The collection consists of a letter dated March 24, 1896 from Grove Karl Gilbert to John Wesley Powell. The letter transmits archeological specimens (now held in the Department of Anthropology object collections) together with sketches of petroglyphs collected during work for the United States Geological Survey in the Arkansas River Valley from Colorado to Kansas. Included are sketches of petroglyphs and notes on specimens.
Please note that the contents of the collection and the language and terminology used reflect the context and culture of the time of its creation. As an historical document, its contents may be at odds with contemporary views and terminology and considered offensive today. The information within this collection does not reflect the views of the Smithsonian Institution or National Anthropological Archives, but is available in its original form to facilitate research.
Biographical Note:
Grove Karl Gilbert (1843–1918) was an American geologist. He joined the Powell Survey of the Rocky Mountain Region in 1874, becoming Powell's primary assistant, and stayed with the survey until 1879. After the creation of the United States Geological Survey in 1879, he was appointed to the position of Senior Geologist and worked for the USGS until his death.
John Wesley Powell (1835-1902) was the first Director of the Bureau of American Ethnology (1879-1902) and the second Director of the USGS (1881–1894).
Local Numbers:
NAA MS 7030
Variant Title:
Letter to John Wesley Powell
Separated Materials:
The artifacts described in the letter are held by the Department of Anthropology object collections in Accession 31683.
Restrictions:
The collection is open for research.
Access to the collection requires an appointment.
MS 7030 Letter to John Wesley Powell transmitting archaeological specimens and sketches of petroglyphs, National Anthropological Archives, Smithsonian Institution