George McClellan’s field journal contains information collected from American Indians his party encountered while traveling along the Columbia River and through the mountains of the Northwest. His notes reveal the survey party’s daily progress and record conversations with Native Americans from whom he sought advice about land conditions and travel routes.
Manuscript Division, Library of Congress
Field Note Journal of George McClellan, May 20-December 15, 1853
Surveying the West
In 1853 Congress authorized funds for the Army Corps of Engineers to survey and report on possible routes for a railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean. Army engineers were experienced in surveying the West, and the military had an interest in preparing for westward expansion. Captain George B. McClellan, a West Point graduate and engineer, led a surveying party on the 49th parallel. He later served as General-in-Chief of the Union Armies during the Civil War.
George McClellan’s field journal contains information collected from American Indians his party encountered while traveling along the Columbia River and through the mountains of the Northwest. His notes reveal the survey party’s daily progress and record conversations with Native Americans from whom he sought advice about land conditions and travel routes.
Manuscript Division, Library of Congress
