George Wheeler (explorer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Wheeler
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Portrait by Alice Pike Barney
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| Born |
George Montague Wheeler
October 9, 1842 |
| Died | May 3, 1905 (aged 62) New York, New York, USA
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| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | West Point |
| Known for | Exploration of the American West |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | explorer and cartographer |
| Institutions | United States Geological Survey |
George Montague Wheeler (born October 9, 1842 – died May 3, 1905) was an important American explorer and mapmaker. He led a big project called the Wheeler Survey. This survey helped map the western United States in the late 1800s.
Contents
Who Was George Wheeler?
George Wheeler was born in Hopkinton, Massachusetts. His parents were John Wheeler and Miriam P. Daniels. He grew up to become a key figure in mapping the American West.
Early Life and Military Career
George Wheeler finished his studies at West Point in 1866. He was one of the top students in his class. After graduating, he became a lieutenant in the US Army's Corps of Engineers. This group builds things and creates maps for the army.
From 1866 to 1871, Wheeler worked in California. In 1869, a general named Edward O. C. Ord sent him on a special trip. This trip was to explore parts of eastern Nevada.
Mapping the American West
In 1872, the US Congress decided to map a huge area of the United States. This area was west of the 100th meridian. The goal was to create detailed maps of this vast region.
This big mapping project became known as the Wheeler Survey. It lasted for seven years, until 1879. Other similar surveys, like the King and Powell Surveys, were also happening. In 1879, all these surveys were combined. Their work became part of the new United States Geological Survey.
Wheeler's Later Life and Legacy
Wheeler was promoted to captain in 1879. In 1881, he went to Venice, Italy. He represented the United States at a big meeting about geography.
He started to semi-retire in 1883. Even so, he kept writing scientific reports. He fully retired from the army in 1888 as a major. George Wheeler passed away in New York City in 1905.
Several places are named after George Wheeler to honor his work. These include Wheeler Peak in Nevada, which is part of the Great Basin National Park. There's also Wheeler Peak in New Mexico, which is the highest point in that state. The beautiful Wheeler Geologic Area in southern Colorado is also named for him.
