David Douglas was a Scotland native who worked in Scotland and England in multiple botany and horticultural divisions. He explored nature from California to Puget Sound on many trips to and from England. In 1825, he was the first to document a climb up the Cascade Mountains and to witness the distinctly different climates Washington offered. The younger brother of a local tribes chief as his guide, they partook in an intensive climb.
Douglas considered this ascent to be one of the "most laborious undertakings I had ever experienced." Though others may have used the name conversationally, he was the first to give the Cascade Mountains the name on paper. His records helped others who were settling in the area. Additionally, he was recognized for introducing over 200 species of plant life to England from America, and found and recorded the Douglas Fir, which, clearly is named after him. (Which is also Oregon's state tree, thanks Cole.)
Sources: Historylink.org
The David Douglas Archives: A Collection of Historical and Genealogical Records.
Like a big bag of sand? How is that useful in the wilderness?
ReplyDeleteIn fairness 200 plant species is pretty impressive, so maybe the sand was used to transplant them back to the West.
ooh April you are welcome. It is some knowledge i gained in 5th grade and some how kept it!
ReplyDeleteGood post I agree it is pretty significant that Mr. Douglas here was the first to climb the cascades and clear paths and have knowledge for settlers to stay in the foothills of the cascades.
I like Douglas' role as the first scientist to explore the inland NW. It's also interesting that he participates in the Colombian Exchange - bringing NW plants back to Great Britain.
ReplyDeleteAs a scientist
those scotts realy got around
ReplyDelete