Charting Indiana’s earth and riches, this classic field study reveals where minerals, soils, and fossils lie in wait.
A detailed survey from 1859–1862, it blends county-by-county geology with practical notes on coal, springs, timber, and agricultural potential, offering a vivid snapshot of the state’s natural wealth and landscape.
This edition presents the original reconnaissance work, including introductory framing, county descriptions, and fossil illustrations that illuminate Indiana’s Silurian, Devonian, and Carboniferous formations. It captures field observations, early methods, and the practical concerns of 19th-century geology, chemistry, and resource development.
- Learn how different rock layers influence soils and farming prospects across Indiana’s counties.
- Discover reported deposits of coal, lead ore, limestone, and other minerals, with early analyses and descriptions.
- See how geology interfaced with agriculture, water supply, and early industrial uses.
- Explore fossil notes and illustrations that highlight the state’s ancient life in context with regional formations.
Ideal for readers of regional geology, historical science, and the development of Indiana’s natural resources.