One of the prime movers among the many explorers of the westwho played key roles in establishing the Yellowstone National Parkwas Ferdinand Vandiveer Hayden of the U. S. Geological and GeographicalSurvey of the Territories, a predecessor of today’s U. S. GeologicalSurvey. His signal accomplishments, in 1871-72, were amongthe many highlights of a long and distinguished career in public service.

Hayden’s professional training was as a doctor of medicine. It is atribute to his determination and energy that he reached this professionalstatus. Born in Westfield, Massachusetts, on September 7, 1829,he was, in his early youth, sent by his widowed mother to live with anuncle on a farm in Rochester, New York. Following an unusually studiouschildhood, he began teaching school when he was 16 years old.He soon became discontented with what he considered an inadequateeducation, and made his way to Oberlin, Ohio. There, he persuaded thePresident of Oberlin College to allow him to enroll in medical schoolalthough he was virtually penniless.

Young Hayden proved to be a diligent and dedicated student, andwon the respect of classmates and professors alike for his hard-workingattitude. None, however, foresaw the great success that he laterachieved.

While working his way through college, Hayden formed a closeassociation with a young geologist named John Strong Newberry, whopersuaded Hayden to pursue his studies under his own former teacher,James Hall of Albany, New York. Soon after, Hayden enrolled at AlbanyMedical College, and though he graduated with an M.D. in 1853, it isduring this time that his interest in geology was fostered under theinfluence of Professor Hall.

Shortly after his graduation from medical school, Hayden set outon his first geographical expedition under the sponsorship of Hall.Accompanied by the paleontologist Fielding Bradford Meek, Haydenheaded up the Missouri River to explore the Dakota Badlands and tocollect fossil specimens. Returning in 1854, he and Meek began to acquirereputations of their own and, as a team, they added significantgeological information to what was known about the Nation’s Westernfrontier.

During the War between the States, Hayden practiced medicinefor the only time in his career, serving with the Army as a surgeon.Following the War he received his first formal degree in geology whenhe was elected Professor of G

BU KİTABI OKUMAK İÇİN ÜYE OLUN VEYA GİRİŞ YAPIN!

Sitemize Üyelik ÜCRETSİZDİR!