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The Life of Increase Lapham: Early Chronicler of Plants, Rocks, Rivers, Mounds, and More

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Studying Wisconsin: The Life of Increase Lapham, early chronicler of plants, rocks, rivers, mounds and all things Wisconsin

by Martha Bergland

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	16297 KB
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Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Print length	:	425 pages

Increase Lapham was a man of many talents and interests. He was a botanist, geologist, cartographer, and archaeologist. He was also a surveyor, engineer, and land agent. Lapham was a pioneer in all of these fields, and his work helped to shape our understanding of the natural world.

Early Life and Education

Lapham was born in Palmyra, New York, in 1811. His father was a farmer, and his mother was a schoolteacher. Lapham showed an early interest in nature, and he spent much of his childhood exploring the woods and fields around his home.

Lapham attended Hamilton College in New York, where he studied mathematics and science. After graduating, he worked as a surveyor in Ohio. In 1836, he moved to Wisconsin, where he continued his work as a surveyor and began to explore the natural history of the region.

Botanical Explorations

Lapham was a passionate botanist, and he collected and identified thousands of plants throughout Wisconsin. He was the first to describe many new species, and his work helped to establish the foundation of Wisconsin's botanical knowledge.

In 1851, Lapham published "The Flora of Wisconsin," which was the first comprehensive guide to the state's plants. This book was a valuable resource for botanists and naturalists, and it helped to promote the study of botany in Wisconsin.

Geological Explorations

Lapham was also a skilled geologist, and he made important contributions to our understanding of the geology of Wisconsin. He was the first to map the state's geology, and he identified many of the state's mineral resources.

In 1855, Lapham published "The Geology of Wisconsin," which was the first comprehensive study of the state's geology. This book was a valuable resource for geologists and miners, and it helped to promote the development of mining in Wisconsin.

Cartographic Explorations

Lapham was also a skilled cartographer, and he produced some of the earliest maps of Wisconsin. His maps were used by explorers, settlers, and government officials, and they helped to open up the state to development.

In 1855, Lapham published "The Map of Wisconsin," which was the first comprehensive map of the state. This map was a valuable resource for travelers, businessmen, and government officials, and it helped to promote the development of Wisconsin.

Archaeological Explorations

Lapham was also an avid archaeologist, and he explored many of the ancient mounds and earthworks in Wisconsin. He was the first to identify these mounds as the work of Native Americans, and he helped to lay the foundation for the study of archaeology in Wisconsin.

In 1855, Lapham published "The Antiquities of Wisconsin," which was the first comprehensive study of the state's ancient mounds and earthworks. This book was a valuable resource for archaeologists and historians, and it helped to promote the study of archaeology in Wisconsin.

Later Life and Legacy

Lapham continued to work as a botanist, geologist, cartographer, and archaeologist until his death in 1875. He was a prolific writer, and he published numerous books and articles on his research findings.

Lapham's work helped to shape our understanding of the natural world, and he is considered to be one of the most important figures in the history of Wisconsin. His legacy continues to inspire scientists and historians today.

Increase Lapham was a remarkable man who made significant contributions to the fields of botany, geology, cartography, and archaeology. His work helped to shape our understanding of the natural world, and he is considered to be one of the most important figures in the history of Wisconsin.

Studying Wisconsin: The Life of Increase Lapham, early chronicler of plants, rocks, rivers, mounds and all things Wisconsin

by Martha Bergland

4.6 out of 5