The federal government sponsored several geological surveys in the United States in the latter half of the 19th century. At the same time, many states experimented with their own geological surveys, generally for geologic reconnaissance or as part of a search for economic minerals. The federal surveys focused much of their attention on western states that had yet to begin their own surveys; as a result, there was probably less interaction between state and federal surveys than might be expected. Though the federal and state surveys did not have strong interaction, their experiences were often similar. Both existed in fits and starts, fighting ongoing political battles for their lives. Most were strongly identified with the personality of their director. Because the experiences of the federal survey sometimes presage the experience of their state counterparts, state surveys might want to pay particular attention to the current political struggles of the U.S. Geological Survey.
Kansas Geological Survey
Updated April 17, 1997
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