Random Records of a Lifetime devoted to Sciences and Art, 1846-1931 : volume IV, Part I Colorado Explorations, 1873, 74, 75, 76 & 87

Abstract

This is the fifth of sixteen volumes compiled by William Henry Holmes to document his life and work. The volume contains original correspondence, documents, ephemera, watercolors/drawings, and photographs throughout. It describes Holme's work as part of F. V. Hayden's surveys for the territories during "five summers among the rugged peaks and fascinating valleys of the splendid ranges of Colorado." It begins with a tables of contents for section one which includes an itinerary and narratives about travel through Holy Cross and Mt. Powell. Holmes includes details regarding wildlife observations (drawings of mammals collected), names of mountains by surveyors, route traveled with date taken from his diaries, and drawings of colleagues and terrain. Section two describes the first ascent of the Mountain of the Holy Cross in 1873, and news clippings and correspondence about growing interest. Also includes notes about geological characteristics observed. Contains discussion of and sketch by William Henry Jackson who was the first person to photograph the Mount of the Holy Cross. Section three describes the front ranges of Colorado. Section four describes the primary triangulation of Colorado and ascent of peaks in 1876.

Date Range

1873-1887

Start Date

1873

End Date

1887

Access Information

Outside researchers and the public may visit the AA/PG Library without an appointment from 10:00-5:00, Monday through Friday. Researchers may request books and materials from the Library staff, and materials must be used in the reading room

Topic

• Geology
• Zoology

Place

• Holy Cross, Mount of the
• United States
• Colorado

Form/Genre

• Fieldbook record
• Field notes
• Illustrations
• Correspondence
• Memorabilia

Collection name

Random records of a lifetime, 1846-1931 : Cullings, largely personal, from the scrap heap of three score years and ten, devoted to science, literature and art

Physical Description

1 field book

Physical Location

Smithsonian Institution. Libraries

Sublocation

American Art Portrait Gallery Library