David Dale Owen's survey, ca. 1848

Abstract

The Field book documents Fielding Meek's participation in David Dale Owen's Survey, 1848-1849 which covered the states of Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Entries are daily, and record weather, temperature, locations, and distance traveled. Sometimes includes barometric readings and measurements of water levels, sand, and characteristics of terrain and water sources. He describes vegetation and terrain; collected specimens; observed formations including rock composition, texture, color; measurements of water levels, sand, and other geological details; daily activities, and interactions and sightings of American Indians (Sioux), settlers (description of meal with local settler Mr. Flambeau) and survey participants. Locations in Minnesota include the vicinity of Watonwan River, Mankato, St. Peter's River [Minnesota River], Falls of Saint Anthony, and Lake St. Croix on the Saint Croix River.

Date Range

1848

Start Date

Jun 27, 1848

End Date

Nov 30, 1847

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

• Paleontology -- Mississippi River Valley
• Historians
• Paleontology
• Indians of North America

Place

• Saint Croix River
• United States
• Minnesota
• Stillwater
• Saint Anthony Falls Lower Lock and Dam
• Watonwan
• Minnesota River

Form/Genre

• Fieldbook record
• Field notes

Accession #

SIA RU007062

Collection name

Fielding B. Meek Papers, 1843-1877 and undated

Physical Description

1 field book

Physical Location

Smithsonian Institution Archives

Sublocation

Box 10 Folder 2