Journal, 1853-1854

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Abstract

The field book covers James Cooper's travels during the Northern Pacific Railroad Survey [Pacific Railroad Survey of the 47th and 49th Parallels] through Washington state, June 13, 1853 - December 29, 1853, and August 30, 1854. Includes a printed map of the Oregon territory from 1849 that has notations. The volume is approximately 140 pages; entries are dated and narrative in structure. Sometimes pages are headed with route information. Cooper's entries are lengthy and detailed, describing daily work, individuals with whom traveled, observed terrain including soil composition, travel routes, vegetation (sometimes referred to by scientific name), weather, and campsites. Entries first cover 1853 and are followed by an index of collections listing date, birds, fish, plants, and minerals. This is followed by a list of plants collected in 1854. There are then several papers of notes relating to travel on August 30, 1854. The route covered but was not limited to Fort Vancouver, Calissis Prairie, Cathlapotle River, Columbia River mouth, Willapa River, and Cape Shoalwater. Throughout the volume are detailed drawings of wildlife and hand drawn maps with notations relating to distance, vegetation, and campsites.

Date Range

1853-1854

Start Date

1853

End Date

1854

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

  • Geology
  • Zoology
  • Plants
  • Botany

Place

  • Oregon
  • Montana
  • United States
  • Columbia River
  • Oregon Territory
  • Washington
  • Idaho
  • Willapa

Form/Genre

  • Fieldbook record
  • Field notes

Accession #

SIA RU007067

Collection name

James G. Cooper papers, 1853-1870 and undated

Physical Description

1 notebook

Physical Location

Smithsonian Institution Archives

Sublocation

Box 1 Folder 1