Introduction
Introduction
This finding aid was digitized with funds generously provided by the Smithsonian Institution Women's Committee.
Descriptive Entry
Descriptive Entry
These papers consist of journals and manuscripts containing Cooper's descriptions of his travels in Oregon and Washington territories, California, and his homeward trip through Panama, and as far north as Cape Hatteras. Included are observations made while he was a part of the Isaac Stevens survey. The journals and manuscripts contain descriptions of geological features, weather observations, and technical notes on the plant and animal life of the area. Also included are specimen lists, maps, and sketches of his route while on the Stevens survey.
Historical Note
Historical Note
Born and educated in New York City, James G. Cooper (1830-1902) was a naturalist and physician with Isaac Stevens' Pacific Railroad Survey expedition of 1853. One of the first to collect specimens in the Pacific Coast regions, he became an expert on the geological, biological, and zoological aspects of that area. He published material on the natural history of California and Oregon and wrote a chapter on zoology for Natural Wealth of California, edited by T. F. Cronise. After traveling extensively, he practiced medicine and lived in California until his death in 1902. The Cooper Ornithological Society was named in his honor.
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