000 square miles.
The above was the final season of field work for this expedition.
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.— 1857-1880. 717
A communication regarding' the continuation of ethnologic researches
appears as House Miscellaneous Document No. 35, second session Forty-
sixth Congress (1880).
Independent of the progress reports already mentioned the following
quartos were issued:
Exploration of the Colorado River of the West, Powell, 1875, pp. 291,
with 2 maps; Geology of the Uintah Mountains, Powell, 1876, pp.218,
with folio atlas; Geology of the Henry Mountains, Gilbert, 1877, pp. 1G0,
with 5 plates and maps, second edition 1880; Lands of the Arid Region,
Powell, 1878, pp. 195, with 3 maps, second edition 1879; and also Geology
of the High Plateaus of Utah, Dutton, 1880, pp. 264, with folio atlas.
In 1NXO three quarto volumes had issued from the ethnological branch,
which later became a separate office, with its annual and other reports; but
these results are not germane to this memoir, which for its main object has
the analysis of the geographical foundation of national or Government
maps, which, to be intelligible and homogeneous, should have sifted from it
all the natural history portions, and remain more as an exponent of the
mathematical field and office parts of topography and geography and their
artistic delineation, and publication. Other than the maps accompanying
reports, six preliminary sheets were issued; also four relief maps and two
stereograms of the Grand Canon, High Plateaus, and Henry Mountains
were prepared for distribution to colleges and libraries.
A part of the topographic work was published in the atlas accompany-
ing the report upon the Uintah Mountains and that upon the High Plateaus.
Mr. Gannett states, with regard to the topography, that "it has been
republished entire by the present survey," i. e., the Geological Survey.*
So far as can be ascertained no geographic positions (latitudes and
longitudes) were published by this office. The same may be said with
regard to altitudes, except such as appear on published maps.
A general reference to progress and results of the work may be found
in House Executive Document No. 80, Forty-ninth Congress, second session.
* Of the eigbty-seveu topographic base maps issued (April, 18tS7) for geologic purposes twenty-
three are referred to ou the face of each sheet as having been supplied in part or whole from the above
work.
718 U- S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
Tabulated list of maps and reports.
1. Preliminary sheets
2. Accompanying reports :
Scale 1 to 1,000,000, 1 inch
to 16 miles, and 1 inch
to 4 miles (principally).
1. Topographic
2. Geologic
3. Economic
4. Miscellaneous and sections
5. Maps and plates
Total
1
14
2
19
5
No.
11
17
1. Annual and Progress
2. Quartos
3. Miscellaneous pamphlets.
Total
12
(Also six volumes on ethnological subjects.)
Upon the close of this work, as stated by Mr. Powell in his letter of
May 21, 1886, to Senator Allison, "all of the material, embracing collec-
tions of fossils, minerals, and rocks, and all field-notes of the geologist, and
all topographic manuscript maps, together with the field-notes, computa-
tions, etc.," were transferred to the U. S. Geological Survey.
GEOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF THE BLACK HILLS OF DAKOTA, BY W. P. JENNEY, E. M., AND
H. NLWTOX, E. M., 1875.
The parties conducting this examination left Cheyenne, Wyo., for the
northward May 27, 1875. The object of the expedition, in accordance
with letter of instructions of Commissioner of Indian Affairs of March 27,
1875, was "to obtain, pending certain negotiations for the cession of the
Black Hills by the Sioux Indians, the true facts regarding the nature and
value of the mineral deposits" having been lately discovered in that region.
The route to Fort Laramie (where the escort was joined) was by the
usual traveled road from Cheyenne, the former point being left on May 24.
The Hills were reached via Raw-Hide Butte and Old Woman's Fork.
Camp was made on the East Fork of the Beaver on June 3, from
which point the instrumental work was begun, a permanent camp being at
once established on French Creek, from whence operations were carried on
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.— 1857-1880. 719
by two parties. Succeeding bases of supplies were established as the work
proceeded to the northward until the examination embraced the entire area
of the Black Hills between the forks of the Cheyenne.
The routes within the Hills do not appear in detail. The area of the
Black Hills, as stated by Mr. Newton in his report, aggregates 5,000 square
miles.
The object of the expedition having been accomplished, the parties
rendezvoused at the mouth of Rapid Creek, on the South Fork of the Che-
yenne, preparatory to return march to Fort Laramie (via White River and
Spotted Tail and Red Cloud Agencies), which point was reached on October
14, after an absence of four months and twenty days.
The professional work was carried on by W. P. Jenney, E. M., geolo-
gist, in charge, assisted by H. Newton, E. M., geologist; V. T. Me< Jillycuddy,
M. D., photographer; Capt H. P. Tuttle, astronomer; and W. F. Patrick,
E. M., together with eleven miners and laborers.
The party was accompanied by a military escort of fully four hundred
men, with a train of seventy-five wagons, in command of Lieut. Col. R. J.
Dodge, Twenty-third Infantry, with Lieut. M. F. Trout, Ninth Infantry, as
adjutant; Lieut. J. F. Trout, Twenty-third Infantry, as acting assistant quar-
termaster; Lieut. J. G. Bourke, Third Cavalry, topographer; and Assistant
Surgeons Jaquette and Kane. The above escort consisted of two compa-
nies of the Ninth Infantry, under Capts. A. H. Bowman and S. Munson and
Lieut. II. De Lany; two companies of the Second Cavalry, under Capt. E.
J. Spaulding and Lieuts. C. T. Hall, J. H. Coale, and F. W. Kingsbury ;
four companies of the Third Cavalry, under Capts. W. Hawley, G. Russell,
and II. W. Wessells anil Lieuts. A. U. King, R. E. Whitman, James Lawson,
J. E. H. Foster, and C Morton.
Thanks are rendered in the final report for the hearty co-operation of
the several officers, as well as a recognization of topographic assistance by
Lieutenants Morton and Foster.
The instruments used were one transit theodolite, one surveyoi - 's transit,
one sextant, two marine and one pocket chronometers, two mountain and
five aneroid barometers and thermometers. These (except the chronome-
ters) were transported while in the Hills upon pack animals.
720 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OE 10UTII MERIDIAN.
Topographic observations were made by the reconnaissance method,
distances being estimated by time, courses, and topographic features observed
with a prismatic compass.
Longitude was determined by chronometric differences,* and sextant
observations were made for latitude. Triangulation, starting from an as-
tronomic base (there being no measured base), was made to include the
principal peaks.
A preliminary report, accompanied by a small preliminary map by
Dr. MeGillicuddy, was made by Mr. Jenney to the Office of Indian Affairs,
and appeared on page 181 of the Annual Report of the Commissioner (1875).
A subsequent report by Mr. Jenney to the Indian Office, entitled : " The
Mineral Wealth, Climate and Rain-fall, and Natural Resources of the Black
Hills," appears as Senate Ex Doc. No 51, Forty-fourth Congress, first ses-
sion (187G), with same map as in preliminary report (scale 1 inch to 8 miles).
A preliminary report on the paleontology of the Black Hills, by R. P.
Whitfield, was printed as a pamphlet in Jul)', 1877, by the Geological and
Geographical Survey of the Rocky Mountain region.
The final report in quarto form, edited by Mr. G. K Gilbert, on the
geology and resources of the Black Hills of Dakota, by H. Newton, E.
M., and W. P. Jenney, E. M., with an atlas, was published in 1880, under
the auspices of the Geological and Geographical Survey of the Rocky
Mountain Region. This volume contains, besides the contributions of
Newton revised and edited by Mr. Gilbert, and that of Jenney substantially
as found in his earlier report, others in the following order : On paleontol-
°oy> by R P- Whitfield ; on microscopic petrography, by John H. Cas-
well ; on botany, by Prof. Asa Gray ; and on astronomy and barometric
hypsometry, by H. P. Tuttle. On May 28, 1879, the results of this explo-
ration were transferred to the survey of the Rocky Mountain region, by
direction of the Secretary of the Interior.
Mr. Newton revisited the Black Hills in 1877, to repeat certain of his
observations and record the results of the rapidly developing mining in-
* The errors of the lougitud.es were afterwards corrected by a reference to points established on
the eastern boundary of Wyoming, mar "Camp Jenney" of the expedition; finally, by telegraphic
longitudes of Deadwood and other points within the Hills, determined by Captain Stanton, Corps of
Eugiueers, in 1877.
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.— 1857-18S0.
721
dustry, where he died from typhoid fever, at Deadwood, August 5, 1877 j
hence the revision of his manuscript by Mr. Gilbert as stated.
Maps. — The following are the maps known to have been separately
issued :
LIST OF MAPS RESULTING FROM THE GEOLOGICAL EXPLORATION OF THE BLACK HILLS.
Title.
Author.
Date.
Scale.
-
—
m
O
O
Size
witl'in
border.
Area
in sq.
ms.
Ap-
prox.
Hill work.
How repre-
sented.
Mode of
reproduction.
Topographical map
of the Black Hills
Jenney and
others.
do
1875
1875
1875
l"=8ms.
1"=4 ma.
l
l
3
17i" x 151"
35" x 31"
271/' x 19*"
35" x 28"
35" x 28"
9,300
9,300
Hachui'es.
....do ...
Lithography.
Do.
Colored litho-
graph.
Photolitho-
graph.
Colored pho-
tolithograph.
Black Hills of Da-
kota (to accom-
pany report of
Henry Newton,
E.M., etc.).'
1 sheet, bird's-
eye view o f
the Black
Hills.*
1 sheet, Black
Hills of Da-
kota.*
1 sheet, Black
Hills of Da-
kota (geolog-
i cally col-
ored).*
1"=4 ms.
1"=4 mB.
9,216
9,216
Hachures.
Contours .
Iu atlas.
EfiSUMfi
The topographic map (scale 1 inch to 4 miles) shows this class of ob-
servations to have extended over part, it not all, of an area of 9,300 square
miles. The geological map (based upon the above) embraces an area of
9,216 square miles. The results, independent of those shown in the report
of Newton on geology, Jenney on resources, and Whitfield, Caswell, and
Gray on the natural history collections made, and the triangulation and
topographic detail for the maps by Dr. McGillicuddy, as shown in report
of Mr. Tuttle, are, longitudes 24,* latitudes 97, altitudes 93, and variations 13
in number.
• These longitudes were found by Mr. Tuttle iu 1877, hy reference to points on eastern boundary
of Wyoming, to be 4' 47" too far east; a further correction was introduced by a reference to telegraphic
longitudes, established the same year by Stanton at Deadwood aud other poiuts within the Hills.
46 WH — VOL I
722 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
Chapters on the Dakota Indians by Mr. Newton were reserved for pub-
lication by the Bureau of Ethnology.
The following was expended in field work (see House Ex. Doc. No. 80,
Forty-fifth Congress, second session): By direct appropriation, $14,000; in-
direct appropriation (allotted from " beneficial object fund for certain tribes
of Northern Sioux"), 811,000; total, $25,000.
Wagons, camp equipage, and horses were loaned by the Quartermaster's
Department, arms were loaned by the Ordnance Department, and rations
purchased from the Commissary Department at cost. The cost of the escort
was purely a military expense.
SUBDIVISION OF THE PUBLIC LANDS.
Of the 971,174,878 acres reported by the Land Office as having been
subdivided June 30, 1886, 724,529,431 acres lie west of the Mississippi,
while of the 844,329,269 acres then remaining unsurveyed all except
7,252,857 acres (Florida) belongs to the same territory, including, however,
369,529,600 acres (estimated) for Alaska, where these surveys have not yet
been commenced. It appears that the law requires the establishment of no
latitudes, longitudes, or altitudes in connection with these surveys, neither
has it been the custom to conduct systematic topography, the latter being
simply planimetric without a geographic basis; hence the results of the Land
Office surveys, so far as relates to their uses in the compilation of general
topographic and geographic maps, are but preliminary, on account of the
above deficiencies, the available data being only such minor details as can
be adjustetd to known geographic co-ordinates. For preliminary field and
subsequent office plats they have, however, furnished valuable information,
BOUNDARIES OF STATES AND TERRITORIES.
These lines, when bounding States cut out of the public domain west
of the Mississippi, were for a number of years run and marked by officers
of Topographical Engineers, but immediately prior and subsequent to the
late war they have been demarked under the General Land Office by con-
tractors who have secured the services of competent astronomers and sur-
veyors, employed under the authority of the Secretary of the Interior.
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.— 1857-1880.
723
The following is a tabulated list of certain of these boundaries furnished
by the Commissioner of the General Land Office :
State and Territorial boundaries surveyed tinder the direction of the General Land Office, between 1857 and 1880.
Boundary.
Wesl boundary of
Minnesota.*
Washington and
Oregon.
North boundary of
California.
Oregon and Idaho
North boundary "I
New Mexico.
West boundary of
Nebraska.
South boundary of
Nebraska, t
East boundary of
Nevada.
Utah and Idaho
East boundary of
California.
West boundary of
Kansas.
North boundary of
Nevada.
South boundary of
Wyoming.
West boundary of
Wyoming.
Part south bound-
ary of Colorado. {
Part east boundary
of New Mexico. §
North boundary of
Nebraska.
Washington and
Idaho.H
Arizona and New
Mexico.
Arkansas and In-
dian Territory.
Wyoming and Da-
kota.
Colorado and Utah
North boundary of
Wyoming.
Names of surveyors and astronomers.
Chauncey H. Snow and Henry Hutton ..
Daniel G. Major (F. G. Hesse and John
Major, assistants).
Daniel G. Major (John J. Major, assist-
ant).
Daniel G. Major
Ehud N. I tailing (J. Weissner and Alouzo
Mace, assistants).
0. N. Chaffee
O. N. Chaffee
Isaac E. James (J. T. Gardner, assistant)
Daniel G. Major (John J. Major, assist-
ant).
Alexander W. Von Schmidt
John J. Major
Daniel G. Major (John J. Major, assist-
ant).
Alonzo V. Richards (T. H. Safford and
A. MacC'onnel, assistants).
Alonzo V. Richards (Augustus MacCon-
nel, assistant).
John J. Major
John J. Major
Chauncey Wiltse (E. P. Austin, assistant) .
Rollin J. Reeves and C. S. Denison
Chandler Robbins (John H. Clark, as-
sistant).
Henry E. McKee
Rollin J. Reeves (Horace P. Tuttle, as-
sistant).
Rollin J. Reeves (Horace P. Tuttle, as-
sistant).
R. J. Reeves (H. P. Tuttle and C. M.
Stephens, assistants).
Date of
survey.
1859
18G4
1868-'69
1867
1868
1869
1869
1870
1871
1872-'73
1872
1872-'73
1873
1874
l873-'74
1873-'74
1874
1873
1875-'76
1877
1877
1878-'79
1879-'80
Length of
line
measured.
mis. chs. Iks.
teH 33 91
96 07 00
212 40 00
124 17 02
331 60 mi
207 22 26
104 72 07
401 50 56
153 56 00
611 75 77
207 26 00
304 62 00
367 48 81
277 72 66
57 04 50
34 40 00
224 12 20
176 40 00
390 48 31
L96 75 83
138 32 00
276 51 66
346 43 00
Cost of
survey.
65,000.00
4,500.00
12, 750. 00
7, 152.77
19,000.00
7,804.48
10, 625. 00
6,480.00
40, 750. 32
8, 293. 00
If), 401. 11
22,056.61
13, 850. 00
2, 282. 25
1,380.00
8, 069. 49
10,590.00
27,342.27
11,805.48
7, 000. 00
15,000.00
20, 000. 00
* This survey included only that part of the line not marked by natural boundaries.
t41° north latitude, from 25° to 27° longitude west from Washington. A survey of the boundary
between Kansas and Nebraska was made between November 16 and December 5, 1854, by John P.
Johnson, surveyor (result not available); the initial point being the intersection of the 40th parallel
with the Missouri River, having been previously determined in 1854 by Cap*. Thomas J. Lee, Topo-
graphical Engineers.
137° north latitude, from 25° west from Washington to 103° west from Greenwich.
§ 103 & west from Greenwich, from 36° 30' north latitude to 37° north latitude.
|| From confluence of Snake and Clearwater Rivers, north to 49° north latitude. Survey aban-
doned 2 miles south of 49° north latitude.
Note.— All the reports of the above boundary surveys are in manuscript only.
724 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
The western boundary of Missouri, from the Missouri River at the
mouth of the Kansas in a straight line to the southern boundary of Mis-
souri (177 miles), was run in 1824 by Joseph C. Brown. The boundary
between Missouri and Iowa, being parallel of 49° 44' 06" N. latitude be-
tween Des Moines and the Mississippi Rivers, was established in 1837
(length 203 miles); in 1847 the boundary between Arkansas and Missouri —
being the parallel of 36° N. latitude from the Mississippi to the St. Francis
(36 miles 49.88 chains) and the parallel of 36° 30' N. latitude from the St.
Francis to the western boundary of Missouri (247 miles 44.41 chains).
That part of the eastern boundary of Colorado lying on the 25th
meridian west from Washington, from latitude 40° to 41° N. (69 miles)
was run in 1870 by O. N. Chaffee, surveyor.
The boundary between Dakota and Montana, being that part of the
27th meridian west of Washington between latitudes 45° and 49° N. (276
miles 26 chains) was determined in 1877 by Daniel G. Major, astronomer.
The two last above-named were under the auspices of the General
Land Office, where it is presumed that the original records are to be found.
The locus of the original records of the three others above is not known.
It is believed that all of the original records of boundaries west of the Mis-
sissippi will be found eithei at the General Land Office or at the Engineer
Department.
No data has been found available for the boundaries between Louisiana
and Arkansas, Iowa and Minnesota, Minnesota and Wisconsin, and of the
eastern line of the public land strip. It is believed that the boundaries
between Arizona and Utah, and Montana and Idaho, have not yet been
demarked, nor that part of northern Colorado adjoining Nebraska.
The survey of the 98th meridian west longitude from the Red to the
Canadian River was made by Messrs. A. H. Jones and II. M. C. Brown
(Daniel G. Major, astronomer), under a contract with the acting Commis-
sioner of Indian Affairs, dated October 13, 1857. The length of the
measured line was 93 miles and 38 chains. The record of the observations
and results of the astronomer are believed to be in the Indian Bureau.
That part of the 100th meridian west longitude which lies between the
southern boundary of the Cherokee country and the Red River was meas-
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.— 1857-1880. 725
ured in 1859 by Messrs. A. H. Jones and H. M. C. Brown (Daniel G. Major,
astronomer), under contract with the Indian Office. The original field-notes,
showing that the survey was begun April 22 and completed May 11, 1859,
the length of the measured line to be 109 miles 56.59 chains, and the re-
ductions of the astronomer, are of record in the Indian Bureau. The above
was adopted and made a part of the official boundary survey between the
United States and Texas. (See Senate Ex. Doc. No. 70, Forty-seventh
Congress, first session.)
Special surveys of Indian lands have been made by Daniel and John
J. Major in the eastern Ute reservation of Colorado in 1881, with an initial
point at Gunnison, and of boundaries of Indian reservations, and in the sub-
division of Indian lands, but data there upon it has not been practicable to
obtain.
UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY.
This office was created by appropriation act of March 3, 1879, and
placed under a director, who "shall have the direction of the Geological
Survey and the classification of the public lands, and examination of the
geological structure, mineral resources and products of the national domain "
Under this act a geologic-topographic reconnaissance work similar to that
pursued by King in the geologic exploration of the 40th parallel, and also
to some extent by Hay den and Powell, was begun west of the Mississippi
River; while the words of an appropriation act of 1882 "to continue the
preparation of a geological map of the United States" have been interpreted
to authorize field work east of the Mississippi River, since which date simi-
lar operations have been conducted largely within that territory. The me-
moir herewith was intended only to bring a reference to the works down
to January 1, 1880, and time and means alike forbid a tracing of this office,
then but just begun, but now grown to large proportions. However, from
the testimony of the Director (Mr. J. W. Powell, who succeeded Mr. Clar-
ence King),* and the Annual Reports of the Survey, certain information
regarding field operations and office results will be herewith found.f
* See Senate Mis. Doc. No. 82, Forty-ninth Congress, first session.
t The progress of field triangulatiou to year ending June 30, 1886, will be found in report by
Henry Gannett, in the Seventh Annual Report from this office, pp. 45 et seq.
726 CJ. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
Following the scope given to geology by this office, it appears that a
survey of the whole United States, consisting of a geologic examination, for
the graphic illustration of which topographic maps as a hase are specially
produced, lias been inaugurated.
These are not published as topographic maps for general distribu-
tion* (there being no authority therefor), but are to be issued, as prepared,
with the ffeoloonc colors added. The Director states a considerable area as
covered by the original observations of this office, but as regards results
germane to the scope of this memoir of later works, i. e., astronomic,
geodetic, trigonometric, topographic, and hypsometric, nothing yet published
regarding results seems to define the exact value or extent of the latitudes,
longitudes, and altitudes or the mathematical basis of the work.
The publications are more purely geologic, or of an allied character.
The results can much better be traced, grouped, analyzed, and compared
when further publications shall admit of determining the above mentioned
principal branches.f
It appears, as stated by the Director, that all of the unreduced and
unpublished results of the geologic and geographic survey of the Rocky
Mountain region were transferred to this Survey, and likewise all of the
similar material from the geologic and geographic survey of the Territories,
except the natural history and a part of the paleontology.
Nothing whatever, either as to personnel, instruments, material, or
supplies, professional or other records, published or unpublished maps and
reports, or data of any sort, was transferred from the office of the United
States Geographic Survey west of the 100th meridian, all the records of
which were deposited in the archives of the Engineer Department, War
Department, as heretofore stated.
* At this writing (April 20, 1889) a number of topographic sheets — 53 full degree (scale 1 to
250,000), 127 quarter-degree (1 to 125,000), and 101 one-sixteenth degree (1 to 62,500)— have been
engraved and issued prior to the geologic work proper, but not for general distribution and use as
topographic maps. Of the above, 53 full degree (about one-half from prior surveys), 70quarter degree,
and 2 of one-sixteenth degree are found west of the Mississippi (data furnished by Henry Gannett, in
charge of Division of Geography, U. S. Geological Survey).
t No publication upon geographic co-ordinates has so far been mentioned in any of the "adver-
tisement " prospectuses of the publications of this office, with the single exception of Bulletin No. 49,
"On the latitudes and longitudes of certain points in Missouri, Kansas, and New Mexico, by R. S.
Woodward," announced as in press March 1, 1889. (April 20, 1889.) Stated as published in Bulletin of
July 1, 1889.
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.— 1857-1880. 727
STATE DEPAETMENT.
UNITED STATES NORTHERN BOUNDARY COMMISSION.— LAKE OF THE WOODS TO THE
SUMMIT OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS (49th PARALLEL), 1872-74.
The United States Boundary Commission, having for its object "to
determine and mark the boundary line between the United States and British
Possessions, as defined in the second article of the convention between the
United States and Great Britain, of October 20, 1818," this line being the
49th parallel from the meridian of the northwest corner of the Lake of the
Woods to the summit of the Rocky Mountains, was authorized by act of
Congress, approved March 19, 1872, and commenced field operations at
Pembina, September 1, 1872. Besides marking the boundary line, an accu-
rate survey of all topographic features in a belt 5 miles wide on the United
States side and of the shore of the Lake of the Woods from the 49th parallel
to the mouth of Rainy River, was made and consolidated on a series of
maps, as also reconnaissance surveys of all routes traveled by the geodetic
and astronomic parties.*
The work of the Commission divides itself into astronomic and geodetic,
which will be given separately.
First, Astronomic. — 1872. In this year two astronomical stations were
observed, thus determining the " northwest point " of the Lake of the Woods
and the initial point or the west bank of the Red River of the North, Capt.
W. J. Twining being the observer.
1873. Captain Twining observed at Pointe Michel, 20 miles west of
Red River, at Turtle Mountain, west side, and at west of Riviere des Lacs,
237 miles west of Red River.
* The United Stales Commission was organized with Archibald Campbell, Commissioner, amlMaj.
F. M. Far :uhar, Corpsof Engineers, chief astronomer ; Capt. W. J. Twining, FirstLieut. J. F. Gregory,
and Second Lieut. F. V. Greene, Corps of Engineers, being detailed as assistants. In the spring of 1872,
Major Farquhar having been relieved at hisown request, Captain Twining was appointed and thereafter
continued ch ief astronomer.
The 49th parallel was determined as follows: Astronomical stations were established alternately
by the British and United States Commissions at approximate distances apart of £0 miles, and these
were connected by tangents checked by azimuths at each end. The offsets to the parallel from these
tangents were corrected proportionately, the astronomical determinations being considered absolute.
The latitudes were determined by zenith telescope, the longitudes by chained distances from Red
River (the initial point). These longitudes were to have been checked by telegraphic comparisons and
determinations through Fort Shaw, Mont., to Corinne, Utah, which proved impossible because com-
munication was broken during the period of operations. Iron monuments, one mile apart, were planted
to mark the line lrom longitude 96° to 99° west, with usually stone pyramids e "' the more westerly
portions.
728 U. S. (GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
Capt. J. F. Gregory observed at Pembina Mountains, east side, at
Long River, at South Antler Creek, at Mouse River, at Mid Coteau, at
Bully Spring, and at Four-hundred-and eight-and-a-half-mile Point.
Assistant Lewis Boss observed at Pembina Mountains, west side.
1874. Captain Gregory observed this year at Frenchman's Creek, Pool
mi Prairie, East Fork Milk River, Milk River Lakes, East Butte, Red River,
North Fork Milk River, and at Chief Mountain Lake The line was com-
pleted from longitude 10G° 12' to the summit of the Rocky Mountains,
where the survey connected with that part of the northwestern boundary
heretofore established (1859).
In 1872 Capt. and Bvt. Lieut. Col. F. M. Farquhar, Capt. and Bvt.
Maj. W. J. Twining, and Lieut, J. F. Gregory, all of the Corps of En-
gineers, were the astronomical observers.
The escort in 1872 was a part of Capt. A. A. Harbach's company,
Twentieth Infantry; in 1873 two companies of the Seventh Cavalry and
Captain Harbach's company, Twentieth Infantry, all under command of
Maj. M. A. Reno, Seventh Cavalry; and in 1874 two companies of the
Seventh Cavalry and five companies of the Sixth Infantry, under Major
Reno.
The instruments used were zenith telescopes Nos. 7, 11, and 20, by
Wurdemann ; Nos. 7 and 11 were of 25 inches focal length, damaged by
use ; No. 20, of 32 inches focal length, in good condition. The chronom-
eters, three in number, were by Negus, of New York, and Bond, of Boston.
The sextants, two in number, were by Stackpole & Bro , New York.
Astronomical transits in 1873, No. 30, and in 1874, No. 4; both by
Wurdemann.
Second, Geodetic. — Lieut. F. V. Greene was placed in charge of the
tracing of the line and of the topographic work in the years 1872, 1873,
1874, and 1875. The methods of work in these branches will be found
described by Lieutenant Greene (pp. 341-369), Appendix B, of the main
report, which is published as Senate Ex. Doc. No. 41, Forty-fourth Con-
gress, second session, and contains reports of the Commissioner, Archibald
Campbell; of Captain Twining, Captain Gregory, Lieutenant Greene; and
the maps, except the preliminary and final series.
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.— 1857-1880. 729
The original plats of this survey were transferred to the archives of
the Engineer Department.
Capt. J. F. Gregory, U. S. Engineers, in connection with the North-
ern Boundary Survey during the first field season of 1872, was in charge
of the geodetic and topographic work with Lieut. F. V. Greene and Mr.
F. Von Schrader (now Lieutenant, Twelfth Infantry), as assistants.
Work this season was confined to topographic surveys in vicinity of the
boundary line, the Red and Pembina Rivers, the establishment of the
northwest angle of the Lake of the Woods, and surveys in that vicinity
of the boundary.
In 1873 he was in charge of an astronomical party with Mr. E. L.
Mack and Mr. O. S. Wilson as assistants.
Observations for latitude were made at seven stations and the parallels
marked with large stone mounds. A part of the sextant work was done by
Mr. Wilson.
Reconnaissance was made from the second crossing of the boundary
line (in longitude 102° approximate) to Fort Totten, Dakota, and thence to
Fort Seward, crossing Mouse River at the mouth of Willow Creek.
Lieut, (now Captain) C. 0. Bradley, Twentieth Infantry, commanded
the escort, beginning with fourteen enlisted men, afterwards increased to
twenty-six in number.
1874. Had charge of an astronomical party with Mr. Lewis Boss and
A. J. Egerton as assistants. Dr. Elliott Coues, surgeon U. S. Army, accom-
panied the party as naturalist.
Eight astronomical stations along the 49th parallel were determined and
marked, carrying the work to its western limit on Chief Mountain Lake, of
the Pacific water-shed.
Reconnaissance surveys of the trails were made by compass and
odometer. Also observed for latitude of Fort Buford with zenith telescope,
and made reconnaissance from the mouth of Polar River to west bank of
Frenchman's Creek, and to the boundary line about longitude 107° 24'.
Observations for time and latitude en route were made by Mr. Boss.
Longitudes and latitudes were determined by sextant and chronometer of
the trail, from Station Thirteen to Fort Buford.
730 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
Mr. Boss inade a reconnaissance of the route from the termination of
tne boundary to Fort Benton.
The escort consisted of Company D, Sixth Infantry, about forty men
and three Indian scouts, commanded by Capt. M. Byrant, Sixth Infantry
(now Major, Fourteenth Infantry), and Lieut. F. W. Thibaut, Sixth Infantry,
second in command.
1875. Set the cast-iron pillars* east and west of Red River, at even
mile intervals, and made special surveys at the northwest angle, Lake of
the Woods.
The escort consisted of twelve enlisted men commanded by Lieut. C.
H. Low, Twentieth Infantry. The last astronomical station was established
on Chief Mountain Lake, a special geodetic and topographic survey of
which and the neighboring mountain region was made by Assistant Boss.
RECONNAISSANCES AND SURVEYS BY LIEUT. F. V GREENE, CORPS OF ENGINEERS, IN CONNECTION
WITH THE UNITED STATES NORTHERN BOUNDARY COMMISSION (1872-75).
Lieutenant Greene, acting under general instructions from Major
Farquhar, United States Engineers, in 1872, and subsequently from Captain
Twining, United States Engineers, chief astronomer Northern Boundary
Commission, commenced September 5, 1872, at latitude 49° on Red River.
The field work intrusted to him comprised the immediate charge and
direction of the parties engaged upon geodetic and topographic operations,
and the making of reconnaissance surveys of all routes passed over by these
parties, outside of the belt of more accurate surveys. It was accomplished
within the following dates :
1872. September 5 to November 12. From Red River eastward to
Roseau River, 33 miles. Topographic survey by theodolite and chain of Red
River near the boundary. Escort, Company K, Twentieth Infantry, Capt.
A. A. Harback ; civil assistant, F. Von Schrader.
1873. June 8 to October 25. From Red River westward to Poplar
River, 384 miles. Assistants: Computer, L. Chauvenet; topographers, F.
* These pillars were "hollow iron eastings, three-eighths of an inch in thickness, in the form of a
truncated pyramid, 8 feet high, 8 inches square at bottom, 4 inches square at top with solid pyramidal
cap, and an octagonal flange, one inch in thickness at bottom," with an average weight of 285
pounds. A list of all the monuments, some few of which were stone pillars and cairns and earth-
mounds, are given on pp. 35-40 of the report.
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.— 1857-1880. 731
Von Schrader, A. Downing, C. L. Doolittle. The escort, from September 11
to October 15, was a detachment of twenty-five cavalry under command of
Lieut. R. H. L Alexander.
1 873-'74. October 25 to February 1 G. From Red River to Lake of the
Woods, 88 miles ; thence to Rainy River. No escort. Assistants: Computer,
0. S. Wilson, C. E. ; topographers, C. L. Doolittle, A. Downing.
1874. June 21 to October 1. From Poplar River to the summit of
the Rocky Mountains, 380 miles. Escort, two companies Sixth Infantry
and twelve Indian scouts, Capt. E. R. Ames, Sixth Infantry, in command.
Assistants : Computer, O. S. Wilson, C. E., topographers, C. L Doolittle,
V. T. McGillicuddy, B. Vitzthum.
In 1873-74 the escorts were parts of a general escort under command of
Maj. M. A. Reno, Seventh Cavalry.
1874. First, a reconnaissance from Frenchman's Creek on the Missouri,
in longitude 104° 54' along Poplar River and its branches to the 49th
parallel, made as above, with three astronomic camps. Second, a recon-
naissance from astronomical station 24 to astronomic station 25 by way
of Fort Turney on Frenchman's Creek ; one astronomic camp. Third, a
reconnaissance of the trail made by the wagon train while Lieutenant Greene
was running the meridian line to Fort Shaw ; two latitude camps. Fourth,
a reconnaissance along the " Riplinger Road," skirting the base of the Rocky
Mountains from the 49th parallel to Fort Shaw, bv C. L. Doolittle ; four
latitude camps. Fifth, a reconnaissance from Fort Shaw to Fort Benton ;
one astronomic camp. Sixth, boat survey of the Missouri River from Fort
Benton to Bismarck, September 10 to October 1. This was based on the
astronomic determinationof 17 points on the river, bv sextant for latitude
and time, and by the mean of six chronometers, compared daily, and with
well deduced traveling rates for longitude — the longitude of Fort Benton
being determined by chronometers transported from the boundary, and that
of Bismarck by telegraph by Major Barlow. Between these points courses
were kept with 6-inch vernier compasses by Doolittle and McGillicuddy,
and distances estimated by time and the speed of the current. In reducing
the computed co-ordinates, compass notes were adjusted to the astronomic
observations.
732 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
1875. July 1 to September 13. Lieutenant Greene proceeded to Fort
Shaw, connected the meridian line with the flagstaff and with the principal
meridian of the land office, but was unable to obtain a telegraphic longitude
of the fort.
The topographical information gained by these surveys was compiled
under the supervision of Captain Twining into the following maps :
(1) A preliminary series in an index and forty-five sheets, on a scale
of 1 inch to 1 mile,* which show the topography of the 5-mile belt. These
were photolithographed at once upon completion, and furnished the British
Commission.
(2) A final series of joint maps in an index and twenty-four sheets,
on a scale of 1 inch to 2 miles, which take in the topography for 4 miles on
the British side of the line, and have been reduced from the British and
United States preliminary series. Of these final sheets twelve were exe-
cuted by the British Commission and twelve by the United States. In both
series the polyconic projection was used.
Draughtsmen employed: A. A. Aquirre, E. Mahlo, E Collet, A. Von
Hoake, and A. Downing.
In addition to the above the following reconnaissances were made by
Lieutenant Greene :
1873. October 15-25. From the second crossing of Mouse River (lat-
itude 49° longitude 101° 54' 58"), along Mouse River on its southern bend
to near the mouth of Wintering River; thence direct to Fort Totten. Trail
was kept, by C. L. Doolittle with vernier compass, odometer, and flags
Seven camps were located astronomically by sextant; latitudes and longi-
tudes by two Negus box chronometers, with traveling rates well deduced
from observations at Mouse River crossing and at Pembina, both well estab-
lished points
The notes of these reconnaissances were compiled into a series of
"reconnaissance maps," a profile and six maps, on a scale of 1 inch to 8
miles, which show the general features of the country from latitude 47°
30' to 49°, and from longitude 94° 30' to 114° 05' (projection polyconic).
"The topographic field plots were reduced ou scale of 1 to 30,000, at once, or immediately upon
reaching the office.
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.— 1S57-1SS0. 733
The positions of the following military posts were determined : Fort
Pembina, Dak, latitude 48° 56' 45". 1, longitude 97° 13' 47".4; Fort Bu-
ford, Dak, latitude 47° 59' 22".19, longitude 103° 58' 20"; Fort Totten,
Dak, latitude 47° 58' 40", longitude 99° 01' 38"; Fort Shaw, Mont, lat-
itude 47° 30' 33".2, longitude 111° 48' 19".5; Fort Stevenson, Dak., lat-
itude 47° 34' 20", longitude 101° 26' 40".
Lieutenant Greene, though always with detached and independent
parties, acted subsequent to 1872 under general instructions from Captain
Twining, chief astronomer of the Commission.
The British Commission consisted of Capt. D. R. Cameron, R. A, Com-
missioner, and Capt. S. Anderson, R. E, chief astronomer.
The Commissions worked in harmony throughout, establishing jointly
the initial and other necessary points, and agreeing upon the boundary as
the astronomical rather than the mean parallel of latitude 49° north.
Dr. Elliott Coues, surgeon, U. S. Army, accompanied the Commission
as surgeon and naturalist, making field observations and collections, which
latter was also done to the extent that circumstances would permit.
The results of the observed and computed latitudes of principal stations
are found on pages 96 to 169 ; those for astronomical stations, with proba-
ble errors, are tabulated on page 95, and a list of latitudes and longitudes
with altitudes added, on pages 198-199, with British latitudes on page 198;
longitudes, pages 349 to 355, and on page 298 a summary of results with
probable errors.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
COAST AND GEODETIC SURVEY.
Prior to the commencement of operations by the Coast Survey on the
Pacific, only two nations (Spain and Russia) had had anything like a per-
manent establishment for the exploration of the west coast.
It might be said that the English had a principal center of exploration
founded in 1824 at Fort Vancouver, from which many exploring expedi-
tions, by sea and land, were sent out.
Instructions for the extension of the Coast Survey to the Pacific were
issued by the Treasury Department in 1848, when the work, then consisting
of a general reconnaissance of the whole coast, was placed under the charge
of Lieutenant MacArthur, of the Navy.
734 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SUEVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
Since the above date the field and office work has gradually developed
through the necessary preliminary and formative stages, culminating in a
hydrographic and topographic survey of the regular standard order of value
of this work, done on the eastern coast, which, for our possessions from the
Mexican boundary to Fuca Straits with Puget's Sound, was, at the close of
the season of 1884, about three-fifths done, and the publication of charts,
sailing directions, and tide tables proportionately advanced.
Nothing less than an inspection of the several Annual Reports since
1849 will give anything like an adequate view of the work.
The following table, kindly furnished from the office of the Coast Sur-
vey, relates to the results for the eastern gulf and west coasts :
U. S. Coast and Geodetic Surrey. — Astronomical, Geodetic, and Magnetic Statistics.
Operations and Items — Results.
Reconnaissance (both exterior and interior) :
Area in square statute miles
Base lines:
Primary, number of, measured and computed
Primary, length of, in statute miles
Subordinate, numberof, measured and computed
Subordinate and beach measures, length of
Triangulation:
Area in square statute miles (exterior and interior)
No. of stations occupied for horizontal measures
No. of (observed computed) geographical positions determined
No. of stations occupied for vertical measures
No. of elevations determined trigonometrically
No. of heights of bench-marks by spirit leveling
Lines of spirit leveling, length of, in statute miles
Astronomical work:
No. of azimuth stations
No. of latitude stations
No. of longitude stations, telegraphic
No. of longitude stations, chrouornetric or lunar
Magnetic work:
No. of stations occupied
Total
to July,
1SS5.
377, 960
14
110
130
47(5
199,
11,
21,
1.
3,
3,
864
11,-0
105
7K2
915
014
330
100
318
127
110
003
Note. — The above statistics are necessarily approximated ; at the time they are prepared the field
records may not be all in ; the triangulation sketches are not ready for use, and the computations not
made to allow of accurate counting.
It was found impossible to separate the numbers for the Atlantic, the Gulf, and the Pacific coasts
and Alaska.
No separation could be made between the primary, secondary, and tertiary triangulation, since
they shade into each other by degrees, and interlace interminably. No area is counted twice, uor any
station, though re-surveys may have been made.
Late information from the office of this Survey indicates that " more than 5,500" of the above are
"geodetic positions;" to none of the latter, however, can any final value be assigned at present for the
very obvious reason, viz, the incompleteness of the primary or main triangulation designed to connect
them. These positions are therefore neither on uniform data, nor as yet properly supported, and con-
sequently the time for their publication has not arrived.
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.— 1857-1880. 735
Instruments. — The following are among the principal field instruments
now being used by this office :
Reconnaissance: Gradientas, sextants, prismatic compasses, and tape
lines.
Geodesy: Primary 6-meter compensating base apparatuses, 4-meter
secondary base apparatuses, 16 and 8 inch theodolites, reconnoitering tele-
scopes, heliotropes, gradienters, and signal lamps for night observations.
Astronomy: (1) Zenith telescopes for latitude; (2) 46-inch transits,
adapted for time and latitude; (3) prismatic transits for time and latitude;
(4) electric chronographs for registering time observations ; (5) telegraphic
key-boards ; (6) personal-equation apparatuses.
Topography : Plane tables complete, with a telemeter rod.
Hydrography : Sextants, optical densimeters, deep-sea thermometers,
and self-registering tide-gauges.
Miscellaneous : Pendulums, geodesic levels, tide-predicting machines,
maximum and minimum thermometers, and a stoppered level.*
Mr. F. H. Hassler was Superintendent from 1807 to 1818, and from
1832 to 1843; Prof. A. D. Bache from 1843 to 1867; Prof. Benj. Peirce
from 1867 to 1874; Carlile P. Patterson from 1874 to 1881; Julius E. Hil-
gard till 1885 ; and at present Mr. F. M. Thorn.
According to a statement of the Superintendent, of March 11, 1884,
there were 63 field and 114 office civilian assistants, while in August, 1884,
there were 58 naval officers and 340 seamen of the Navy engaged. The
total number of the field parties (1884— '85) is given as fifty-eight. The total
personnel (civilians, naval officers, and seamen) aggregated 575 in all.
The salaries and allowances to the normal force, with names, will be
found on page 764 et seq. Senate Mis. Doc. No. 82, Forty-ninth Congress,
first session.
Army officers were employed on this work up to the war of the rebell-
ion, since which date none have been so employed.
The objects of the Coast and Geodetic Survey will be found on page
525 et seq. House Ex. Doc. No. 270, Forty-eighth Congress, second session,
* Short descriptions of these instruments are given in a pamphlet at the exhibit of the Survey at
New Orleans, 1884-'b5, and are referred to in Appendix No. 18, Coast Survey Report, 1884,
736 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF lOOTH MERIDIAN.
under the head of " Functions," which show that its practical results in the
main are as an aid to navigation and commerce, while the classes of work
prosecuted may be said to be generally astronomic, base measuring, trigo-
nometric, topographic, hydrographic, tidal, magnetic, deep-sea soundings,
and sea-current observations, in the field, and their subsequent office reduc-
tions, with publication in a series of annual reports and charts.
The field work of the Survey is divided in twelve sections for the coast
proper, to which four others have been added for transcontinental work and
the aid rendered State surveys.
The work as a whole has been mainly hydrographic, the topography
usually extending inland from 1 to 3 miles from the shore line, of which
Nos IX, X, XI, XII, XV, and XVI, are the divisions prosecuting field
work west of the Mississippi River. (See Annual Report, 1885.)
At the end of 1885 the topography had embraced an area of 3,364
square miles.*
Likewise the inside hydrography had embraced 3,500 square miles,
and the outside hydrography 5,740 square miles.f
Until within a few years the explorations in Alaska were carried on
without system, scattered along the whole coast.
In 1883 regular reconnaissance work, comprising topography and
hydrography preliminary in character, was begun, and had progressed (end
of 1885) over an area of 3,500 square miles.
Off-shore and deep-sea soundings (including Commander Belknap's
soundings in the Tuscarora) have been made in the Santa Barbara channel,
and in the approaches to San Francisco, over an area of about 4,250 square
miles.
The transcontinental triangulation in vicinity of 39th parallel was
reported at end of 1885 as about three-fifths done, the gaps west of the
Mississippi being between Kansas City, Mo., and Mount Carson, Colo.,
about 8° longitude (450 miles), and between Pike's Peak, Colorado, and
* As a rule the topography extends 1 to 3 miles from the shore line ; in special cases much further,
in others less.
tThe inside hydrography comprises the general coast line, and includes all hays, sounds, and
rivers. The outside hydrography comprises the close surveys outside the coast line, including open
bays, averaging 15 miles in width, with ranges from to 30 miles.
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.— 1857-1880. 737
Salt Lake City, Utah, about 70° longitude (375 miles). Levels of precision
have only extended a few miles west of St. Louis.
Tidal observations were commenced by the Coast Survey about 1834,
and have been made at over one thousand stations, mainly on our own coasts.
They are usually prosecuted primarily for hydrographic purposes
while some are series recorded by self-registering tide-guages, with a view
to tidal predictions, tidal tables based on which are issued annually.
Of the latter there are now six of nineteen years or more, and twenty-
nine ranging from one to nineteen years.
The tidal tables of 1887 contain the predicted times and heights of
high and low waters for every day in the year, at four principal and ninety-
two subordinate (or derivative) stations on the Pacific coast.
Gravity determinations are reported at San Francisco, and magnetic
observations and compilations have always been undertaken in conjunction
with the regular work, the latter made general for the whole United States.
Longitudes, as determined by the electric telegraph between 1 846 and
1885, appear as Appendix No. 11, Annual Report, 1884.
Certain late longitudes, latitudes, azimuths appear as Appendix No. 9,
Annual Report, 1885, and heights of stations in Appendix No. 10, Annual
Report, 1884.
Lists of geographical positions maybe found in the following Coast
Survey Annual Reports: Appendix 12, 1851, pp. 162-442; Appendix 7,
1853, pp. 14-42; Appendix 8, 1855, pp. 119-148; Appendix 25, 1857,
pp. 264-301; Appendix 20, 1859, pp. 216-267; Appendix 15, 1864, pp.
144-182; Appendix 9, 1865, pp. 99-136; Appendix 10, 1865, pp.137;
Appendix 13, 1868, pp. 171-242; Appendix 6, 1874, pp. 62-65; Appendix
11, 1874, p. 134, and Appendix 8, 1885, pp. 285-439, including points
established by the Borden Survey of Massachusetts. A list of heights of
trigonometric stations appears in Appendix 9, 1870, pp. 90-91. A descrip-
tion of bench-marks at tidal stations is found as Appendix 10, 1870, pp.
92-97.
An exploration and discussion of the field and office methods now in
vogue in this work, together with the construction of maps, will mainly be
found in the following Annual Reports :
47 wh — VOL I
738 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
Bases.— Appendix 11, 1883, pp. 277-288, and Appendix 8, 1882, pp.
139-149.
Triangulation.— Appendix 17, 1875, pp. 279-292; Appendix 20, 187G,
pp. 391-399; Appendix 9, 1882, pp. 151-197, and Appendix 9, 1885, pp.
441-4G7.
Latitude.— Appendix 10, 18GG, pp. 72-85.
Longitude — Appendix G, 1880, pp. 81-92.
Time, longitude, latitude, and azimuth — Appendix 14, 1880, pp.
201-286; Appendix 7, Annual Report, 1884, pp. 323-375.
Geodesic leveling. — Appendix 11, 1882, pp. 517-55G.
Plane tables.— Appendix 13, 1880, pp. 172-200.
Ellipticity.— Appendix 15, 1881, pp. 442-45G.
Magnetic diD and intensity. — Appendix G, Annual Report, 1885, pp.
129-274.
Topographic and hydrographic delineation.— Appendix 20, 1860, pp.
216-229.
Projections.— Appendix 15, 1880, pp. 287-29G, and Appendix 6, 1884,
pp. 135-321.
Topographic drawings. — Appendix 14, 1883, pp. 367-368.
Computations, formula, and factor. — Appendix 7, 1884, pp. 323-375,
and index to scientific papers; Appendix 6, 1881, pp. 91-123.
The publications of the Coast Survey consist of "Annual Reports,"
"Charts/' "('(iast Pilots," "Tide-Tables," and professional and scientific
papers, the latter usually appearing as appendixes to the "Annual Reports."*
The latter have appeared from 1853 to date, in quarto form; prior to
which they formed a part of the regular executive document .series.
The charts are classed as "finished" and "preliminary." The former
are printed from engraved plates, and include all details; the latter are
issued as soon as possible after the survey to meet the most pressing needs of
navigation, and are either engraved or photolithographed.
The general character of the charts is as follows:
*A general index of scientific papers, methods, and results, found in the appendixes to the several
Annual Reports, appears as Appendix li, Annual Report, 1881, and a descriptive catalogue of publica-
tions forms Appendix 6, Annual Report, 1883,
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.— 1857-1S80.
739
1. Sailing charts, scale 1 to 1,200,000, exhibiting the approaches to a
large extent of coast, and giving offshore soundings.
2. General charts of the coast, scales 1 to 400,000 and 1 to 200,000,
especially intended for coastwise navigation, showing configuration of the
shore, the positions of islands, rocks, and shoals, the light-houses, life-saving
stations, and other natural and artificial landmarks.
3. Coast charts, scale 1 to 80,000, from which may be recognized the
beacons, buoys, light-houses, etc., while entering channels to bays and
harbors.
4. Harbor charts, in large scales for needs of local navigation. The
total number of charts of all kinds issued, as shown by official catalogue of
1886, is 402, distributed as follows:
Locality.
Engraved.
Photo-
lithographed.
Total.
Finished.
Preliminary.
Preliminary.
209
26
19
24
59
22
43
287
72
43
Total
235
43
124
402
Thirty-eight miscellaneous maps and plans, not adapted for the use of
navigators, have also been issued. (See catalogue.)
A compilation for a general map of the United States (scale 1 inch to
10 miles) was begun in 1883 and continued while a small appropriation was
available. (See Appendix 4, Annual Report, 1883.)
An elaborate model, in plaster, of the Atlantic Basin and Gulf of Mex-
ico, has been constructed.
UNITED STATES NATAL OBSERVATORY.
When practicable this office has co-operated with survey parties in the
West, and has also established independent astronomic latitudes and longi-
tudes, to be found mentioned in the following volumes, published by the
Naval Observatory :
Washington astronomical and meteorological observations, Vol. XIV,
1869, Appendix II, report of Professor Newcomb, U. S. Navy, page 13.
740 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OP 100TII MERIDIAN.
Vol. XIV, 1869, Appendix II, report of Prof. William Harkness, U. S.
Navy, page 40.
Vol. XIV, 1869, Appendix II, report of Prof. William Harkness, U. S.
Navy, page 49.
Vol. XIV, 1869, Appendix II, report of Prof. William Harkness, U. S.
Navy, page 59.
Vol. XVII, 1870, Appendix I, page 39.
Vol. XIX, 1872, Appendix II, pages 15, 19, and 21.
Vol. XXI, 1874, Appendix II, page 10.
Vol. XXIII, 1876, Part II, Appendix III, pages 43, 48, 116, 138, 139,
175, 186, 253, 334, 348, and 408.
Vol. XXIV, 1877, Appendix V, page 15.
It has been ascertained that the Nautical Almanac Office published a
special report by Prof. A. 0. Coffin, U. S. Navy, in 1869 (pp. 69-71), upon
the total solar eclipse, containing independent determinations of astronomic
latitudes and longitudes west of the Mississippi.
MISCELLANEOUS.
Survey operations, including one or more of triangulation, topographic,
geologic, or cartographic factors, have been conducted by several States,
but it is not the province of this memoir to indicate their scope or results.*
As to the latter, the geographic co-ordinates of but few points have been
determined. Of all railroad survevs that one projected and partially com-
pleted by the Northern Pacific has been the most comprehensive and refined.
The progress and results of all works of survey not prosecuted directly by
the General Government should be currently secured and availed of at a
permanent bureau, as herein mentioned.
MAPS.
Although the present volume has not been printed until 1889, yet cir-
cumstances have prevented the continuation in detail of the works and re-
sults of the several expeditions and surveys west of the Mississippi River
since 1880, yet it has been possible to add a reference to the existing topo-
* A brief reference In State surveys then existing between 1875 and 1HS1, will bo found on pago
59 et aeq. House Ex. Poc, No. 370, Forty-eightb Congvess, second session.
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.— 1857-1880.
741
graphic maps of a general character, the outgrowth of the several offices and
organizations, that have contributed each its quota to our general knowledge of
the topography and geography of the interior of our country. The follow-
ing list is believed to be complete at date of its compilation ( March 31, 1887) :
MISCELLANEOUS, TOPOGRAPHIC, AND OTHER GOVERNMENT MAPS, INCLUDING GEO-
LOGIC.
TJNITED STATES.
Description or name
of map.
Scale.
Xn.
of sheets
when
complete.
Total
issued.
By whom issued.
Administra-
tion.
Remarks.
Outline map of the eormiTos
4
4
Engineer Depart-
War Depart-
Prepared in the Office ot the Chief of
United States.
ment, U. S. Army.
ment.
Engineers, U. S. Army, 1885. Mili-
tary posts shown by colored flags.
Outline map of the
United States, show-
i
4
4
...do
.. do
Compiled for the index to Report of
Chief of Engineers, 1879. Printed
ing location of works
in black.
and surveys for river
and harbor improve-
ments.
Land Office map of the
STTsilOO
4
4
General Land Of-
Interior De-
Compiled and printed in black and
United States.
fice.
partment.
five colors, 1884. A new map of
the United States has been com-
piled on same scale (1 inch to 40
miles), and issued in 6 sheets.
Topographical Atlas
of territory of the
faraiiu
35i Office of Geograph-
ical Surveys un-
"War Depart-
ment.
Thirty sheets issued with land classi-
fication. Topography based on ini-
United States west of
j
[ , der Engineer De*
tial astronomic point3 and trigono-
the 100th meridian.*
: i
1 S D B ; ;
95
15 partment.
metric net. Natural objects, means
of communication, artificial and
economic features prominent ac-
cordingtoimportance. Geology and
natural history incidental to main
Geological AtlaB of ter-
ritory of the United
ECBffffO
95
11
do
... do
purpose, i.e., Topography.
Colors superposed direc tly upon topo-
graphic sheets of same scale.
States west of the
100th meridian.
Atlas of geological ex-
ploration of 40th par-
allel (special topo-
graphic sheets).
JE3JJ3
5
5
Engineer Depart-
ment, U. S. Army.
....do
Topography from a geological stand-
point, i. e., natural features prom-
inent, communications less so, in
artificial and economic details defi-
cient. Outlines engraved, hill work
in crayon, shading based on plotted
contours.
Atlas of geological ex-
ploration of 40th par-
allel (special geolog-
ical sheets).
TsitTlJ
5
5
do
....do
Outlines engraved. Elevations in
contours. Geological formations
in colors, superposed on the topo-
graph if map as a base, Alsol sheet
of geologic sections and an index
map, 1 inch to 6 miles.
Outline map of terri-
tory of the United
States west of the
,
4
4
.. do
....do
Prepared in the Office of the Chief
3000010
of Engine its, XJ. S. Army. Printed
in black; printed also in hachuxee
Mississippi Kiver.
in color.
742 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
MISCELLANEOUS, TOPOGRAPHIC, AND OTHER GOVERNMENT MAPS, ETC.— Continued.
UNITED STATES— Continued.
No.
Description or name
of map.
Scale.
of sheets
when
complete.
Total
issued.
By whom issued.
Administra-
tion.
Remarks.
Part of atlas of Colo-
ie&jo
6
e
Geological Survey
Interior De-
Topography from a geological stand-
rado.
of the Territo-
ries.
partment.
point. Natural features most
prominent, communications less
so, artificial features still less.
Part of geological at-
35 3513
6
6
....do
...do
Kesult of color directly superposed
las of Colorado.
53*53
l
S3 53
Ton oij
TS033
IG503
r
upon topograph ic map of same
scale. This atlas also contains 4
sheets, each scale 1 inch to 12 miles,
embracing the State, showing tri-
angulation, drainage, laud classifi-
cation, and general geology; also
geologic sections and panoramic
views.
Work begun 1841 ; completed 1881.
Re-edition of 69 charts being is-
sued, printed in black. Elevations
on older charts in hachures; on
Charts of tbe survey
of northern and J
northwestern lakes.
200013
25503
305135
32033
10353
1
53303
R0300
I ; ,,',-i r, r.
J30053
533053
79
79?
Engineer Depart-
ment, TX S. Army.
War De-
partment.
1
others by contours, 20 feet and 60
feet intervals, and hachures. Cop-
per engraved ; preliminary edition
of 34 sheets by photo-lithography.
For use of lake vessels and as an aid
to river and harbor improvements.
Survey of part of Mis-
T300B
229
16
Mississippi River
....do
Photo lithographed. Printed in.
sissippi River.
Commission.
black; elevation by contours at
3 feet and 5 feet intervals. From
Cairo to Wolf Island and Memphis
toCommerceCut-off, from field data
by Lake Survey (Comstock), the
balance in MS. only and not to be
published; 50 in outline; 137 with
full topography, which with 16
published embrace the river from
Cairo to Donaldsonville, below
which are charts by Coast Survey;
also 26 lake charts (5 feet contours) .
Do
53003
69
9
....do
Reduction from y^,,,,, by photolithog-
raphy combining several sheets iu
Maps of part of Missis-
sippi River.
,
32
32
...do
do
These include tbe river from Cairo
to the head of the Passes; also 3
index charts and 2 of titles and
notes, surveys by Mississippi
River Commission.
Alluvial Valley of the
Mississippi.
I
g
...do
Shows area overflowed, existing
3T5500
levees, cross sections, etc., com-
piled from all existing surveys
from Cape Girardeau to the Gulf,
including the several subdivisions
of the Inwer river.
* For publications issued by this work, see " List of Reports and Maps of the United States Geographical Surveys west
of the 100th Meridian," 2d edition, 1881 ; also. Annual Eeportp, Chief of Engineers, 1*72 to 1885.
TOPOGEAreiC ATLAS OF THE UNITED STATES. 743
The General Land Office of the Interior Department issues compiled planimetric
maps of the United States, as also of the States and Territories wherein remain unsold
public lands, in black aud two colors, except for Florida and Arizona, which are in
three colors. Ohio and Indiana, scale 1 inch to 10 miles; Alabama, Arkansas, Flor-
ida, Iowa, Mississippi, Wisconsin, Indian Territory, and Dakota, scale 1 inch to 12
miles; Illinois, Louisiana, and Missouri, scale 1 inch to 14 miles; Colorado, Kansas,
Minnesota, Nebraska, Oregon, Arizona, Utah, Washington Territory, and Wyoming,
scale 1 inch to 15 miles ; Michigan, Nevada, Idaho, aud New Mexico, scale 1 inch to 16
miles; and California and Montana, scale 1 inch to 18 miles.
The Post-Office Department has. since the .year 1869, issued tw nty ive separately
compiled plauimetric maps, aggregating sixty-three sheets, each embracing a single
or a number of States, on scales of 1 inch to 6 miles for the largest, and 1 inch to 15
miles for the smallest (issued bi-monthly).
The Coast Survey commenced tbe compilation of a general map of the United
States, scale 1 inch to 10 miles (engraving and publishing the plate showing New
Jersey and adjoining territory), the appropriation for which, however, is now suspended.
Of tbe regular hydrographic charts of the Coast Survey, 102 have been issued, on
forty-seven different scales, from 1 : 3000 to 1 : 3500000. (£ee catalogue, 1886.)
Certain preliminary maps and those prepared to accompany reports were issued
by the geological exploration of tbe Colorado River, and tbe geological and geographi-
cal survey of the Pocky Mountain region under J. W. Powell.
The geological explorations of the Black 11 ills published one topographic aud one
geological map of tbe Black Hills, each scale 1 inch to 4 miles. Tbe relief of the topo-
graphic sheet is by contours and hacbures, with drainage in blue; t bat for geologic
purposes with contours and drainage in black.
The present Geological Survey has also issued three sheets embracing territory in
northeastern Arizona and northwestern New Mexico ; and there have also been printed
by this office fifty-three sheets, scale 1 inch to 4 miles, for areas west of the Mississippi
River, each representing one degree of latitude and one of longitude (about one-half
from prior surveys) as a topographic base for field purposes and upon which to deline-
ate and subsequently publish, in colors, tbe geological formations. Also seventy
quarter degree and two one-sixteenth degree sheets.
Various compiled maps, especially of westeru areas, prepared at the Engineer
Office, headquarters military divisions and departments, have been published, when
possible, as currently required. (See Annual Reports, Corps of Engineers, to date.)
Material now exists from which the compilation of a general military
topographic atlas of the United States,* including Alaska, could be begun,
resulting from various works, and found distributed among the following
Government offices :
WAK DEPARTMENT.
In the Engineer Department are lodged original and other results from
the following: (1) United States Lake Survey (northern lakes and part of
* See also essay by Lieut. M. M. Macomb on " The necessity for a fixed policy in tli« War Depart-
ment in regard to * * * the construction of a general military atlas of the United States."
744 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
St. Lawrence River); (2) United States geographical surveys; (3) geolog-
ical exploration of the 40th parallel; (4) river and harbor surveys; (5) for-
tification surveys (in manuscript only) ; (6) Pacific Railroad surveys ; (7)
bureau of exploration and surveys, including military and geographical
surveys west of the Mississippi; (8) exploration and reconnaissance head-
quarters of military divisions and departments, including surveys of military
reservations; (9) certain international boundary surveys; (10) exploration
of Yukon River, Alaska.
In the War Department proper may be found explorations in Alaska
(Allen), and notes, maps, etc., at the various engineers' offices, headquarters
divisions and departments.
The Mississippi and Missouri River Commissions retain in their offices
manuscript material of special topographic and hydrqgraphic surveys made
under their auspices.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
Office of the Coast and Geodetic Survey for topography of the Atlantic,
Gulf, and Pacific coasts ; also Alaska, transcontinental triangulation, and
that in aid of State surveys, including Mississippi River to head of tidal in-
fluence and precise levelings.
INTERIOR DEPARTMENT.
The General Land Office for its subdivision plats ; boundaries between
States and Territories ; surveys of private land claims and Indian reserva-
tions ; topography of the United States geological survey of the Territories ;
the geological and geographical survey of the Rocky Mountain region; the
geological exploration of the Black Hills, and the United States geological
survey.
STATE DEPARTMENT.
Records of the Texas, Northeast, Northwest. Northern and Mexican
boundaries.
NAVY DEPARTMENT.
Latitudes and longitudes by the Naval Observatory and Nautical Al-
manac.
There are also results from all State boundaries ; the subdivision surveys
in Texas ; triangulation and topography by the State surveys of Massachusetts
TOPOGRAPHIC ATLAS OF THE UNITED STATES. 745
and New York ; topography of State geologic surveys of New Hampshire,
New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina, Georgia,
Michigan, Missouri, and California; of surveys for railroads, including trans-
continental survey, and canals, for turnpike, toll, and other wagon-roads,
for counties, towns; also, by private or corporate parties, including the
utilization of all manuscript and published data from all of these surveys,
decided as available after competent inspection.
Systematic compilation, based upon the above, should be constantly
prosecuted independently of whatever field-work may be carried forward.
Imperfect as it is feared the foregoing memoir may prove, resulting in
part from want of assistance and ill health during its preparation, one trusts
that it will serve to perpetuate in authentic form an official record of those
organizations, officers, and others that as a whole have contributed to the
aggregate of our present critical geographic knowledge of that portion of
our territory west of the Mississippi up to 1880.*
* There does not yet exist a published list of the principal latitudes and longitudes established
by the several Government surveys, gathered in a single tabulated view, and all known separately-
published lists are in a measure fragmentary. Such a list, compiled under competent jurisdiction,
accurately weighted as to precision, and classified, with description of monuments, and careful biblio-
graphical references, although a matter of no little labor, would nevertheless prove of great permanent
value.
Appendix G.
SYNOPTICAL TABLE OF CONTENTS OF QUARTO REPORTS, IN EIGHT
VOLUMES, INCLUDING VOL. Ill, GEOLOGY. (SUPPLEMENT.)
Volume I.— Geographical Eeport.
Capt. George M. Wheeler, Corps of Engineers, U. S. Army.
(See table of contents herewith, p. 3.)
Volume II. — Astronomy and Barometric Hypsometry.
Introductory letter, Lieutenant Wheeler.
Part I. Astronomical co-ordinates, Ogden, Utah, pp. 7-55 ; Beaver, Utah, pp. 59-71 ; Pioche, Nev.,
pp.75-96; Gunnison, Utah, pp. 97-125; Green River, Wyo., pp. 129-154 ; Winnemncca,
Nev., pp. 157-182; Virginia City, Nev., pp. 185-210; Georgetown, Colo., pp. 213-237;
Hughes, Colo., pp. 241-20.5; Labran, Colo., pp. 267-286; Trinidad, Colo., pp. 291-312; Fort
Union, N. Mex., pp. 315-355; Santa Fe, N. Mex., pp. 339-309; Bozemau, Mont., pp. 3713-384;
Las Vegas, N. Mex., pp. 387-410 ; Ciiiijrron, N.Mex., pp.405-415; Sidney Barracks, Nebr.,
pp. 419-432; Julesburg, Colo., pp. 435-448; North Platte, Nebr., pp. 451-458 ; Dr. F. Kampf;
Prof. T. H. Safford ; J. H.Clark; W. W. Maryatt; E.P.Austin. Descriptive report of Salt
Lake Observatory, J. H. Clark, pp. 451-467. Descriptive report of Ogden Observatory, Lien-
tenant Wheeler, pp. 469-471. Personal equation apparatus, Dr. F. Kampf, pp. 475-483.
Descriptive list of astronomical stations, Lieuteuant Wheeler, pp. 485-491.
II. Lieutenant Marshall, Corps of Engineers: Barometric hypsometry, pp. 497-529 ; tables, hourly
observations, pp. 530-550; horary corrections, pp. 551-554 ; tables of altitudes, pp. 556-566.
Volume III. — Geology.
Introductory letter, Lieutenant Wheeler.
Part I. G.K.Gilbert; Nevada, Utah, California, and Arizona, 1871 and 1872, pp. 21-187.
II. A. R. Marvine; St. George, Utah, and Gila River, Arizona, 1871, pp. 189-225.
III. E. E.Howell; Utah, Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico, 1872 and 1873, pp. 227-301.
IV. J. J. Stevenson ; Colorado, 1873, pp. 305-501.
V. 1. K. Gilbert; New Mexico and Arizona, pp. 503-567.
IV. Mineralogical and agricultural conditions, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona, 1873; O.
Loew, pp. 569-661.
Volume III (Supplement). — Geology.
Letter of transmittal, Captain Wheeler.
Part I.— Prof. J. J. Stevenson, Ph. D.
Introduction.
Chapter I. General physical features, pp. 13-27.
II. Notes respecting previous explorations, pp. 28-36.
747
748 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TII MERIDIAN.
Part II. — Systematic Geology, Professor Stevenson.
Chapter III. Displacements of the strata, pp. 37-65.
IV. The Archseu Rocks, pp. 66-72.
V. The Carboniferous Rooks, pp. 72-84.
VI. Tin; Jura Trias, pp. 85-87.
VII. Tin' Dakota Group, pp.84-98.
VIII. The Colorado Group, pp. 95-101.
IX. The Laramie Group, pp. 102-130.
X. The relations of the Laramie, pp. 131-158.
XL The Tertiary Rocks, pp. 159-174.
XII. Surface geology, pp. 175-192.
Part III. — Descriptive Geology, Professor Stevenson.
Chapter XIII. Area of the Purgatory River, pp. 193-224.
XIV. Area of the Canadian River, pp. 224-282.
XV. Area of the Mora River, pp. 263-312.
XVI. Area of the Rio Grande, pp. 313-353.
Part IV. — Economic Geology, Professor Stevenson.
Chapter XVII. Capabilities for settlement, pp. 354-358.
XVIII. Summary of Mineral Resources, pp. 389—100.
Appknihx. Dr. C. A. White :
Carboniferous Invertebrate Fossils of New Mexico, pp. I to XXXVII.
Volume IV. — Paleontology.
Introductory Letter, Lieutenant Wheeler.
Part I.— Dr. C. A. White.
Chapter I. General Observations, pp. 5-20.
II. Classification, pp. 21-31.
III. Fossils, primoidal Period, pp. 32-49.
IV. Fossils, Canadian period, pp. 49-61.
V. Fossils, Trenton period, pp. 62-78.
VI. Fossils, Sub-carboniferous period, pp. 79-95.
VII. Fossils, Carboniferous period, pp. 96-168.
VIII. Fossils, Jurassic period, pp. 162-168.
IX. Cretaceous period, pp. 169-205.
X. Tertiary period, pp. 206-216.
Part 11.— Prof. E. D. Cope.
Chapter XI. Geology of Mesozoic and Tertiary Beds and Mesozoic Fossils, pp. 1-36.
XII. Eocene Fossils, pp. 37-282.
XIII. Fossils of Loup Fork Epoch, pp. 283-365.
Volume V. — Zoology.
Introductory Letter, Lieutenant Wheeler.
Chapter I. Geographical Distribution and Variation with regard to the Zoology of the West,
relating especially to Mammals and Birds, Dr. H. C. Yarrow, pp. 23-34.
II. Mammals: Nevada, Utah, California, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona; 1871,
1872, 1873, and 1874 ; Drs. Cones and Yarrow, pp. 35-129.
III. Birds: Nevada, Utah, California, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona; 1871, 1872,
1873, and 1874 ; H. W. Henshaw, pp. 132-507.
SYNOPSIS OF QUARTO VOLUMES.
749
Chapter IV. Batrachians ana Reptiles: Nevada, Utah, California, Colorado, New Mexico, and
Arizona; 1871, 1872, 1873, and 1874; Dr. Yarrow, pp. 509-584.
V. Reptiles and Batracliians of Arizona : Dr. Coues, pp. 585-633.
VI. Fishes: Nevada, Utah, California, New Mexico, and Arizona; 1871, 1872, 1873, and
1874; Professor Cope and Dr. Yarrow, pp. fi35-703.
VII. Hyinenoptera : Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona ; 1872, 1873, and
1874 ; E. T. Cressou ; with list of Forraicidae ; Edward Norton, pp. 705-735,
VIII. Diurnal Lepidoptera: Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona: 1-71, 1872, and
1874, with notes upon all species known from Colorado; Theo. L. Mead ; and a list of
all species collected; \V. H. Edwards, pp. 737-794.
IX. New species of Zygreuida? and Boiubycida' : California and Arizona ; 1871, 1872, and
1873; R. H. Stretch, pp. 795-S02.
X. Diptera: Colorado and Arizona ; 1873; C. R. Osten-Sacken, pp. 803-807.
XI. Coleoptera: Nevada, Utah, California, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona; 1871, 1872,
1873, and 1874 ; Henry UIke, pp. 809-827.
XII. Hemiptera: Nevada, Utah, California, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona; 1871,
1873, and 1874 ; Professor Uhler, pp. 828-842.
XIII. Orthoptera: Nevada, Utah, California, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona ; 1871, 1872,
1873, and 1874; Professor Thomas, pp. 843-908.
Neuroptera and Pseudo Neuroptera: Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona; 1872, 1873,
and 1874; Dr. Hagen, pp. 909-922.
Terrestrial and Fluviatile Mollusca: Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona; 1872,
1873, and 1874; Dr. Yarrow, pp. 923-954.
XVI. Fresh- water Leeches: 1872, 1873, and 1874 ; Professor Verrill, pp. 955-967.
XIV
XV.
Volume VI. — Botaxv.
Introductory Letter, Lieutenant Wheeler.
Chapter I. Colorado District : Dr. Rothrock, pp. 1-14.
II. New Mexico District: Dr. Rothrock, pp. 15-37.
III. Economic Botany: Dr. Rothrock, pp. 39-52.
IV. Catalogue: Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona; Dr. Rothrock, and
Sereno Watson, George Engleuian, Professor Porter, M. S. Bel>l>, William Boott, George
Vasey, Professor Eaton, Thomas P. James, Professor Tuckerman, pp. 53-351.
Appendix. California collection: Dr. Rothrock, pp. 353-378.
Volume VII. — Arch.eology.
Introductory Letter, Lieutenant Wheeler. •
Part I. —Prof. F. W. Putnam.
(Assisted by C. C. Abbott, M. D., S. S. Haldemau, L. L. D., H. C. Yarrow, M. D., H. W. Henshaw, and
Lucien Can.)
Introduction: General Archaeology and Ethnology of Southern California, pp. L— 31 ; Yarrow's Report
on operations of party making collections, pp. 32-45; Collections at Dos Pueblos and La Patera,
pp. 46-48; Chipped Stone Implements, pp. 49-69; Stone Mortars, Pestles, Cups, etc., pp. ;
Cooking vessels, baking stones, etc., pp. 93-116; Manufacture of soap-stone pots, pp. 117-121;
Articles made of wood, pp. 122-124; Stone pipes, pp. 125-134; Perforated stones, pp. L35-189;
Miscellaneous articles of stone, pp. 190-217; Sculptures, pp. 218-221 : Implements and weapons of
bone and wood, pp. 222-223; Musical instruments made of bones, pp. 234-238; Textile fabrics,
basket-work, brushes, pp. 239-230; Ornaments and paint, pp. 251-262; Beads, pp. 263-271 ; lion
implements and other objects, obtained by contact, with Europeans, pp. 272-276; i Ibservations on
Crania in California.
750 U- S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
Appendix to Part I. — Translation of the account of Cabrillo's voyage along the west coast of North
America, with introductory notes (N. W. Henshaw), pp. 293-314.
Part II. — The rueblo Ruins and the Interior Tribes, Prof. F. W. Putnam.
Introduction, pp. 315-318; Notes on the Pueblos and their inhabitants, pp. 319-321; The Pueblo of
Acoma, pp. 325-326; The Pueblo of Taos, pp. 32T-330; The Pueblo of San Juan, pp. 331 : The Cachina,
a Zuui dance, pp. 332-336; Report on the ruins aud Pueblos in New Mexico, pp. 337-345 ; Ruins in
New Mexico, pp. 346-350 ; Ancient population in northwestern New Mexico, pp. 351-361 ; Ruined
Pueblo and burial place in the Valley of the Rio Chama, pp. 362-365 ; The Pueblo Pintado and
other ruins in the Chaco Canon, pp. 366-36'!; Cliff House and cave in New Mexico, pp. 370-371;
Ruins in the Canon de Chelle, pp. 372-373 ; Notes on the implements, pottery, and other objects
from New Mexico aud Arizona, pp. 374-390 ; Notes upon human crania and skeletons, pp, 391-398.
Appendix. Linguistics: Albert S. Gatschet; classification of dialects in forty vocabularies, into seven
linguistic stocks, pp. 399-423; Comparative tables of forty vocabularies, pp. 424-466. Appendix :
Additions to the forty vocabuies.
SYNOPTICAL LIST OF REPORTS AND MAP.
SPECIAL PRELIMINARY AND PROGRESS REPORTS.
I. — Exploration of 1S69.
Preliminary Report upon a Reconnaissance through Southern and Southeastern Nevada. Washington :
Government Printing Office, 1875. (Republished from a royal octavo edition, by order of the Sec-
retary of War. 4°, pp. 72. Original and later edition out of print.)
II. — Exploration and Surrey of 1871.
Preliminary Report concerning Explorations and Surveys, principally in Nevada and Arizona. Wash-
ington: Government Printing Office, 1872. (4°., pp. 96, with map. Outof print.)
III. — Exploration and Surrey of 1872.
Note. — The regular Annual Report of 1872 appears as Appendix D D of the Annual Report of
the Chief of Engineers of that year, but was not separately issued.
Progress Report upon Geographical and Geological Explorations and Surveys west of the one hundredth
meridian. Washington : Government Printing Office, 1874. (4° pp. 56, with skeleton map and tine
plates. Out of print.)
IV.— Surrey of 1873.
Annual Report upou the Geographical and Geological Surveys and Explorations west of the one
hundredth meridian, iu Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona, being Appendix E E,
of the Annual Report of the Chief of Engineers for 1873. Washington: Government Printing Office,
1873. (11 pp. 8 C with skeleton map. Out of print.)
V.— Survey of 1874.
Annual Report of the Geographical Explorations and Surveys west of the oi_e hundredth meridian, in
California, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming, and Moutaua, being Appendix FF
of the Annual Report of the Chief of Engineers for 1874. Washington : Government Printing Office,
1874. (130 pp. 8° with progress map. Out of priut.)
VI.— Survey of 1875.
Annual Report upon the Geographical Explorations and Surveys west of the one hundredth meridian
in California, Nevada, Nebraska, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming, and Montana,
being Appendix L L of the Annual Report of the Chief of Engineers for 1875. Washington :
Government Printing Office, 1875. (196 pp. 8° with progress and triangulation maps of 1875. and
thirty-eight illustrations. Out of print.)
751
752 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
VII.— Survey of 1876.
Animal Report upon the Geographical Surveys west of the one hundredth meridian, in California
Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, Arizona, and Montana, being Appendix J J of
the Annual Report of the Chief of Engineers for 1876. Washington : Government Printing Office,
1876. (350 pp. - with nine large and small folded maps, fifteen illustrations, and seven separately
folded topographic atlas sheets, viz, Nos. 61 B, Gl C, 61 (' bud, 69 D, 75, 76, and 83. Out of print.)
VIII.— Survey of 1877.
Annual Report upon the Geographical Surveys west of the one hundredth meridian, in the States and
Territories of California, Oregon, Nevada, Texas, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho. Montana, New Mexico,
Utah, and Wyoming, being Appendix N N of the Annual Report of the Chief of Engineers for 1877.
Washington: Government Printing Office, 1877. (133 pp. 8° with progress map, sketch and profile
maps of Continental Divide, and sketch of lignitic seams. Also Atlas Sheets Nos. 53 C, 61 B, 61 C
sub, 61 D, 65 D, 69 B, 70 A, 70 C, and 77 B, land-classification series.)
Note. — This separately printed report follows the paging given to it iu the Report of the
Chief of Engineers.
IX. — Surrey of 1878.
Annual Report upon the Geographical Surveys of the territory of the United States west of the one
hundredth meridian, in the States and Territories of California, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska,
Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Arizona, Idaho. Montana. New Mexico, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming,
being Appendix N N of the Annual Report of the Chief of Engineers for 1878. Washington:
Government Printing Office, 1878. (234 pp.8 with progress map and six illustrations and an
early map of California. Out of print.) Also nine separately folded atlas sheets, viz, Nos. 41 B,
47 D, 61 C. 62 A, 62 C, 69 D, 77 D, and S4 B.
X.— Survey of 1879.
Annual Report upon the Geographical Surveys of the territory of the United States west of the one
hundredth meridian, in the States and Territories of California, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska,
Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Arizona, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming,
being Appendix O O of the Annual Report of the Chief of Engineers for 1879. Washington:
Government Printing Office, Is7;i. (335 pp. 8 with progress map and six illustrations.) Also
seven separately folded atlas sheets, viz, Nos, 32 D, 47 B, 47 D, 61 D, 73 A, 7i A, and 64 B.
XL— Reports of 1880.
Annual Reports upon the Geographic and Topographic Surveys of the territory of the United Stales
west of the one hundredth meridian, in the States and Territories of California, Colorado, Kansas,
Nebraska. Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Arizona Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, Washington, and
Wyoming, being Appendix T T for 1880 (44 pp. 8° with progress map); Appendix V V for 1881
(.". pp. 8- with progress map); Appendix T T for 1882 i4 pp. 8 with progress map); Appendix
V V for 1883 (3 pp. 8 C ): and Appendix V V for 1884 (4 pp. 8°). Washington : Government Printing
Office, 1880, 1881, 1882, 1883, and 1—1.
QUARTO REPORTS.
Vol. I. Geographical Report (in five chapters, with an introduction and appendixes, illustrated by
three maps and thirty-eight plates, 764 pp. 4 C and index.) Issued 1889.
Vol. II. Astronomy and Barometric Hypsonietry (in two parts, illustrated by twenty-two plates and
three wood-cuts, 584 pp. in all. Out of print). Issued 1877.
Vol. 111. Geology (in six parts, illustrated by thirteen plates and one hundred aud seventy-one wood-
cuts, 681 pp. Out of print). Issued 1875.
Vol. III. Geology, supplement (in four parts and an appendix, illustrated by four plates, three maps,
and forty-nine cuts, 458 pp.). Issued 1881.
SYNOPTICAL LIST OF REPORTS. 753
Vol. IV. Paleontology (in two parts, illustrated by eighty-three plates, with explanatory notes, G04
pp. Out of print). Issued 1877.
Vol. V. Zoology (in sixteen chapters, with forty-five plates, and indexes, 1021 pp. Out of print).
Issued 1875.
Vol VI. Botany (in four chapters, with an appendix, thirty plates, and one wood-cut, 424 pp.).
Issued 1878.
Vol. VII. Archeology, (in two parts, with two appendixes, illustrated with frontispiece, sketch,
twenty plates, and thirty-five cuts, 517 pp.). Issued 1879.
SPECIAL AND MISCELLANEOUS PUBLICATIONS.
Tables of camps, distances, etc. Explorations and Surveys in Nevada and Arizona, 1871. Washington :
Government Printing Office, 1872. (Oblong folio, pp. 14. Out of print.)
Tables containing camps, distances, latitudes, longitudes, altitudes, etc. Explorations and Surveys
in Utah, Nevada, aud Arizona, 1872. Washington, Government Printing Oiiice. 1873. (4'j, pp. 43.
Out of print.)
Report upon the Determination of the Astronomical Co-ordinates of the- Primary Stations at Cheyenne
Wyo., and Colorado Springs, Colo., during 1872 and 1873. Washington: Government Printing
Office, 1874. (4°, pp. 82. Out of print.)
Report upon Vertebrate Fossils discovered m New Mexico, with description of new species. Extract
from Appendix P P of Annu 1 Report of the Chief of Engineer-*, 1-74. Washington: Government
Printing Office, November 28, 1874. (pp. 18, 8°. Out of print.)
Note.— This was preliminary to the full report in Part II, Vol. IV, 4° series, Paleontology.
On the Plagopterinase and Ichthyology of Utah, 1874. (pp. 14, 8 . Out of print.)
Note.— This was republished from the Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society of
Philadelphia, where the materia] was first presented by permission of the War Department.
Systematic Catalogue of the Vertebrata of the Eocene of New Mexico, collected in 18 4. Washin"ton :
Government Printing Office, April 17, 1875. (pp. 37, 8°. Out of print. )
Note. — This report is a second and final part of the preceding one of November 28, 1874. See
4° series, Vol. IV, Part II, Paleontology, for full report.
Preliminary Report upon Invertebrate Fossils, collected by the expeditions of 1871, 1872, and 1873, with
description of new species. Washington: Government Printing Office, December, 1874. (pp. '.7,
8°. Out of print.)
Note.— Preliminary to the full report in Vol. IV. 4 series. Part I, Paleontology.
Catalogue of Plants collected in the years 1871, 1872, aud 1873, with descriptions of new s, ecies.
Washington: Government Printing Office, 1-74. (pp. 62, 8°. Out of print.)
Note. — Preliminary to full report in Vol. VI, Botany.
Report upon Ornithological Specimens collected in 1871, 1872, aud 1873. Washington: Government
Printiug Office, (pp. 148, 8°. Out of print.)
NOTE.— Preliminary to the fall report in Vol. V, Zoology, I series; also a List of Biros of Utah,
with annotations by Mr. Henshaw, appended. From the Annals of the Lyceum of Natural History
of New York, Vol. XI, June, 1874.
Logarithm, Traverse, and Altitude Table.-. Washington: Government Printiug Office, 1875. (pp. 30
8°. Out of print.)
Iustructious for taking and recording Meteorological Observations, etc.. prepared for use of parties of
Geographical Survey west of the one hundredth meridian, with Barometric Tables I lo XI,
inclusive, of Professional Papers, Corps of Engineers, No. 15, appended. Washington : Government
Printing Office, 1875. (pp. 64, 8°. Out of print.)
Note.— The above is a revision of similar ••Instructions'' issued in 1874, in pamphlet form,
12mo.
Barometric Hypsometry Instructions. (1876.) Washington: Government Printing Office, 1876. (8 ,
pp. 88. Out of print.)
Note.— This is a revised edition of the preceding.
Catalogue of Mean Decl.m.tion of 2,01-i Stars, for January 1, 187.".. Washington: Government Punting
Office, 1877. (4°, pp. 207.)
48 WH VOL I
754 TT. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TI1 MERIDIAN.
List of Longitudes, Latitudes, and Altitudes, being an extract from Vol. II, 4° series (pp. 22, with
blank tallies; office edition).
Field List of Time Stars, etc. (1ST.-.) Washington: Government Printing Office, 1878. (8°, pp. 13.)
Note. — Tin- inside heading of this pamphlet is: "List of 2T8 Time Stars and 63 Circumpolars,
for use of," etc.
List of Reports and Maps of the United States Geographical Surveys west of the One Hundredth
Meridian. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1878. (8°, pp. 36. Out of print.)
Note. — This pamphlet contains the title ami table of contents of book and pamphlet publica-
tions of the survey and a reference to each map published or in progress.
List of Reports and Maps, elc. 2d edition. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1881. (8°, pp.
74. Revised edition of the preceding, with progress map. Out of print.)
Tables of Geographic Positions, Azimuths, and Distances, with Lists of Altitudes, Magnetic Declina-
tions, ami Itineraries. ( 1883.) Washington : Government Printing Office, 1885. ( Royal 8°, pp. 261.)
Note. — Prior to the completion of the final reports of the survey the report by Captain Wheeler,
commissioner, etc., on I he Third International Geographical Congress and Exhibition, accompanied
by facts concerning the principal Govcrnim nt land and marine surveys of the world, appeared as
House Ex. Doe. No. 270, Forty-eighth Congress, second session (1 vol. 4°, pp. 5S6, with eleven maps
and plates).
Independently of the foregoing publications, the direct requirement of the operations and results
of the survey, the following Congressional documents bear on this work :
1. House Ex. Doc. No. 271, Forty-third Congress, first session. Extra cost (or 1873.
2. House Ex. Doe. No. 240, Forty-third Congress, first session. (1874.) Special message of President
Grant, transmitting reports on geographical and geological surveys west of tbe Mississippi.
3. Report No. 612, House of Representatives, Forty-third Congress, first session. (Is74.) From Com-
mittee on Public Lands regarding geographical and geological surveys west of the Mississippi.
4. House Ex. Doc. No. :iv>, Forty-third Congress, second session. (1874). "Printing report of Lien-
tenant Wheeler's expedition."
5. House Ex. Doc. No. 109, Forty-third Congress, second session. "Lieutenant Wheeler's Geograph-
ical Surveys," inclosing complimentary letter of Field Marshal General, the Count von Moltke.
6. House Report 149, Forty-third Congress, second session. (1874.) Contains disclaimer of Yale College
Faculty concerning geographical and geological surveys west of the Mississippi.
7. House Ex. Doc. No. 81. Forty-fifth Congress, second session. (1878.) Letter from Secretary of In-
terior transmitting statement- of Prof. F. V. Hayden, on geological and geographical surveys
west of the Mississippi.
8. House Ex. Doc. No. so, Forty-fifth Congress, secoud session. (187s.) Letter from Secretary of In-
terior transmitting statement of J. W. Powell, on " geological and geographical surveys" west
of Mississippi.
9. House Ex. Doe. No. 88, Forty-fifth Congress, second session. (1878.) Letter from Secretary of War,
transmitting statement by the Chief of Engineers on "Surveys by the War Department," in-
clusive, the geological exploration of the fortieth parallel, geographical surveys west of oue
hundredth meridian, and explorations and reconnaissances at headquarters military division and
departments. (Contains list of publications.)
10. House Mis. Doe. No. f>5, Forty-fifth Congress, second session. (1878.) Testimony before Commit-
tee on Public Lands, regarding a 80-calkd geodetic system of subdivision for the Public Land
Survey.
11. Views of the Wat Department concerning the public surveys of the Territories of the United
States, being Appendix N N, Annual Report of the Chief of Engineers, 1878.
12. Senate Mis. Doc. No. 49, Forty-fifth Congress, third ssession. (Is78). Report of a committee of the
National Academy of Sciences, on the "Scientific Surveysof the Territories." (House Mis. Doc.
No. 5, Forty-fifth Congress, third session) is the same, with added communications from the Chief
of Engineers, Commissioner of the General Laud Office , and Messrs. Hayden and Powell.)
SYNOPTICAL LIST OF KEPOKTS. 755
13. Senate Ex. Doe. No. 21, Forty-li ftb Congress, thir.l session, parts 1 ami 2. ( 1879). Information from
War Department concerning surveys west of the Mississippi. Statement from Chief of Geographical
Surveys, on extent, methods, cost, and cost of completion of those surveys, and views on report of
a committee of the National Academy of Sciences.
14. House Doc. No. 72, Forty-fifth Congress, third session. (1879.) Letter of J. W. Powell, on cost
of geographical surveys.
15. House Ex. Doc. No. 104, Forty-fifth Congress, third session. (1879). Statement regarding total
cost of geographical surveys west of the one hundredth meridian.
lti. Senate Ex. Doc. No. 189, Forty-sixth Congress, second session. Letter of Secretary of War.
17. Senate Ex. Doc. No. 118, Forty-sixth Congress, second session. (1880). Letter from Secretary of
War presenting the importance of geographical and topographical surveys of the territory of
the. United States west of the Mississippi River.
18. Senate Mis. Doc. No. 82, Forty-ninth Congress, first session. (1886). Testimony before the Joint
Congressional Commission on Surveys.
19. Senate Report No. 1285, parts land 2, Forty-ninth Congress, first session. (1880.) Report of the
Joint Commission on Surveys. The same appears as House Report No. 2740, Forty-ninth Congress,
first session.
20. Printed catalogues of maps, reports, and photographs exhibited at the Centennial, and also at the
Third International Geographical Congress at Venice, 1881 ; includes principal publications at date
of issue.
SYNOPTICAL LIST OF MAPS.
A— TOPOGRAPHICAL ATLAS.
I. Title. II. Legend sheet. III. Index map.
and the following atlas sheets:
IV. Basin map. V. Sheet of conventional signs,
d
S3
bo
a
'3
a
3
«
6
S5
-w
O
9
00
<
1
49
2
50
3
57
4
58
5
59
6
65
7
66
8
67
9
69
10
73
11
75
12
76
13
77
11
83
15
84
16
32 C
Locality.
Miles
Parts of Eastern Nevada and Western Utah . .
Parts of Central and Western Utah
Parts of Southwestern Nevada and Eastern
California
Parts of Eastern and Southeastern Nevada
and Southern Utah
Southwestern Utah.
Parts of Southwestern California and South
western Nevada
Parts of Southeastern California and South-
western Nevada, Northwestern Arizona,
and Southwestern Utah
Parts of Northern Arizona and Southern
Utah
Parts of Southern Colorado and Northern
New Mexico
Parts of Southern California
Parts of Central and Western Arizona
Parts of Eastern Arizona and Western New
Mexico
Central No w Mexico
Parts of Eastern and Southern Arizona and
Western and Southwest, rn New Mexico . .
Part of Southern New Mexico
Parts of Southern Idaho ...
Seale
ofl
inch
to—
* 8
St], miles.
16, 814
16,814
17, 209
17, 209
17, 209
17, 588
17, 588
17, 588
17, 588
17, 952
17, 952
17, 952
17, 952
18, 302
18, 302
4,021
Boundaries.
Latitude
north.
39 00
40 40
39 00
40 40
37 20
39 00
37 20
39 00
37 20
39 00
35 40
37 20
35 40
37 20
35 40
37 20
35 40
37 20
34 00
35 40
34 00
35 40
34 00
35 40
34 00
35 40
32 20
34 00
32 20
34 00
42 20
43 10
Longitude
west
from Green-
wich.
113 45
116 30
111 00
113 45
116 30
119 15
113 45
116 30
111 00
113 45
116 30
119 15
113 45
116 30
110
113
105
108
116
119
111
113
108
111
105
108
108
111
105
108
112
113
00 oo;
45 00-
30 oo;
15 00 :
30 00
15 00
00 00
45 00 :
15 00
00 00
30 oo ;
15 00-
15 00
00 00 :
30 oo ;
15 00
22 00
45 00
Remarks.
Also in crayon.
Do.
Also in crayon.
Do.
Also in crayon.
Do.
Also with laDd
classification.
Also with land
classification.
Do.
757
758 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TU MERIDIAN.
6
w
g
"3
a
a
s
DO
Locality.
Seale
of 1
inch
to—
Area.
Boundaries.
Remarks.
Latitnde
north.
Longitude
west
I'm mi Green-
a
5
Sq. miles,
4,023
5
o
42
43
20
10
rich.
17
32 D
Miles
4
o
111
112
mi
22
00 (
30 »
Also with land
classification.
!8
38 R
Parts of Southern Oregon, Northwestern Ne-
vada, ami Northeastern California
1 *
4, 1175
!
41
42
30
20
119
120
15
37
llll 1
30 *
19
:
Parts of Eastern California and Western Ne-
\ «
4,127
r
40
40
119
15
00 I Also with hind
30 > classification.
(
41
30
120
37
20
41 A
Parts of Southeastern Idaho and Northwest-
I «
4,075
\
41
42
30
20
112
113
22
45
30 (
00 J
Do.
21
411?
Southeastern corner of Idaho and part of
!'.
4, 075
1
41
42
30
20
111
112
00
22
00 (
30 *
Do.
22
47 A
i
4,178
f
39
40
50
40
120
122
37
00
> Do.
00 3
1
In outline and
23
47B
Parts of Eastern California and Western Ne-
\ *
4,178
{
39
411
50
40
119
120
15
37
00 [
30 (
hachures; also
with land classi-
1
fication.
24
47D
Do
4
4, 229
I
39
39
00
50
119
120
15
37
Oil .
30 S
Do.
25
48 C
4
4, 229
{
39
00
117
52
30 (
oo s
00 ,
30 5
26
48 D
4
4,229
39
39
39
50
00
50
119
116
117
15
30
52
27
52 D
Part of Central Colorado
4
4, 229
i
39
39
00
50
105
106
30
52
1)0 ,
30 i
Also with land
classification.
28
53 C
Do
4
4, 221
1
39
39
00
50
104
105
07
30
30 ,
00 i
29
56 B
Parts of Eastern California and Western
\ *
4, 278
{
38
39
10
00
119
120
15
37
oo ,
30 )
30
581)
4
4, 3J6
i
37
38
20
10
119
120
15
37
00 ,
30)
In contours and
31
61 A
4
4, 278
I
38
39
10
00
IOC.
108
52
15
311 1
00 j
hachures; also
with land classi*
1
S cation.
32
61 B
4
4,278
I
38
39
111
llll
105
106
30
52
00 ,
:;n >
Also with land
classification.
l
In outline and
33
61 C
Part of Southwestern Colorado.
4
4. 326
i
37
38
20
111
100
108
52
15
00 {
00 j
J
hachures ; also
with land classi-
fication.
:u
61 C
South western Colorado, San Juan Mining-
I *
i, ino
\
37
38
42
71
107
1(17
15
:>7
1
00 |
00 |
Engraved colored
contours show-
ing timber lim-
J
its, etc.
35
611)
4
4, 326
I
37
38
20
10
105
106
30
52
00 i
30)
Also with land
classification.
36
62 A
Part of Central Colorado
4
4,278
{
38
39
no
104
105
07
30
30 j
00 5
Do.
37
62 C
4
4, 326
i
37
38
20
10
104
105
07
30
30 >
00 S
Do.
SYNOPTICAL LIST OP MAPS.
759
39
65 D
40
69 B
41
69 D
42
70 A
43
70 C
44
73 A
45
73 C
46
T7B
47
77 D
48
78 A
49
84 B
50
84 C
Locality.
I'm I of Southeastern Colorado
Part of Southeastei □ < Jaliforuia
Parts of Southern Colorado and Northern
New Mexico
Part of North Central New Mexico
Parts of Southern Colorado and Northern
New Mexico
Part of North Central New Mexico
Part of Southern California
Do.
Part of Central New Mexico
Do
Pari ot Northern New Mexico
Part of Central New Mexico
Part of Southwestern New Mexico
Scale
nf 1
inch
to—
Miles.
4
\ *
Area.
Sij. miles.
4, 326
4, 420
4, 374
4,420
4, :;74
4,420
4,406
4,510
4,466
4,510
4,466
4,554
4,597
Boundaries.
Latitude
ljorth.
38 10
35 40
36 20
36 30
37 20
35 40
36 30
36 30
37 20
35 40
36 30
34 50
35 40
34 00
34 50
34 50
35 40
34 00
34 50
34 50
35 40
33 10
34 00
32 20
Longitude
west
from Green-
wich.
110 30 00 ;
117 52 30 J
105
106
mi
30
104
105
105 30 00 (
106 52 30 i
07 30 )
30 00 >
104 (17 30 ,
103 30 00 >
117 52 30 (
119 15 00 S
117 52 30)
119 15 00)
105 30 00 |
106
30 :
105 30 00 l
106 52 30 >
104 07 30 )
105 30 on 5
105 30 00 )
106 52 30 5
106 52 30 )
108 15 00 5
Remarks.
Also with land
classification.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
760 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
B.— GEOLOGICAL ATLAS.
I. Title. II. Index map. III. Map showing restored outline of Lake Bonneville.
i"!
58
(part)
66
(part)
59
75
76
S3
70 4.
70 C
69 B
(part)
69 D
(part)
77 B
(part)
78 A
(part)
Locality.
Parts of Central and Western Utah.
i Parts of Eastern Nevada ami Western Utah
I
f Pait of Sonthern Nevada
!
Southwestern Utah
PartsofNor hern Arizona and Southern Utah
Parts of Central and Western Arizona
Parts of Eastern Arizona and Western New
Mesico
Do
Parts of Southern Colorado and Northern
Mesico
Part of North Central New Mesico.
"• Parts of Southern Colorado and Northern
New Mesico
Scale
Of 1
inch
to—
Miles
8
8
8
•SV/. miles.
16, 814
17,209
17,588
17,592
Boundaries.
Latitude
north.
c 39 00
J 411 40
i 37 20
* 39 00
r 35 40
I 37 20
f 37 20
( 39 00
c 35 40
' 37 20
c 34 00
< 35 40
( 34 00
i 35 40
( 32 20
' 34 00
,
Longitude
west
from Green-
wich.
4,374 5 36 30
< 37 20
35 40
36 30
36 35
37 20
35 40
36 04
36 30
34 .15
( 35 10
113 45
113 45
104
111 00 00 >
(10 i
00 )
114 50 40*
1 13 45 00 (
114 48 40 >
111 00 00 >
113 45 00 *
111 00 00)
113 45 00'
111 00 00)
00'
00 )
111 00 00'
105 30 00 )
108 15
104 07
105 30
113 45
108 15
00-
30 1
00 !
105 30
105 30
07 30 1
00*
105 52
105 30
00
30
00
105 57 41
105 40 45
105 05 00
106 15 00
Remarks.
II il 1-shading in
crayon.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
II ill-shading in
h chures.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
C— SPECIAL MAPS.
1. Map of Reconnaissance through Southern and Southeastern Nevada; scale 1 inch to 12 miles;
issued 18(>9.
2. Outline Map of Washoe District, Nevada; scale 1 inch to 2,000 feet; issued 1879.
3. Topographic Map of Washoe Mining Region, Nevada; scale 1 inch to 1,500 feet; issued 1879.
4. Topographic Map of Parts of Eastern California and Western Nevada, in the vicinity of Tahoe,
Pyramid, Wiunemucca, and Honey Lakes; scale 1 inch to 4 miles; area 8,832.5 square miles;
boundaries, 38° 55' and 40° 40' north latitude, and 119° 15' 00" aud 120° 37' 30" longitude west
from Greenwich; also with land classification; issued 1879.
5. Outline Map of Southwestern New Mexico; scale 1 inch to 10 miles; issued 1880.
6. Topographic Map of Lake Tahoe region, Nevada and California; photolithographic edition, 1881;
scale J inch to 1 mile; Heliogravure edition, 1882; scale 1 inch to 2 miles.
7. Outline Map of a Reconnaissance through Central Oregon; scale 1 inch to 8 miles.
8. Topographic Map of the Yosemite Valley aud vicinity; scale 3 inches to 2 miles, or 1 to 42.240.
Boundaries, 37° 40' 15" to 37° 48' 00" north latitude, aud 19° 28' 15" to 119° 42' 00" longitude
west from Greenwich.
Appendix H.
GEOGRAPHIC -TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEYS WEST OF THE ONE HUN-
DREDTH MERIDIAN.
INTRODUCTORY.
This work consisted of a' mathematically based topographic survey,
intended as a connected first survey of a comparatively wild and uninhab-
ited region, more particularly for immediate military purposes at a mini-
mum of time and cost, and serves as a model wherever like conditions shall
arise. It is not suited to thickly settled territory, with well developed com-
munications and industries, where more detail would be required and where
a larger pro rata of established latitudes and longitudes of the first order,
and other topographic data, should be made available.
ORIGIN.
Its origin was the outgrowth of a permanent and legitimate want of
the War Department for current topographic information of the vast area
west of the Mississippi, within which constant military movements were and
are required. It was in a measure a continuation of such disconnected
topographic works as the War Department had begun to prosecute for special
objects prior to the war of the rebellion, and which were resumed at the
headquarters of the military divisions and departments at the close thereof.
It added to all existing data a complete survey commencing with initial
astronomic and geodetic points, with added topographic and hypsometric
details upon which the orographic chart was based, thus forming a con-
761
762 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN.
nected detail map of the region, suitable for all purposes for not less than
fifty years.
ORGANIZATION.
Its personnel consisted of officers of Engineers, of the line of the Army,
medical officers, those in command of escorts, and soldiers where required,
certain astronomers, civilian assistants, with technical office officials, selected
Engineer soldiers, etc: in short, a combination of military and civilian
talent suited to the needs of the service and calculated to produce, with
rapidity and economy, the results demanded.
ADMINISTRATION.
The officer in charge reported directly to the Chief of Engineers, where
the annual projects were approved as well as by the Secretary of War.
These operations were pursuant to partial money grants, based on an orig-
inal project for a complete and connected detail survey and map of the
whole area in fifteen years, at a cost not exceeding *2,. r >0(>,000.
Its administration, like that of all interior topographic works of the
Government from its organization to the year 1879, and especially since
1819, was in the War Department.
It ceased simply from want of appropriations, lint not so the want that
determined its existence.
FUNCTIONS.
Its functions are partially set forth in letter of instructions of the Chief
of Engineers, dated March 3, 1871, modified by methods suggested from
time to time by the officer in charge in regard to the geodetic net or ground
work for the maps as well as the perfection of interior topographic details.
The subjects of geology, mineralogy, zoology, etc., incidentally received
attention directly and in connection with the large collections made by
specialists and others in these branches, which became the property of the
Government, and the examination of which led to extended monographic
reports in the branches under observation. While the jurisdiction actually
named for the field work embraced only the area west of the one-hundredth
U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS.— FUNCTIONS. 763
meridian (an arbitrary line), yet from the first assignment of the officer in
charge in February, 1871, lie had been instructed to prepare himself for
the investigation of the subject of surveys and explorations in the interior
(see Special Order 25 Headquarters Chief of Engineers, February 28, 1871)
as a general duty, which was prosecuted as circumstances permitted, from
which resulted the data upon which to base a project for a complete con-
nected topographic survey of the whole United States. (See chapter on
Government surveys).
The great general survey of the country, thus outlined, is a subject of
the utmost importance: which, when once done, the initial or primal value
becomes enhanced by time, and when sufficiently developed meets all the
requirements of commerce and scientific investigation, results from which
are considered so necessary that specified resurveys are constantly made,
always with increasing detail, by the several European Governments.
HISTORY.
This work closed its field labors in 1879, its office on February 29,
1884, and the present volume is the last of its publications.
The cost for field and office work, including all expenses from the
supply branches of the Army, with each and every expenditure chargeable
to the work, was *i>9 1,444.45.* This sum has been reached after the most
careful personal examination and much labor, and is an abstract from the
actual vouchers of expenditure in all cases except the Quartermaster's De-
partment, and is complete and final, notwithstanding any and all statements
to the contrary from other sources.
• This does not include the sum of $87,083.14, tbe total paid for engraving and printing maps
and illustrations for reports, or tbat of $85,129.11, tbe total of salaries to Army officers from commence-
ment to ttie close of tbe office, March 1, 1884, since which no expenditure has been made. The former
does not atall increase the volumeor cbaracterof results, and the officers being in regular commission
must have been paid whether engaged on this or other duty, and it has been invariably held that such
expenditure is not properly chargeable to tbe special work under the War Department. Credit is due
for money turned into tbe Treasury from sales (86,488.45) and for estimated value of instruments and
property (§57,000) at close of field work. References to the cost of this work will be found in House
Ex. Doc. 88, Forty-fifth Congress, second session, May 10, 1878; House Ex. Doc. 104, Forty fifth Con-
gress, third session, February '24, 1879; House Ex. Doc. 270, Forty-eighth Congress, second session, pp.
473 and 486, December 10, 1883; and Senate Report 1285, Forty-ninth Congress, first session, Juna H,
1886.
764 U. S. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS WEST OF 100TII MERIDIAN.
METHODS, PROGRESS, AND RESULTS.
The methods are found described in Appendix C of this report.
The progress and results are summarily stated in Appendix F (this
volume).
The publications, consisting of forty-one separately printed reports and
one hundred and sixty-four maps, are now completed, so far as means per-
mit, and this volume is intended to make the references throughout between
volumes and maps, and vice versa, as connected and complete as possible for
convenience of reference.
INDEX OF SUBJECTS.
Areas of basins
Areas occupied
in New Mexico
California ..
Nevada
Arizona
Utah
Colorado
Idaho
Oregon
Wyoming
Texas
Area of expedition of 1809
1871
1872
1873
1874
1875
1876
1877
1878
Page.
9
21
21
21
21
21
21
21
21
21
21
21
22
30
46
58
77
89
103
110
114
Administration of laud surveys 408
Alluvial pediments 82
Area under cultivation . 255, 270, 289, 306
Alluvium 260
Act of Congress, Juue 10, 1872 45
Annual production of gold and silver 185
Agricultural products without irrigation 65, 66
Arehaean, 82, 190,238, 211, 243, 246, 248, 251, 253, 254, 257,
200, 261, 262, 269, 272, 275, 279, 282, 284, 285,
288, 290, 291, 297, 301, 306, 307, 310, 314, 322
Artesian wati r 91,206,275
Argentiferous galena 91,314
Academy, U. S. Military 145,270
Agricultural Bureau 145
Army Medical Museum 145
Arid region 181, 227
Asphalt um 19
Agriculture 178,297,303,315
Arable lands, percentage of 174,283
Artesian wells 181,206,207,208
Atlas of the whole country, general military topographic 229
Abbreviations and signs. 356
Aneroid reading 359
and odometer reading 360
profiles (computations). 394
Acknowledgments 7
Adjustment of angles 371
Areas undergoing systematic topographic survey . . 424
Areas not undergoing systematic topographic survey.. 424
Page.
Austria Military Geographical Institute 445
topographic surveys of 453
geologic examination of 425
hydrographic survey of 476
Administration tt( laud surveys 441
Authorities consulted in preparation of survey memoir 604
available for compilation of standard offi-
cial list of latitudes and longitudes west
of Mississippi 650
Basins of the Colorado 9, 22, 30, 58, 130
coast . 9,114
interior 9,22,30,44,110, 114
Sacramento 9, 110, 114, 130
Columbia. 9,114
Missouri 9
Rio Grande 9,58,77, 110,114,130
Arkansas 9, 77, 130
Brazos 9
Red River of the North 9
Sevier Lake 22,58
Tonto ... 38,39.40,43
Owens River 44
Salt Lake 58,110,114, 130
Green 58
Arkansas 58, no
Gunnison. 58,77, 110
Chama 77
Mora 77
Canadian 77
Great Interior 103
Bear River HO
Snake River no
Mohave 114
Pecos 114
Gila 115
Base measurement 344
Black Forest 36, 39
Barometer observation of Mount Whittney 98
Barometric altitudes 357
height, determination of 396
British Museum 512
Blankets, Navajo 69, 75
Box Canon 45
Basalt 72
Basin ranges 265, 266, 268, 295, 323
Baden, trigonometric and topographic works begun. .. 439
topographic survey of 445, 453
Bavaria, early map works <>f 439
topographic survey of 445,453
geologic exam ma 1 :m of 425
765
766
INDEX OF -SUBJECTS.
Page,
Belgium, trigonometric work began 441
topographic surveys of 449, 457
geologic examination of 425
Carboniferous. 82, 136, 238, 246, 248, 251, 254, 256, 257, 259, 260,
267, 269, 272, 27:;, 276, 280, 282, 284, 285, 288,
290,291. 295, 297,201, 302, 306, 307, 310, 314
Cenozoic 23d
Onus took lode 245
Cambrian 251,254,257
Cost of a geographic survey 438
general survey of United Kingdom 464
topographicsurve t > a ... 464
Caves 25, 42,114, 15S
Camp, military, Old Ruby - 26
Mohave 20,156,157
A pache 34, 38, 39, 63
Grant 34
Verde 34
Whipple 34
Halleck 38
Independence 41, 97
Computation of observations for time. 360
form fi>r publication 363
Comparison of Rio Grande and N ile muds 305
Comstock lode 326
hot water iu 326
heat of rock in 326
ventilation 327
Climatic sanitariums 67
movement, secular changes in ... 201
Cedar (Juniperus occidentalis) . 73
Condensed list of reports and maps (Hayden) 712
Cistern and aneroid readings 359
Cost of topography. Mississippi River survey 696
Cretaceous.. 83, 187, 188, 208, 238, 246, 253, 257, 259, 26', 262, 269,
272,276, 284,288,290,291,301,302,306, 307, 314,323, 670
Canon, Grand, of the Colorado, minimum width of.. .. 165
map of . 170
Continental Divide 270, 286, 308, 312
Chronological statement of voyages, etc., to tin- u est
coast, etc 488
Climate 27, 29, 85, 86. 240, 242, 245, 247, 250, 253, 256. 259, 267.
290, 292, 296, 302
Considerations upon National Government land and
marine surveys 415
Coal 42, 48, 49, 50, 56, 59, 187, 254, 284, 303
Cibola, Seven Cities of 61
Colorado of the West 109
volume of 1(10
limit of navigation 170
exploration of, complete" ... 170
geological sections 171
Copper j 12
Connection with land survey stake.-* 139 354
Contributions to the theory and practice of field lati-
tudes and longitudes 140
economic botany 143
geography, topography, and natural
history 146
Coking coal 187,243,291
Colorado Plateau 23, 36, 268, 282, 283, 295, 300
Combination of irrigation and navigation as a rule
inadvisable 195
Collections in natural history 57, 73. 74, 136, 141 142, 143,
144, 145
New species discovered 141, 142 143
Page.
Collections in natural history — Continued.
Tot M number of specimens turned over to Sniith-
soni ui Institution and National Museum 145
Continental Divide 83
Chronological account of earlier explorations of Colo-
rado River. 147
Canon walls, height of 160,162
Combination of bachures and contours 396
Contours to express topographic Relief —
When liisi proposed 397
CTse of, versus hack urea ... - 398
Co efficient of expansion 347
Cross-sight stations 351,388
Computations for latitude 366
for distances 384
of latitudes and departures. 389
Conjectural contours defined 398
Correlal ive equations . 381
Cadastral survey, definition of 4 16
Conventional signs and abbreviations 397, 423
Coast and Geodetic Survey —
Administration of 475
Aid to commerce auJ navigation 479
Board of officers on, in 1843 479
Functions of 478
Geodetic Belt. 451
Personnel 475
Depart mental instructions 31
Desert, Death Valley 36, 37, 44
Armargosa 36, 37, 42, 44
Mohave 36, 37, 42, 44
Colorado 36,37
Determination of altitudes 140
Description of Atlas Sheets .-. ... 235
Divides and drainage systems 237, 295,301, 312
Devonian 243,251,254,272,285
Desert 264
Death Valley 278, 282
temperature in 282
Description of measuring lod . ... 345
method of measurement 346
Distribution into districts. 434
Devil's Basin 104
Diversion of the Colorado River 107
Depressions below sea-level 1 10
Distances, tables of, in and about Vosemite Valley ... 135
Discovery and naming the Colorado Plateau 138
Determination of heights • 139
Dis overy of north and south routes 139
ami measurement of levels below sea 139
Denmark, oldest maps of 441
triangulation commenced 441
topographic survey of 450,457
geologic examination of 455
hydrographic survey of 477
Expedition of 1809. 22
1871 30
1872 45
1873 58
1S74 77
1-75 gn
1876 103
1877 no
1878 1 14
1879 ]30
Emeralds ^0
INDEX OF SUBJECTS.
767
Page.
Examinations proposed for the Comstock lode 326
Epitome of Warren's Memoir . . 513
Estimated value of gold and .silver ores 184
Exploration of the Grand ('anon 139
Colorado River of the Weal 147, 156
Grand Canon 139
geological section . 171
lunations of condition 373. 381
Engineer Department 659,724,726,729
Evaporation at Lo^ Pinos Indian Reservation Ill
Tulare Lake 97
Madrid 1%
Great Salt Lake 202
various stations 201
from earth and water compared . 203
El Vadodelos Padres 55
Fish, new species 57, 73
Fishes, new (Cyprenidm) 674
Ferries across ' Colorado 50
Fir [Abies Engelmanni) 40
Ferns, Maiden's Hair {Adiantum Capillus Veneris) ... 52
Fir {Abies Goncolor) 39,63,73
Field A observations 352
note books, '" Mountain Station*' and "Topo-
graphic" 353
instruments employed (astronomic, geodetic, to-
pographic, and hypometric) 360
Finalresults 137
for longitude (form of) 364
Formation of angle equations 378, 379, 380
side equations 380
Future Government surveys required by the United
States (tabulated) 432
Fort Yuma 28,105
Wingate 59,60
Defiance 59
Apache 60
Bayard 63
Tulerosa 61,112
Canada Alamosa, Ariz . . 63
Garland 77
Old.Lowell 80
Lewis 63
Old.Tejon 92,94
Stanton 111,112
Craig 112
McRae 112
Klamath 116
Forests and timber lands 17s
Fossils, invertebrates, new 84
France, military topographic bureau organized . . .. 440
topographic survey of 440, 453
geologic examination of 425
hydrographic survey of 476
Franciscans s93
Fur companies 490
French explorations 490
Grazing lands 38, 62, 85, 119, 181, 297, 303, 316
Grand Wash 39
Geographie topographic surveys west of the one hun-
dredth meridian 761
Introductory 761
Origin 76 1
Organization 762
Administration 762
Functions 762
Page.
Geographic topographic surveys, etc.- Continued.
History and cost 763
Methods, progress, and results 764
Glaciers and moraines 56
Garnet beds 59,60
Game 64,66,298
Geological exposures 313
reconnaissance 140
survey of United States 458
Geographic distribution of plants 308
Geodetic and topographic 349
computations 371
coordinates - - 385, 386
international association 444
Geographic discovery, exploration and survey, 1500 to
1880 483
Character of early expeditions 485
General Land Office surveys . . ..23, 24, 37, 51, 59, 78, 90, 111, 115
General geographic results 138,139,140,141.142,
143, 144,145,146
Great Britain and Ireland, Origin of topographic survey. 438
topographic surveys in. ..443,452
hydrographic surveys... 471,475
Great Interior Basin 41, 43, 46, 55, 105, 107, 115, 122, 123,
199, 200, 239, 266, 268, 276, 291, 318
Grand Canon 44, 285
Great Colorado plateau 44
i rreasewood [obine) 73
Gold ores 79, 91, 93, 112, 160, 245, 261, 262, 271, 31 1
Granite beds, Colorado Canon 165
Grazing areas without water 181
Great Salt Lake 199,201,254
Great American Desert 264
Gieat Plains 274,307
Geologists avail themselves of topographic maps as a
base 420
Germany, original German states, early surveysof 439
topographic surveys in 443, 452
geologic examinations in 425
hydro- r Lphic survey of 476
Great general staff of the Prussian army, its origin and
duties - 444
General physical features. . .237,239, 241, 244, 247, 249, 252, 255.
258, 260. 201, 266, 268, 270,274. 277, 281,
283, 286, 289,291, 295,300,304. 307, 308, 311
Geographical positions grouped, form of 388
I reographerof the United States 407
Geologic examinations and investigations. 425, 426
Great final topographic map of the United States 437
Government surveys, hydrographic—
Introduction 468
List of 469
Origin 470
Organization 471
Administration 475
Functions 375
Geographical discovery and exploration west coast and
interior 481
Geographic and geologic explorations and surveys .. . 599
Geographical knowledge prior to the year 1500 482
Geographical surveys west of the one hundredth me-
ridian 451
Geologic maps, their limited use as compared with to-
pographic maps 426
Government surveys —
Topographic 419
768
INDEX OF SUBJECTS.
Page.
Government surveys — Continued.
Hydrographic or marine 416
Cadastral or revenue 416
Nature of, determined by specified want 417
Scope of, governed bytbe requirement of the Exec-
utive Departments 417
To be classified and administered according to ob-
jects sought 418
Reproductions from 410
The measure 428
Requirements of Executive Departments 430
The men 430
The result 431
Most needed 433
Government maps —
Topographic 421
Economic 421
Cadastral 421
Government surveys, topographic —
Origin 438
Administration 441
Organization 4-12
Functions 452
Progress 453
Tables of, data concerning 460,461,462,463
Cost 463
Cost, recapitulation 466
Heat encountered on lower lever of Comstock lode 111
Hachures 396
Heliogravure 419
Holland, topographic surveys of 447, 454
hydrographic surveys of 473,476
Hudson Bay Company 496
Hockett trail 99
Hypsometric 391
Hydrographic surveys .... 425
Island, Deadman's 92
Rattlesnake 92
Santa Catalina 93
Cottonwood 157
Industries in area surveyed 177
Indians, method of issuing rations to 35
India. Government laud surveys in. 450, 457
geologic examinations 425
hydrographic surveys 474, 478
Index of hydrographic surveys 469
topographic surveys 460-463
Italy, topographic surveys in 448, 455
geologic examinations 425
hydrographic surveys 473, 477
Invention and introduction of modified secant conic
projection 139
Invention of personal equation apparatus 140
Improvement in triangulation instruments. 140
Ir -n 91
Instruments employed 333
Instruments used at main A stations 350
Instruments of the geologist 357
Indian tribes —
Apaches* at Canada Alamosa 212
Shoshones 24,34,212
Gosi-Utes 24,212
Snakes 24,212
Pah-vants 21,51,157,212
Pah Utes T 24,34,51,96,212
Chemehuevis 34,96,212
Page.
Indian tribes— Continued.
Utesof Nevada and California 34,212
Seviches 34,51,212
Mohaves 34,96,157,212
Apache Mohaves 34,45,51,212
Hualapais 34,51,212
Cosniiios 34
Tontos 34,212
Finals 24,212
Mescaleros 34,111,212
Arivapas 34, 212
Apaches 34, 212
White Mountain 34
Coyote.ro Apaches 31,212
White River Utes 47,51,212
Moquis 49,68,212
Zuuis 49,68,212
Uintah Utes 51,212
Navajos 59,08,75,212
Jemez 68
White Mountain Apaches 68
Uncompahgre Utes 84.212
Muache 85
Capote 85
Weenemuche 85
Southern Utes 85,212
Jicarilla .85,212
Puebleo population 88, 212
Coast Range < Diegefios) 96
Yumas 105,212
Klamath 118,212
Modoc 118
Snake 118
Warm Springs 212
Mission 212
Bannocks and Snakes 212
Pixnas and Maricopas 212
Apaches Mimbres 212
Introilution 9
Indians 34,211
Navajos, their number 69
blanket wearing 69, 75
retributive justice 70
Ouray, chief of Uncompahgre 84
burial place 88
San Fernando Mission 91
Colorado River Reservation 96
excavations near Santa Barbara 102
Bannock Reservation •. . 112
Klamath Agency 116,118
Warm Spring Agency 118
population Klamath Agency in 1886 118
Asquit, captain of Mohaves 156, 163
Mohaves on river trip, names of 168
plan for enumeration 34
total number of 211
reservation areas per capita 213
agencies, number of 214
increasing or decreasing 214
service, cost of - 215
wars, cost of 216
nomads 217
love for the soil of 217
military force necessary to preserve and de-
fend 220
Pueblos 221
INDEX OP SUBJECTS.
769
Itineraries of Colorado, Grand Canon, and river trip,
1871 157
Itineraries or rongh nates 46,49,78,115,157
Irrigation 48, 53, 55, 60, 61, 73, 82, 85, 91, 95, 96, 97, 102, 108,
173, 178, 180, 192, 202, 205, 209, 210, 224, 227, 240,
242, 263, 272, 275, 287, 292, 298, 302, 305, 315, 318
canala 194
modulus for 195
Irrigable areas in excess of water i93
Jura-Trias 238.272,283
Jurassic 246,248,254,262,269,270,276.322
Japan, geologic examination 125
hydrographic survey.... 478
Jornada del Muerto 112
Jesuits 491
Laud classiacation 24, 36, 37, 39, 223, 23S, 240, 242,
246,257,259,272,275,284,
288, 290, 293, 298, 305, 307
begun, 1872 223,668
systematized, 1874 223
table of 225
maximum and minimum percent-
ages 227
Latitudes, longitudes, etc., of certain military posts. .220-233
Lava fields , 302
Lacustine beaches 41, 71
Lignite 49,187,262
Lake Tahoe region 317
List of maps and reports, exploration of fortieth par-
allel 659
Lists of Coast Survey positions, where found 737
Latitudes and longitudes, no complete general stand-
ard list of 745
Lavas, older than basalt, favorable indexes of silver
ore deposits 40
Laramie Coal Beds 136
Location and examination of mining districts 141
Longitude observations 338
Latitudes by circum-meridian altitudes 369
Latitude by polaris 370
Letter of transmittal 7
Maimum a Mohave Iudian 35, 158
Marble 47
Manuelito, war chief 69
Main triangulation stations 34H
Mount Whitney, or Fisherman's Peak, records bear-
ing upon the naming of this peak 100
Main astronomic stations 333
Map of Colorado River 170
Maps, geologic 21
topographic 21
kinds of, issued 328
Mines, hydraulic 245,261
Mammalia (Taxodonita) 67.">
Mineral combinations in best soil 288
Material for compilation of a general military topo-
graphic atlas 743
Mesas, Katanes 39
Mogollon 72,295,300,302
Military geographical engineers 443
Mexican grants 86
boundary survey 150, 154
M^an places of stars 339
Marine Government surveys, list of 469
Mining 39,40,52.101, 182
industries , -- 182
49 WH — VOL I
Page.
Mining— Continued.
productions 183
Map, the first upon which theuame America occurs.. 502
Manufactures 191
Mountains, inaccessibility of 117
Mountain peaks over 10,000 feet 261, 263, 266, 271, 274, 279,
287, 290, 292, 295, 305, 308, 312
Model of San Juan region 270
Mission expeditions. - 496
Mormons 23,28,48,52, 174
Mining districts or camps 251
23
80
Ill
130
130
130
130
130
White Pine
Summit
Washoe
Silver Cliff
Leadville
Ten Mile
Carbonate
Frying Pan gulch.
List of
251, 254, 256, 259, 261, 264, 266, 269,
280, 282, 291, 294, 300, 306, 311, 315
Modified secant conic projection 399
Mountain mahogany i Oercocarpu.6 ledifolius) 38
Measurement of volumes of streams 139
Mesozuic 238, 257, 260, 285
Methods of survey 314
Meteorological observations in the field 392
Minerals, precious and economic. 53, 79, 91, 93, 95, 105, 111, 112
National Museum 57,74,102, 144,270,659
New mineral 141
species of vertebrates 141
invertebrates 141
birds 141
reptiles 141
fish 141
mollusca 141
insects 141
plants 142
National domain 405
Normal equations 381
solution of , 382, 383
Notes on the survey and disposal of the public lands. . 405
Number of equations 376
.'Northern route to China" 485
Narrative and critical history of America 512
Observations for land classification 139
Orography system 30S, 311
Oak, black ( Q, sonnmensis) 321
evergreen ('<>. crasnipocuta) 321
white(<2- labata) 321
Old Lake Bonneville 242,254,318
Order of sequence (astronomic report) 3-14
i Ibservations for latitude 341,365
Office (astronomic and geodetic; 361
Original field and manuscript records transferred to
Engineer Department 692
Ordnance survey of England 438,443,452. 464
Origin of land surveys, et seq 4:;-
Organization of land surveys, et seq 412
Plateau, Colorado 23, 38, 39, 40, 41, 44
San Francisco 38, 39, 62
Colobo 4!i
Zuui 72
Project for a complete connected topographic survej of
the United States, referred to ■ 763
Paleozoic 238,254,257,260,272,293,310,313
770
INDEX OF SUBJECTS.
Page.
Personal equation apparatus 334
Probable error (latitude) 336
Portugal, topographic surveys in 450, 457
hydrographic surveys 474, 478
Pet roleum ... - - 93
Population of area surveyed 172
Prussia, desultory surveys in 439
topographic survey of 443. 452
geological examination 425
Pifion (Pinus edulis) 39
Permanent military topographic atlas of United States 438
Pine, yellow | Pin u * ponderosa) ... 39, 49, 60, 63, 73, 100, 117, 179,
285, 303, 321
(Pseudotsuga Douglasii) 39, 73
(Pinus dntorta) 49,99,100
(Pinus albicaulis) 99, 100
(Pinus Breweri) 100
Physical details of mountain ranges 138
Physiological effects of a very hot climate 292
Probable error a minimum 333
mean 334
Principal passes across the western rim of the great
iuterior basin, list of. 123 et seq 138
Plau for a systematic topographic survey west of the
one-hundredth meridian 662
Population of areas occupied in 1869 23
1871 23
1872 23
1873 23
1874 23
1875 23
Precipitation, topography the largest local factor in . . . 199
equalized, how 200
Population of Pueblos 88, 289
of Utah 174
Horr/Mtn ]"5
Published latitudes and longitudes 140
Public lands, cost to the Government of 406
Project for a complete, connected, continuous, detailed
topographical survey 46
Plateau beds, thickness of 158
Population 252, 255, 258, 260, 265, 267, 270, 271, 272, 273, 277,
281, 283, 285, 289, 291, 294, 299. 304, 306, 307
actual and relative table of 172
principally producers 173
Purposes and objects of great Government surveys. . 415
Pueblos—
Taos 85
San Juan 85
Namb6. 85
San Felipe 85
Sauta Ana 85
Sandia 85
Cochiti 85
Santa Clara 85
Santo Domingo 85
Positions of geodetic stations 387
Public domain 405
lands undisposed of 412
Quaternary ... 190, 238, 241, 243, 246, 25 1 , 254, 267, 269, 272, 273,
276, 282. 288, 290, 293. 294, 297, 310, 323
Rainfall. . 24, 42. 82, 87, 239. 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 247, 253, 258,
259, 262, 267, 269. 271, 274, 275, 278, 279, 280, 286,
287, 290, 292, 293, 296, 297, 302, 305, 307, 309, 310,
314.
Page.
Reclamation of swamp, marsh, or overflowed lands, la-
goons, and flood plains 197
Railroads 40
main lines 192
Russia, oldest geographical knowledge of 440
topographic survey 449, 456
hydrographic surveys 474, 477
Railroad, San Francisco to the Gulf of Mexico 120
Relatiou of forests to climate 179
Reservoirs or tanks 181, 194,272,275,303,318
Raiufall necessary 198
mean annual 199
Rocks, kinds of 251
Russian explorations 496
Routes pursued by Lieutenant Wheeler 22, 33, 46, 58, 77,
90, 103, 110, 114, 130
Routes (atlas sheets) .... 239, 243, 246, 248, 252, 255. 258, 260. 262.
265, 267, 270, 273, 276. 280, 283, 289.
291, 294, 288, 303, 306. 307, 311, 317
Ruins 43,65,75,76,77,88,89
Pueblo Viejo 37
Stage massacre near Wickeuburgh, Ariz 35
Santa Fe trail. 80
Survey of the public lands-
Origin 406
Organization 407
Administration 408
Functions 408
System, methods, etc 409
Cost 409
Rectangular system 409
Re :lts 410
Geodetic system 410
Benefits suggested 411
Changes suggested 413
Specimens 74, 102, 144
Scrub oak (Quercus undulata) 39,62
Scientific surveys (so styled) 452
Spruce (A. Douglassii) 49.303
Staked Plains 307
Sierra Blanca region 71
Sanidin dolerite 72
Sagebrush (Artemisia) 73
S i 1 ver ores .112, 238, 248, 293, 3 1 1
Salt deposits 198
Silurian - . .238, 243, 246, 251, 254, 257, 260, 267, 272, 276, 280, 282,
284, 285,294, 297, 302,314
Spaiu, triang illation begun 440
topographic surveys 448, 455
hydrographic surveys 473, 476
Trinchera. 78
Conejos Creek 79
San Antonio Creek 79
Chama 79,89
Soil 29,38,39,91
Saxony, oldest map of 439
topographic surveys 445,453
geologic examination 425
Secular dessication 83, 98, 102
Secondary triangulation stations. 350
Standard interior topographic surveys 424
Special exploration of the Colorado River 138
Solfataric action (Comstock lode) 325
Survey, the first general 331
Springs—
Pagosa 77, 80, 81
INDEX OF SUBJECTS.
771
Springs— Continued.
Soda, at Morristown, Idaho 113
Hot Springs, near Honey Lake 113
Corral. 117
Forlorn Hope 158
Las Vegas 158
Trnxton 167, 169
Peach Tree 169
Secondary astronomical stations 335
Sextant latitude stations 335
astronomical observations 344
Springs, thermal and mineral 122
Surveyor-general of the Northwest Territory 407
Silt of the Rio Grande 288
Southstars 343
Sweden, first map of 41i>
topographic surveys 448, 456
hydrographic surveys . . .474, 477
Switzerland, topographic survey commenced 440
topographic surveys 447, 454
Smithsonian Institution. 57, 144, 145
Systematic map compilations should be prosecuted... 745
Tertiary 82, 92, 1 87, 207, 238, 243, 246. 253, 254, 259, 261, 262,
269, 273, 273, 284, 285, 288, 293, 306, 307, 323, G70
Temperature of earth's crust 209
Thermal and mineral springs . .26, 47, 77, 78, 80, 84, 106, 113, 122
discovered 141
Mauitou 84
Las Vegas 84
Jemez 84
Abiquiu 84
Timber, protection of 51
Three-point stations 351
Tabulated list of reports and maps { Powe!l) — 718
Trachyte 72,269
Triassic 82, 238, 246, 248, 253, 254, 257, 259, 260, 262, 269, 270,
276, 282, 284, 297, 301, 302, 310
Topography : 138
Topographic and hydrographic survey of Great Salt
Lake 198
Time stars 342
Tabulated list of reports and maps (United States geo-
graphic surveys) 692
Timber. . .24, 28, 36, 38, 39, 47, 49, 50, 60, 62, 63, 65, 68, 73, 79, 85, 86,
100,119,179,297,303
Timber spoliation 95, 104, 179
Tribes, Indian 24
Time observations 337
by single altitude 367
equal altitudes 368
Page.
Topographical Engineers, U.S. Army 443
Topographic 396
meander stations 352
maps as a base, used by the geologist.. 420
general uses of 420
military uses paramount 422
necessity for, developed 419
indispensable to Government 421
classification of 421
survey, term defined 418
distinct from cadastral surveys. 419
frame-work of all geography ^ 419
Upper Cretaceous t.. 187
United States general topographic atlas of 481
General Land Office 408
geographic surveys west of one hun-
dredth meridian 451
Geological Survey of the Territories .. 451
- Rocky Mountains. 451
geological exploration of fortieth par-
allel 451
origin of topographic surveys in 441
451
397
47
57
113
113
113
113
survey of Northern Lakes
Use of hachures
Volcano Springs
Vocabularies
Volume of Rio Grande above North Fork
North Fork
the Gunnison
the Tumichi
and velocity of Colorado River at Camp Mo-
have 169
discharge at Stone's Ferry 169
Volumes, quarto 22
Wilmington Harbor 92
Western rim of great interior basin defiued 123
Walnut, black (Juglans rupestris var. Major) 68
{Jug tang Californica) 73
Washoe mining region 322
Wurtemberg, first known map of 439
topographic surveys in .* 445, 453
White, State Mineralogist, Nevada 29
Yosemite Valley —
Special list of altitudes of points of interest in and
about, "D" 131,132,133,134,320
Condensed table of distances in, "D" 135,136
Zones of vegetation 72, 73
Zuni grant 61
traditions 61
Zenith telescope list 340
INDEX OF NAMES.
Pane.
Abert, Lient. James W 521, 557, 558, 560, 56 1
Abert, Col. J. J 545,548,552,555,578
Abbot, Lieut, H.L 583,584
Abbott,C.C 749
Adams, Capt. Samuel 152
Adams, Capt. H. M 693
A dams, Nathan 715
Adair, George 715
Adams, Robert J 701,703
Aguirre, A. A 669,732
Aiken, Charles E 88,142, 143,674
Allen, Lieut. J 535,536,651,552
Ainswortb, Robert J 669,673
Alarcon, Capt. Fernando 147, 153,489
Allouez 491
Alvoid, Major 584
Alden, James M 615
Alexander, Lieut.R.H.L 731
Allen, Prof. G. N 701
Ames, Capt. E.R 731
Alondo or Atondo 191
Amory, Lieut. J. C 592
Anza Juan Batia :a 154,493,494
Anderson, John 429
Anderson, Lieut. G. B 582, 644
Anderson, C. D 584
Anstey, Samuel 642,644
Anderson, Capt, S 733
Arteaga 493
Arnold, Lieut. R •. 577,578
Armistead, Maj. L 592. 593
Archer, Captain 616
Atkinson, W.R 673
Austin, E. P 660,665,723,747
Ayala 493
Baker, Captain 151
Bayley, George B 100
Baeyer, G encral 139, 440
Bach, Col. II 442
Bartlett, Commander J. R 468, 470,475
Bayfield, Lieut. H.W 535
Baldwin, Dr 531
Bancroft 49G
Barlow, Capt. J. W 637,638,640,702, 731
Bailey, Assistant Surgeon Joseph C 612
Baird, Prof. S. F 609, 612
Balch, Lieut G.T 591
Bache, Miij. H 590
Bartlett,.!. R. 585
773
Page.
Baker, L. S 579
Barnes, Almont 674,687
Bates, B. W 673
Bailey, W. W 654
Bassett, James 642
Baker, Bvt. Col. E. M 640
Bailey, William L 687
Bartlett, L. A 701
Bache, Prof. A. D 735
Bazares 490
Bergland, Lieut. Eric . . .96, 105, 107, 108, 110, 113, 152, 169, 677,
679, 680, 683
Bezerra 489
Begole,C.D : 100
Belshaw, J. T 100
Bedford, Ed ward 100
Brining 493
Becker, George F 324,328
Beckwith, Capt. E.G 578,579,580
Bester, Norman 561
Benton, Colonel 542
Bell, Capt. John R 531
Belcher 496
Beechy 496
Berkeley — 494
Benzowsky 493
Beetle, H. V. A. von 612
Beale, E. F 595,625
Bell, William 666
Bell, Robert 716
Bechler, Gustavue R 703,704,706,707
Bi hain, .Martin 499
Beaman, John W 701
Bubb, II. S 749
Beaman, E.O 714
Birnie, Lieut. Rogers, jr 97, 99, 101, 122, 673, 677, 680, 683, 687
Bischoff, Ferd 143,660
Billings 495
Bierstadt, Albert 99
Biddle, Major 531
Binney, Professor 622
Bielawski, C 609
Bigelow, Dr.J.M 581
Birnie, George H 677
Bien, Julius 632
Bishop, F.M 714
Blake, Lieut. Edmund 546
Blake.W.P 582
Blunt. Lieut. S.E , 643,673
INDEX OF NAMES.
773
Page.
Bonilla 490
Boquet de la Grye, Housieur 469
Boone, Capt. N 551
Bonneville, Capt. B L. E 539, 510, 541 , 542, 546
Bodega 493,494
Bonnycastle, Lieutenant 614
Bnckert, C. K 609
Bowman, Amoa 596
Boss, Lewis 728, 729
Boott, William 749
Bowman, Capt. A. It 719
Bourke, Lieut.J. G 719
Bodfish.S.H 710
Brereton, Colonel 90, 1 1 3
Brockdorf, F 97, 677
Brewer, Professor lflO
Brown, Then. V 142,600,665,668,673,677
Brown, J. Ross 328
Broughton 490
Broeeke, Captain vai dm 469
Brevoort, James Carson 488
Bryan, Lieut. F. T 559, 568, 509, 570, 571, 591, 593, 595
Bryant, Capt. M 730
Brown.J.C. 533,553,724
Brown, Lieut, M.E 629, G30
Brown, A. E 702
Brown, H. 31. C 724,725
Bradley, William J 600
Bradley, Prof. Frank 11 703
Bridger, James 622
Burcbard, Hon. H. C 183
Butterfield, Hon. Justin 504
Burt, John 564
Burns.B 588
Bumside, Lieutenant 585
Butterfield, Henry 633
Burck, Adolph 702
Byrne.J.H 582
Carpenter, Frank de T 77,673,677,781,687
Cabeza, de Vaca 88,489,490
Carbonelli 491
Caflas Cestuide 491
Cannell, John F 100
Carpenter, Commander Alfred 469
Carver, Capt. J 537
Caamano 495
Cabrillo 489
Cavendisb 490
Cano, Francisco 490
Castano 490
Cass, General Lewis 537
Campbell, A.H 581,583,625
Campbell, Hugh 581,587,588,607,623
Campbell, D. W 642,643
Campbell, Archibald 615,618,727,728
Calhoun, Lieut. P 552
Cameron, Capt. D. R 733
Caswell, John H 720
Carrey, P > 59
Carroll.A.J 609
Callahan, J. B 684,687
Carpenter, Lieut. W. L 677. 705
Cameron, S. B 681,684
Carrington, C. B 700
Carrington, Campbell 703
Carrington, W. P. C 606
Page.
Carr, Luci.u 749
Cardenas, Captain 148, 153
Cermeiion 490
Church, John A 323,324,328,684
Charlevoix
Chewosdnff
Cbamuscado
Chandler, Lieutenant.
Chapiu, Lieut. G
Chittenden, George B.
Chavez, I. L
Tin
. 493
. 496
. 490
584
. 588
705, 706
673
Chaffee, O.N 723,724
Chesney, C. S 687
Chauvenet, L 730
Chandler, T. W 588
Clark. John H 89, 587, 588, 595, 607, 623, 665, 668, 673, 687,
723,747
Clark, W.P 623
Clark, F. A 654,655,656,657,673,677,708
Clark, Capt. William .'.... 522, 523, 524, 526, 527
Cooper, Dr. J. G 577
Cope, Prof. E. D .-..80,84,88,89,141,142,673,748,749
Cowles, William A 97, 99, 101, 673, 677, 681, 683
Uonsak, Fernando 154,493
Cos ton. Captain 491
Cortez, Father Jacinto 491
Colhoun, James C 532, 533
Coronado, Vasquez de 1 57. 489
Cook, Captain 494
Costa, Rev. B. F. de 483,488
Corte, Real 488
Coluet 495
Columbus 147,484,488
Cortez 488,489
Cos, Ross 535
Comstock, Prof. T. B 643,644
Cooper, S. M 591,593
Cook, Lieut. Col. P. St. G 560,562
Cones, Dr. Elliot 524, 525, 526, 622, 705, 708, 729, 733, 748, 749
Coale, Lieut. J. H 719
Conkling, A. R 677,681,681
Cooke, Jay, jr 684
Cochrane, A. H 660
Collet, E 732
Coffin.Prof. A.C 740
Cogswell, Lieut. M 610
Coulter, John M 703
Cvapo, William 100
Cresson, Prof. E. T 142,143,747
Crook, Lieut, and Gen. George 35,584,649
Cross,A 588
Creutzfeldt, F 579
Cross, Maj. Osborne 567
Cruzer, Henry 666
Cuadra 494
Custer, Henry 582,583,615,654
Custer, Maj- Gen. G. A 629, 045
Curtis, Lieut. J 591
Curtis, Dr. Josiah 703
Davis, Prof. George W 408
Davidson, Prof. George 487
Davidoff 496
Dana.E.S 647
Daly, Charles P 512
D'Avezac 512
Davis, CD 681,683,684
774
INDEX OF NAMES.
Page.
Darling, Ehud. N 723
D'Auteroche 493
Darby, Lieut G. H 154,566,573,590
Be Soto 489,537
Deschnew 491
DeFonte 492
Davis. Jefferson 29
De Haro, 495
DeMofrat, 496
De Witt, F 509
De Laucy, Lieutenant 612
Demeritt, G. S. .628,629
Dewey, Prof. Chester 622
De Sraeth, 596
DeSoto 489,537
Desor, E 563
Dellenbaugh, F. S 714,715
Denison, C. S 723
De Lany, Lieut. H 719
Diaz, Captain * 147,153
Diaz del Castillo, Bernal 489
Dixon 494
Dixon, Lieut. Joseph 613.614,622
Dimmock, C. H 545, 610
Dickerson, Capt. J. H 593
Dixon, Geo. B 701
Dinwiddie, Lieut. W. A 665,666
Doane, Lieut. G. C 6.17
Donelson, Lieut. A.J 576
Doniphan, Colonel 562
Dodge, Lieut. Col. R. I 544,545,719
Downing, Alfred 683,687,731,732
Doolittle, C. L 731,732
Drew, Private 168
Drake 490
Dutton.Capt. C.E 121,715,716
Dudley, A. S 407
Du Pradt 492
Duncan 494
Duncan, Lieut. J. K ... 577
Dunn, James 559
Du Bois, Alfred 681
DuBois, A.G 673
Dunn, George M 677, 681, 6*:i
Dwight, Mr 617
Dyer, Lieut. G. L 470,475
Eaton, Prof. D. C 658 749
Eagan, Lieut. Charles P 157
Eckstein, C. A 442
Edeling, Lieut. A. C.J 469
Edwards, "W.H 749
Egan, William 660
Eisenbise, Sergeant 163
Eliza 495
Egloffstein, F. W 579,580,608,609,611
Kg'- 1 [..n, A. J 709
Elliott, Henry W 700,701
Ellis, George E 216
Emmerich, Lieutenant 470
Emory, Lieut. W. H 548, 552, 560, 561, 562, 563, 573, 586, 588
Emory W 588
Emmons.S.F 651,655,656,657,658
Englemann, Henry 593, 612
Engletuan, Dr. George 567,609,612,622,749
Engel.P.M 606,619
Eudlicb, Dr. F. M 77,704,705,706,707
Page.
Ernesto de Arbn6s Moreira, Brig. Gen. Carl09 442
Espinosa 488
Espejo 490
Espy, Prof. James P 198
Evans.F.J.O 471
Evans, J 565
Ewing, James M 687,691
Farquhar, Maj. F. M 727,728,730
Ferrello 489
Ferguson, I ." 534
Fellerer, Chas. E 600
Fisher, Professor 488
Fidalgo 495
Fitzpatrick, Thomas 557
Fillebrown, H. C 584
Fisher, E. P 610
Fleming, James 100
Floyd, F.W 394,395,687,691
Floyd, Hon. J. B 515,607
Font, Father 149,154,544
Forsch, General De 442
Fog, Maj. Gen. L. E 442
Foster, J. W 563
Foster, Lieut. J. E. H 719
Ford.ArthurL 701
Fremont, Capt. J. C 541, 542, 548
519, 550, 555, 556. 557, 558, 500, 572, 573, 579
Franklin, Lieut. W. B 559
French, Capt. S. G 568
Fianchere, Gabriel 596
F.oben, L. Von 643
Frazer, Persifor, jr 700
Flint. A.R 693
Freyhold, Ed 618
Frazer, Simon 596
Gass. O. D 151,163,164
Garner, George C 581,587
Garay, 488
Gali, 490
Galvez, 492
Garces, 494
Gardner, Charles "1 615
Garrard. Lieut. Kenner 582
Galiano, 496
Gardner, G. C 587,615
0, 546
Kellogg.Dr.A 100
Keasby, George M 142,069
Kemlrick 495
Keating, "W.H 532,537
K.iulall.C.W 547
Kern, E. M 557,566
Kearney, Col. S. W 500
Kern, R. H 556,571,572,579
Kennedy, Dr. C. B. R 581,615
Kehl, Private Henry 647
Ken. Mark I! 687,691
Kingsbnry, Capt. F. W 719
King, Clarence . . .97, 98. 100, 103, 265, 328, 653, 654, 655, 656, 657.
658,713,725
Kintner.C.J. 388,683
Kin;;, Lieut. A. D 719
Kilp, William 666
King, Charles 660
King.J.S 615
Klett, Francis. . . 101, 143, 269, 660, 666, 669, 674, 677, 681, 684, 687,
691
Knowles, Frank 100
Knight, Thomas 687,691
Kohl, Dr.J.G 481,482
Kotzebue 490
Koppel, Charles 582
Koleeki.Theo 618,619
Koehler, John 633,600
Koehneman, R. F 617
Krayenoff, General 4(0
Kiusenstern .493, 496
K no, Father (Kuhn) 149, 154,492
Lawrence Bmgess & Co 204
Page.
Ladrillero 490
La Salle 491,537
Lallontan 491,542,543
La Perouso 494
Laoristo, Lieutenant 631
Lacey, Capt. W. W. do 619
Larned.C.F 591,593
Lawson, J 585
Land r, F. W 576,578,595
Lambert, J 576.577,591,593
Lawson, Lieut. James 719
Ladd.S.B 705
Ladd, A.C 673,677
Lang, John C 669, 674, 677, 681, 684, 687
Lauderdale, Dr 108
Lee,Maj.Jobn 55
Lee, F.M 392,393,396,069,673,677,681,683
Lehman, Colonel 397
Le Sueur 492,537
Lelewel . 512
Lewis, Capt. Merri wether 522. 523, 524, 525, 526, 527
Le Hardy, Paul 643
Lee, William 612
Leslie, J. P 587
Le,, Lieut. T.J 547
Link 493
Litton, A 565
Loew, Dr. Oscar ... .72, 88, 96, 110, 143, 280, 282, 305, 315, 609, 673,
677, 679
Loring, Fred. W 35, 156,159,660,661
Loch man, Col. J. J 442
Lopez 490
Lnwiie 494
Lombard, C 591
Lonug, Colonel 567
Long, Maj. S. II 530, 531 , 532, 533, 537, 553
Low, Lieut. C II 730
Logan, W. B 702
Lock wood, George M 669, 074, 677, 681
Looram, William 069,677,684
Lockwood, Lieut. D.W 32,158,162, 163. 108,633,660
Lucas, John 100
Luceuillaor Luzauilla 491
Ludlow, Edwin 647
Ludlow, Capt. William 64 1 , 645, 646
Ludlow, Lieut. H. H 087
Lysiansky 496
Lyon, Lieut. H. B 619
Lvdecker, Capt. G.J 641
Lyon, Ed. W 687
l.\.ll,GwynA 684,687
Lyle, Lieut. D. A 45,280,660
Maldonado 488,490
Marcou, Prof. Jules 102, 293, 581, 596, 677
Maury, Lieut. M F 470
Ma- shall, Lieut. W. L 52,55,68,90,
101, 142, 269, 665, 60S, 673.677, 747
Mahlo.E 732
Marrvatt, William W 665,668,747
Mace, Alonzo 723
Macy, B.C. ... 565
Mansfield, Col. Jared 407,408,410
Mansfield, Paymaster CD 407
Marquette 491,537
Marcy, Capt. R. B 545,567,569,573,588
Manny, Colonel 544
INDEX OF NAMES.
777
Page.
Macomb, Major-General 539
Major, John J 615,612,723,725
Mauran, Jos. R 660
Maxon, F. 355, 356, 673, 677, 681, 683, 687, C91
Marvine, A.E 280,294,660,704,705,747
Marsh, Prof. O. C 646,658
Mack, E.L 729
Maguire, Lieut. E 648,649
Major, Daniel G 595,624,723,724,725
Maynadier, Lieut. Henry E 621
Maximilian de Wieil, Prince 596
Marshall, Lieut. L H 583
Martin 490
Macomb, Capt. J. N 610,611
Macomb, Lieut. M. M . . . . 101, 123, 131. 246, 680, 683, 687, 691, 743
Martinez de Arc, Capt. Luis 469
Magnaghi, Capt. G. B 469
Mather, Thos 533
Martinez 494,495
Mackenzie 496
Malaspina 495
Marchand. 495
Mendoza 488.489
Meares 49.>
Meyer, Major *'-
McClcllan, Bvt. Capt. Geo. B 573, 576, 577, 578
Meade, Lieut. G.G 517
Merriam, C. Hart 703
Meek, Prof. F. B 565,612,658,699
Mechlin.J.P 612
Merrill, Major 592
Mercator 503,506
Meigs, Josiah ...-' 530
Mendell, Lieut. G. H 590
Made.Theo.L 749
Michler, Lieut. N 568, 569, 570, 571, 586, 588
Minnick.J.B 673
Minter.J. F 569,577
Mills, C.C 612
Mitchell, Dr. J 582
Morgan, H.J 76
Mofrat,Duflotde 488,521,596
Morrison, Lieut. C.C Ill, 112, 114, 677, 680, 683, 687
Moss, John — 152
Moscoso - 489
Morlette 493
Moltke, Field Marshal Count von 443,754
Moncrief, Lieutenant 195
Morton, Lieut. C 719
Mowry, Lieut. S 577,589
Morgan, F. O 716
Morris, Capt. R. M 579
Morrison, CM 673
Moftett,J 576
Mollhauseu, H. B 581,609
Morgan, John H 687
Mott, Lieut. Wallace 665,666
Moore, Lieut. I. N 592
Moffatt.Dr.S 606
Moraza 494
Muir, John 100
Munsen.Capt.S 719
Muller.R 469
Muffling, General 397
Munroe, Col. John 571
Mur: ay, Lieut. Ales 612
Page.
Mnllan Lieut, and Capt. John 577,619,620
MacArthur, Lieut 733
MacConnell, A 723
McCarthy, Chas. S 612
McClernand, Lieut. E.I 649
McChesney, John D 677,681,684,687,691
McCrary.F.E 684
McDonough, T 100
McDowell, Maj.Gen. I 627
MacFeefv, Lieut. R 577
McGillicuddy, V. T 719,731
McKee, Henry E 723
McMillan, Lieut. James 606
McLeod, General 548
McLaughlin, Dr 542, 597
Narvaez 88,488,495
Navarrete 489,490,496
Nell, Louis 97,101,401,660,666,
669, 673, 677, 080, 683, 687, 690, 691
Newberry, Prof. J. S 151 , 155, 161, 584, 608, 609, 610, 622
Neighbors, Major 583
Newberry, l!.G 668
Newton.H 718,719,720
Neweomb, Prof. S 739
Niza, Marco de 489
Nicollet. I.N. 491,536,548,549,550,568
Niblack, William C 677,681,683
Nicholson, William 703
Noizet de St. Paul, General 397
Noble, Lieut. T 552
Norwood, J. 3 — 565
Nobles.W.H 595
Nooney, Prof. James .' 615
Noyes, Capt. Henry E 643
Noerr, Albert 691
Norton, Edward 749
Nunez de Balbao 488
Nuttal, M 596
Oak.HenryL iM
Ocampo 489,500
( )' Donoghue, J 588
489
Oluos
Ojeda
Ogden, Charles A '•
Old, Bvt. Maj. Gen. E. O. C 149, 544, 596, 632, 634,
Ortega
Ortelius
Ord.WilliamM 633,
Onate, Gov. Juan de 149,
OstenSacken, Baron C. R
O'Sullivan, T. H 76,77,
156, 168, 654, 655, 656, 660, 661, 669,
Owen, David Dale
Owen, R —
Parry.Dr.C.C 151,587,
Patrick, W. F
Parke, Lieut. J. G 571 , 572, 582, 583, 594. 615,
Parke, T. H
Parker, Dr. Samuel
Patterson, Carlile ?
Peabody, R. V
Perry, J. D
Peter the Great
Peale.Dr. T. R
Perrier, Colonel
Perea
500
660
643
491
503
666
154
749
87,
674
564
565
643
719
618
581
597
735
615
151
441
531
442
490
778
INDEX OF NAMES.
Page.
Peacock, G. H 609
Perez de Ribos, Father Andres 491
Perez 493
Pellows,P.I 547
Peck, Lieut W.G 557,558,560,501
Piters 494
Pearo.e, Lieut N. B 588
Peale, Dr. A.C 701, 702, 704, 705, 706, 707, 708
Phifer, George 168
Phillips, W. A. J 687,716
Phillips. E. A 587,588
Pitcher, E 687
Planitz,Col. van der 442
Pineda 488
Piatt, Walter R 702
Pinadero 491
Pike, Maj.Z. 11 528
Pierce, Prof. Benjamin 735
Powell. J. W 152, 156, 713, 714, 715, 725, 743, 754, 755
Pond.Bvt Ma.j.K. H 150
Porter, Peter B 534
Porter y Casaiiate 491
P. liter. Lieutenant 551,552
Portala 493
Pond 494
Pope, Capt. John 567, 568, 572, 582, 583, 595, 641
Portlock 494
Powell, W-C 714,715
Porter, Prof. Thomas C 719
Prevost, Captain 614, 618
Pi ice, Lieut. R. M 673,093
Preuss, Charles 550,556,557,558,582
I 'ratten, H 505
Prout, H.G 038,042
Polhemus, J.S 687,691
Ptolomaeus 499
Putnam, Prof. F. W 102,677,749,750
Purington, W. A 687
Putnam, Lieut. H. L 612
Pan has 507
Quiros 494
Quimper 495
Eamusio 153,489,490
Rabe, Carl 100
Rahskopff, Carl 633
Raymond, Capt. Charles W 631,632
Raynolds, Capt. W. F 620,621,622,037
Radziminski, C 587,588
Randolph, Lieut. B. H 687,691
Reynolds, Charles 647
Reno, BTt.CaptJ.Ii 588
Reeves, Benjamin 533
Rector, 'William 530
Renshawe, J. H. 715
Reno.Maj.M.A 728,731
Reives, Rollins J 723
Richardson. E.M 156, 168,060,661
Richtofen, Baron 323,328
Rivera 494
Rice, Willard 660
Ridgway, Robert 654,655,656,658
Richards, Captain 614, 618
Richardson, R 534
Rideing, W. H 677
Richardson, F.A 714
Richards, Alonzo V 723
Page.
Rothrock, Dr. J. T 73,88,100,101,102,142,
178, 668, 073, 677, 749
Rodgers, Captain 151
Roberts, William 167,168
Roek, Miles .388,683,684,691
Roy, General 439
Rothe, Commodore n. P 469
Rodriguez, Leria Quat te. Dr. Jose 169, 474, 490
Roberval 505
Robinson, Dr. J. II 528
Roe, Lieut. C. F 047
Robert, Mai n. M 634
Ross.E 615
Romer, Ferd 596
Ross, Alexander 589
Rowe.W.H 673
Roberdeau, I 429,530
Rutter, J. H 142,143,673
Ruge, Professor 488
Ruyz. 490
Ruysch, Johannes ^ 499
Ruxton, G.F 596
Ruffrier, Lieut. E. H 614, 644, 693
Russell, Capt. G 719
Russell, Lieut. A. H 668
Russell, Israel C. 687
Say, Dr. Thomas 531,532
Salmon, William George 159, 167, 168
Salvatierra 492
Sautarem 512
Safford, Prof. T. H 668,687,723,747
Saxton, Lieut R 576,577
Schmidt, H.D .701
Schoner, I 501
Schneider, Pres. von 442
Schneider, Lieutenant. Colonel 442
Schellendorf, Major-General von 445
Schlenitz, Rear- Admiral F. von 469
Schiel, Dr. J 479
Schleicher, G. H 687
Schmidt, Max E 669
Scholl, L 014
Schott, Arthur 587,588
Schoolcraft, Henry R 536,537
Schroeder, Edgar 669
Seckels, Louis 358,360,393,681,683,687,691
Sedeimayer, Jacob 148, 154, 492
Seymour, Samuel 531
S.ri a 493,494
Severance, Mark S 666
Seton, Lieut. Henry 649
Senex, Johu 510
Shoemaker, Charles F 677
Sibley, George C '. 533
Simpson, Capt J. H 30, 61, 566, 567, 591, 611, 612, 613, 684
Shumanl, B. F 565
Sheridan, Lieut. Gen. P. H 638
Shoubourn, Anton 701
Shedd, W.G 674
Shumard, Dr. G. E 573,588
Sherburne, John P 581
Simonton, F. R 282,660,666
Silva, Rear- Admiral F.M. P. de 469
Sitgreaves, Lieut. L 547.559,572
Sililey, Dr 52t
Simpson, Sir George 597
INDEX OF NAMES.
779
Page.
Slocum 496
Smith, General 148
Smith, Jedediah 140,154
Smith, Joseph 175,176
Smith, Capt. E. Baird 195
Smith, Lieut. W. F 568,569,570,571,585
Smith, Lieut. M. L 568,570,571
Smith, E.Martin 660
Smith, A. J 701
Smith.John 660
Smith, Isaac W 582
Smith, Lieut. Caleh 621
Smith, Lieut. W. D 593
Smith, Lieut. J. L 612
Snyder, J. A 579
Suow.C.H 723
Soowden, J. H 591,594,601
Sohon.G 619
Sommers, William 677
Sommer.E. J 669,673
Spaulding, Capt. E.J 719
Sparks, Captain 529
Spencer, Charles 169, 660
Spiller.J.C 673,677,681,683,687,696
Stevenson, Prof. J. J 77, 84, 187, 188, 261.288,
609, 687, 68}, 691, 747, 748
Strole, Henry 151
Steller 492
Steptoe, Colonel 29,589
Stabliu, J. -ron 512
Stanly, George P 100
Stretch, E. H 328, 749
Stotherd, Col. E. H 412
Steen, Lieut, and Maj E 544,622
Stansbury, M. H 515
Stansbury, Capt. H 512,543,567
Stephens, C. M 723
Stewart, J. F 714
Stevens, G. W 576
Stevens.Gov. I.I 576,577
St. John, Orestes.... 707,708
Stevenson. James 099, 700, 701, 703
Stanley, J. M .-.561,576
Stanton, Capt. W. S 647,649,650,693
Sterling, Dr. E 584
Stoneman, Lieut. G 582
Sully.Capt.A 593
Sullivan, Professor 622
Swift, Cadet and Lieut. W. H 531,532
Swigert, Lieut. S. M 649
Stickley, Dr. George 576
Symons, Lieut. Thos. W 113,118,680,683,686
Synd 492
Taraval 492
Taylor, P. H 609
Taylor. General 551
Talbot, Theodore 557
Taplin.C. L 582
Taggart, W.E 703,704
Taylor, John 175
Tchirikof 492
Terry, Brig. Gen. A. H 648
Thorne.F.M 470
Thurbert, Professor 009
Thompson, Lieut. E. E 649
Thorn, Lieut and Capt. G 585, 588, 614
Page.
Thompson, David 597
Thompson, Gilbert 74,77,352,
378, 388, 389, 666, 669, 673, 677, 681, 683, 687, 691
Thompson, A. H 714, 715, 716
Thomas, Prof. Cyrus 700, 701, 749
Thibaut, Lieut. F. W 730
Tipton, Lieutenant 608, 609
Tillinghast, Captain.... 585,628
Tiukham.A. W 576
Tilton, James 588
Tillman, Lieut. S. E 68,113,246,
352, 371, 378, 388, 393, 396, 668, 680, 683, 686, 691
Torquemada 153, 490
Torrey, Professor 609
Townsend, J. K 596
Trout, Lieut. M. F 719
Trout. Lieut. J. F 719
Tulla, Colonel 439
Tudelos, Ignacio Garcia 469
Tnrnbull, Lieut. C.N 588
T utile, Capt. H. P 719, 723
Turnbull, Dr. A. C 701
Turnbull, Charles T 701
Tuckerman, Prof. Edward 719
Twining, Capt. W. J 631,727,730,732,733
Tweed, A.J 673
Tyler, Capt. G.L 638,702
T vson, P. T 596
Ugarte, Juan 154
Urdaneta
Uricoechea 507,
Ulke, Henry
Hb ler, Professor ■-
Dlloa, Capt. Francisco de 149,153,
Vasquez de Coronado
Vandenpeereborm, Mr
Varenne de la Verandrye
Vancouver
Valdez
Vail, Eugene L
Vasey, Dr. Geo
Vegezack, Col. Victor von
Velasco
Verrill, Prof. A. E
Viscaino
Vila,
Vickar, Archibald M
Vitzthum, B
Von Schmidt, Alex. W
Von Schrader, Lieut. F 729,
Von Hoake, A
Washburn, C.E
Wanka von Leuzenheim, Maj. Gen. Josef, Baron
Walker, Lieut. Gen. J. T
Warren, Lieut. G. K .515, 517, 565, 591, 594, 595, 596, 605, 606,
Walker. Willian A 540,
Warren, William J 615,
Wallen, Capt. H. D
Washington, Col. J. M
Warner, Lieut, and Capt. W. II 561,563,
Walker, Lieut. L. H
Watson, Sereno 654, 655, 656, 658,
Washburn, H. D
Ward, J. W
Walbridge, W. G
Wallace, H. S
492
400
512
749
719
489
147
469
492
495
496
683
749
442
490
749
490
493
523
731
723
730
732
100
442
442
607
546
617
613
566
582
668
I, 749
637
683
687
687
780
INDEX OF NAMES.
Page.
Wakefield, E.B 702
Weys8,John.E 52,55,587,
595, 607, 62'.), 666, 669, 674, 677, 681, 684, 687, 691
Wespelago, Lieut-Gen. Th 469,474
Wills, Edward 511
Webber, D. C 547
Weisuer, Jno 619
Weiss, C 588
Webster, Lieut. J. D 566
AVeissuer, J 723
Wessells, Capt.H.W 719
Whipple, Lieut. C. W 79, 102, 142, 294, 67.1, 677
White, James 151
White.Dr.C.B 100
Whitney, J. D 201,323,503
Wharton, Capt. W.J. L 469
Whipple, Capt A. W 521,580,581,585,587,607
Whistler, George W 534
White, Lieut. James L 619
Wheaton, V 587, 588
White, William J 581,587
Whitiug, Lieut. H. C 568,509
Whittlesey, Charles 564,365
Wheeler, W. D 660,669,674,677
Whitman, Capt. R.E 719
Wheeler, O. D 716
Wheeler.O.B 693
White, Prof. C. A 673, 707, 715, 716, 748
Wheeler, Lieut, and Capt. George M 32.344,367,
368, 369, 632, 659, 661, 662. 665, 668,
673, 680, 686, 691, 747, 748, 749, 754
Whitfield, R. P 658,720
Williamson, Bvt. Lieut-Col. R. S 151, 391, 558,
563, 581, 582, 583, 584, 626, 627 682, 629
Page.
With, CoLC.G 442
Winsor, Mr. Justin 482, 512
Wilkinson, Lieut. James R 528
Wilkes, Commander Charles 547
Wizlizenus, A 562
Withers, Lieut. J. W 590
Williams, L. D | 618
Wilsou, A. D 655,656,657,704,705,706,707,708,710
Wilson, James E 649
Williams, Dr 646
WiDehell, Prof. W. A 646
Wilson, O. S 729, 731
Wiltse, Chauneey 723
Wool, Brig. Gen. John E 559
Woods, Bvt. Haj. S 567
Woodhonse, Dr. S. W 572
Woodruff, Lieut. J C 572,573
Wood.W.H 638,646,647,649
Wood, Lieut. W. W 639
WolfJohn 669
Woodward.R.S 726
Wright.Col. George 620
Wright, P. B 716
Wyant.A.H 669
Yarrow. H. C 57, 88, 102, 141, 142, 143, 665. 673, 677, 748, 749
Young, Brighara 175
Yanagi, Rear- Admiral N 470,475
Young, Lieut, Willard 388,686,691
Young, John J 584, 669
Young, Lieut. H. R 643
Zaltieri 504
Zirckel, Professor 658