Nelson Horatio Darton: the quintessential reconnaissance geologist of the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains

Abstract

N. H. Darton (1865–1948; Fig. 1) epitomizes the reconnaissance field geologist of the twentieth century. His impressive record of geologic and topographic mapping is well documented in the memorial by Philip B. King (1949). Two maps of the conterminous United States (King's figures 1 and 2) summarize the areas of Darton's published contributions. One of King's figures (his figure 1) is reproduced here (Fig. 2). It demonstrates that Darton covered an immense part of the conterminous United States during his career as a geologist for the United States Geological Survey, and that he made notable contributions in the eastern United States as well as his famous studies in the Rocky Mountain region. A native of Brooklyn, New York, Darton abandoned formal education at the age of 13 to learn practical chemistry in his uncle's pharmaceutical business. What were the mental and physical characteristics, circumstances, people, and events that led from these beginnings to such a productive career as a field geologist? Figure 1. Photograph of N. H. Darton. Source: United States Geological Survey Photo Library, Federal Center, Denver, Colorado. Figure 2. Map from King (1949, his figure 1, p. 157) showing areas geologically mapped by N. H. Darton. Nelson Horatio Darton was born December 17, 1865, in Brooklyn, New York. His father, who worked in the Brooklyn Navy Yard on the construction of the Monitor during the Civil War, was a civil engineer and frequently traveled to Alaska and British Columbia for his work. In contrast, Darton's mother was an accomplished pianist; from her he inherited a love for music, which remained with him throughout his life. His father, when home, provided enthusiastic guidance in mathematical and technical subjects for his son. Although young Darton was profi cient in his schoolwork, the pace of the other students was too slow for …