Surveying in Early America - by Dan Patterson & Clinton Terry (Paperback)

About the Book

"In Surveying in Early America: The Point of Beginning, An Illustrated History award-winning photographer Dan Patterson and American historian Clinton Terry vividly and accurately document and retrace the steps surveyors took to map the Ohio River Valley. Patterson and Terry thoroughly create detailed and historically accurate narratives paired with exquisite and vivid photographs of these little known expeditions of our founding father. Working with Colonial re-enactors at sites in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, from Fort Normal to Colonial Williamsburg, Patterson recreates the effort of Washington and his team of surveyors to map the American wilderness and occasionally lay personal claim land to great expanses of land along the way. Through the lens of Patterson camera, readers will see what Washington saw as he worked to learn his trade and then lead expeditions into the American interior using instruments and methods employed 260 years ago"--

Book Synopsis

Living history is one of the most popular, and accessible ways for people of all ages to step back in time. From Colonial Williamsburg, to Mount Vernon, to signs along roadways identifying George Washington stopping points, living history continues to be an accessible way to learn about cultural, historical and political practice in early America.

In Surveying Early America: The Point of Beginning, An Illustrated History, award-winning photographer Dan Patterson and American historian Clinton Terry vividly and succinctly unpack the profession of surveying during the eighteenth century. Over 100 full color photographs exclusively shot for the book depict authentic and historically accurate reproductions of techniques and tools through the use of American reenactors from the Department of Geographer, which provide an interpretive look at surveying as a primary means to building the American nation.

Through the lens of Patterson's camera and Terry's narrative, readers see what Washington saw as he learned his trade, explored the vast American wilderness, and occasionally laid personal claim to great expanses of land. Readers are visually and intellectually immersed in the historically accurate details of the surveying practices of George Washington, Virginia's first surveyor and his team.

Step-by-step, readers learn how early America, in particular the east to the Ohio River Valley was initially divided and documented. Terry characterizes both the profession and methods of land measurement and surveying in British colonial North America--techniques that did not substantially change until the invention of GPS technology 200 years later. Along the way Terry details the various tools of the trade early surveyors used.

Photographer Dan Patterson, working with the Department of the Geographer, restages Washington's actual expeditions during his time with the Geographers to the Army, the technical staff department consisting of American and French soldiers, whose work in the field supported the Continental Army. Patterson brilliantly displays the processes and instruments Washington used 260 years ago.

Together Ohio based photographer and author team up to create a single story, expanding the understanding of primary source material for general readers and those with a passion for early American history.

Review Quotes

"Surveying America: The Point of Beginning, An Illustrated History, is a beautiful book. The pictures compliment the text perfectly, and that is good news for anyone who is not comfortable with math. ...the book is highly recommended for readers who are interested in mathematics, physics, or George Washington's formative years."
-- "Timothy Symington, Journal of the American Revolution"

"Packs in plenty of rich detail about surveying history, practices for the different types and purposes of surveying, and the tools of the trade. But what also makes the book stand out dramatically are its 100-plus images, many of which are full-color, historically accurate, extensively captioned photos depicting surveying activities from the time period... [A] uniquely fascinating addition to the histories of the country and an aspect of the engineering profession."-- "Civil Engineering"

This highly readable and beautifully illustrated book highlights the central role that surveying played in the founding and definition of the United States, while also bringing to life a formative period in the growth of one of the greatest Founders, George Washington.
--Edward G. Lengel, author of First Entrepreneur: How George Washington Built His and the Nation's Prosperity and former scholar in residence at Colonial Williamsburg

About the Author

Dan Patterson is a photographer, graphic designer, and film maker. He has published over 40 books, mostly about aviation history. Dan is a lifelong resident of Ohio and has a fascination with the rich history of one of the first states formed after the American revolution. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Clinton Terry teaches American History and Liberal Studies at Mercer University in Georgia. His research and teaching interests revolve around the social history of economic and technological development in 19th century America.