Jed Hotchkiss and the Geological Map of Virginia

Abstract

William Barton Rogers' pioneering geological survey was terminated in 1842 with none of its three principal aims accomplished. In particular no funds were made available for the preparation of a geological map, even supposing that a suitable base map existed for the purpose. Thirty-four years were to elapse before Jedediah Hotchkiss, appointed by Virginia's Board of Immigration to write a wide-ranging geographical and political description of Virginia, produced a topographical map at a scale of 24 miles to one inch on which Rogers was able to delineate the results of the survey. Later, Hotchkiss publicized Rogers' work in the mining and scientific journal, The Virginias, which he founded in 1880. In the June issue of that year he included a version of this geological map. Later, Rogers and Hotchkiss planned to produce a new map at a scale of 8 miles to one inch. Following the death of Rogers in 1882, Hotchkiss collaborated with Emma Rogers in preparing a reprint of Rogers' survey reports and other papers relating to the geology of Virginia; this was to be accompanied by the larger scale map. In the event, Hotchkiss was only able to provide a revisision of the 1880 map. However, he did edit and supervise the printing of the 96 sections produced by Rogers. These were exhibited at the New Orleans Exposition 1884/5 along with the new edition of the 24 miles to one inch map. He also displayed wall maps of Virginia at a scale of 3.5 miles to one inch, including one showing Rogers' geology.