Journey into the unknown headwaters: a century‑old field report set from 1859–60 that details the exploration of the Yellowstone and Missouri basins.
This nonfiction collection compiles Rockefeller-era style observations, journal entries, and official reports from the U.S. Lake Survey expedition. It blends topography, meteorology, geology, and natural history with firsthand notes on routes, camps, and the landscapes of the upper Missouri and Yellowstone regions. The material provides a window into early surveying work and the challenges of mapping a vast, unmapped region.
- Accounts of expedition planning, routes, and wintering strategies in harsh terrain
- Topographical notes, latitude, barometer readings, and other scientific data from the field
- Descriptions of flora, fossils, and geological observations from the era
- Context on the journey, its instructions, and the logistical hurdles faced by 19th‑century explorers
Ideal for readers of historical exploration, American science, and mountaintop journeys, who want a grounded look at early expedition science.