The Life of Increase Lapham: Early Chronicler of Plants, Rocks, Rivers, Mounds, and the Land itself

Increase Lapham (March 7, 1811 – September 14, 1875) was an early surveyor and naturalist, who contributed greatly to the study of botany, geology, archaeology, and more in the Midwest. His works in the early 19th century greatly expanded scientific knowledge of the region.

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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Print length	:	425 pages

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Early Life and Education

Increase Allen Lapham was born in Palmyra, New York, on March 7, 1811. His father, also named Increase Lapham, was a farmer and surveyor, and his mother was Elizabeth Allen Lapham. Lapham studied civil engineering at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, and graduated in 1830.

Surveying Career

After graduating from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Lapham worked as a surveyor in New York and Pennsylvania. In 1836, he moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which was then a frontier town. Lapham played a major role in establishing the city's infrastructure, including its streets, sewers, and water supply.

Natural History Interests

In addition to his surveying work, Lapham was also an avid naturalist. He was particularly interested in botany and geology, and he collected numerous specimens of plants and rocks from the Milwaukee area. Lapham also studied the archaeology of the region, and he excavated several Native American mounds.

Contributions to Botany

Lapham's contributions to botany are significant. He collected over 8,000 plant specimens from Wisconsin and the surrounding region, and he identified and described many new species. Lapham's work helped to establish the scientific study of botany in the Midwest.

Contributions to Geology

Lapham also made important contributions to the field of geology. He studied the geology of Wisconsin and published several maps of the state's geological formations. Lapham's work helped to advance the understanding of the geology of the Midwest.

Contributions to Archaeology

Lapham was one of the first scientists to study the archaeology of Wisconsin. He excavated several Native American mounds and published a report on his findings. Lapham's work helped to establish the scientific study of archaeology in the Midwest.

Legacy

Increase Lapham was a pioneering scientist who made significant contributions to the fields of botany, geology, archaeology, and more. His work helped to establish the scientific study of the Midwest, and his legacy continues to inspire scientists today.

References

• Isham, Frederick. "Increase Allen Lapham: His life and work." Wisconsin Magazine of History 13.1 (1929): 3-26.
• Lapham, Increase Allen. "The Antiquities of Wisconsin." Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge 1 (1855): 1-114.
• Lapham, Increase Allen. "On the Geology of Wisconsin." American Journal of Science and Arts 33.2 (1838): 314-320.

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
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	425 pages

FREE