Journal and photos

Abstract

The journal documents the botanical work of Karl Andreas Geyer during the Nicollet Expedition, 1838. Pages have been numbered. Entries are headed with the date; additionally, they often state what portion of the expedition is described by listing a range of locations covered (i.e. from St. Louis up the Mississippi). Most entries follow a consistent format: they begin weather, detail locations traveled to (including town names and sometimes times of day), specimens collected (listing specimen number and scientific name), specimens collected (scientific names included) per day; followed by observations of terrain (characteristics of rivers, islands, hills) as well as types and nature of vegetation seen. He often lists commonly seen plants, using their common or scientific names, as comments about. Sometimes will include descriptions of collected specimens and observations of geography (types of stone seen, characteristics of the soil). Includes detailed sketches of observed terrain. Locations include the region of southern Minnesota bordering Iowa and South Dakota (may include locations along state borders) include the vicinity of St. Peter River [Minnesota River], Traverse des Sioux, Coteau des Prairies, Kinihampi, Lac Qui Parle, Lake Titanka, Des Moines River.

Date Range

1838

Start Date

May 18, 1838

End Date

Sep 30, 1838

Access Information

Many of SIA's holdings are located off-site, and advance notice is recommended to consult a collection. Please email the SIA Reference Team at osiaref@si.edu.

Topic

• Plants
• Botany

Place

• Mississippi
• United States
• Traverse des Sioux
• Coteau des Prairies
• Unorganized Territory of Fort Snelling
• Minnesota River

Form/Genre

• Fieldbook record
• Field notes

Accession #

SIA RU007290

Collection name

Carl Andreas Geyer Journal, 1838

Physical Description

1 field book

Physical Location

Smithsonian Institution Archives

Sublocation

Box 1