Gilbert Thompson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gilbert Thompson
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| Born | March 21, 1839 |
| Died | June 8, 1909 (aged 70) |
| Occupation | soldier, draftsman and topographer |
| Employer | Union Army, U.S. Geological Survey |
| Known for | Participating in the Wheeler Survey, Co-founding the National Geographic Society |
Gilbert Thompson (born March 21, 1839 – died June 8, 1909) was an important American figure. He was a skilled draftsman (someone who draws maps and plans) and a topographer (someone who studies and maps the shapes of land). He also served as a soldier. Thompson is best known for his work with the U.S. Geological Survey and for helping to start the National Geographic Society.
Contents
Gilbert Thompson's Life Story
Early Life and the Civil War
Gilbert Thompson was born on March 21, 1839, in Mendon, Massachusetts. When he was ten years old, his family moved to a special community called Hopedale, Massachusetts. There, he learned how to be a printer. His first job was helping out at a local newspaper.
In 1861, Thompson moved to Boston. He joined the Union Army to fight in the American Civil War. When he signed up, the person writing down his details accidentally put "painter" instead of "printer" as his job. Because of this, he became a combat engineer instead of a regular soldier. Combat engineers are soldiers who build things like bridges and roads, or remove obstacles, to help the army move.
Exploring with the Wheeler Survey
After the war, Thompson went to Washington D.C.. He started working with the U.S. Geological Survey. This group studies the Earth's surface and makes maps.
In 1872, Thompson joined the Wheeler Survey. This was a big expedition led by Lieutenant George Wheeler. For the next seven years, Thompson traveled with this survey team. He made friends with other explorers and scientists, like Henry Wetherbee Henshaw.
In 1875, Thompson led his own trip to Spirit Mountain in Nevada. He created the very first detailed map of this area. Later, in 1879, he explored the Great Basin with famous geologists Grove Karl Gilbert and John Wesley Powell.
First Use of Fingerprints
Gilbert Thompson said he was the first person to use fingerprints for identification. This happened in 1882. He put his thumbprint on a message that said, "August 8, 1882-Mr. Jonas Sutler will pay Lying Bob Seventy Five Dollar." This was a very early example of using fingerprints to prove who someone was.
After the Wheeler Survey
In 1884, Thompson became the head of the Appalachian division of the U.S. Geological Survey. This meant he was in charge of mapping the Appalachian Mountains.
A very important part of his life was in 1888. Gilbert Thompson helped to create the National Geographic Society. This society is famous for its magazines, maps, and exploring the world. In 1889, he provided the first map that came with the National Geographic Magazine. It was a map called "North Carolina-Tennessee-Asheville Sheet."
Thompson also enjoyed studying his family history, known as genealogy. He found connections to famous people like Sir Humphrey Gilbert and Myles Standish. He was also an antiquarian, meaning he loved old things and history.
Later Life and Death
Major Gilbert Thompson passed away on June 8, 1909. He left behind a legacy of important maps and contributions to exploration and geography.
