Reports of Explorations Printed in Documents of the United States Government
This microfilm collection provides over 500 reports made for government agencies. The government agencies include: the Treasury Department, the Hydrographic Office, the Census Bureau, the Navy, and the Army's Corps of Topographical Engineers, among many others. Although this collection emphasizes the mid to late 1800's, it does contain reports regarding issues back to the earliest days of North American colonization and exploration.
To view a detailed list of entries, click on a subject below. All records are listed chronologically by date. Each record has the same call number of Q115 .R74 1971, then a reel number and item number is listed.
The United States government's concern with the exploration of new territories necessitated investigations of each region's flora, fauna, and native peoples, as well as extensive mapping and mineral surveys, and preparation for the laying of communication routes. Subjects of some the reports include: Lewis and Clark's expeditions, interoceanic canals, Native Americans, fur trade and fisheries, geological surveys, mining (Nevada, California, and other states), botany, topography, Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctica, and Yellowstone. These reports are usually excerpts from original documents that appeared in the Census bulletins, Geological Survey Monographs, Senate or House Executive Documents, reports of the Smithsonian Institution, the Fisheries Commission, Weather Bureau bulletins, and others.
