FERDINAND VANDIVEER HAYDEN, 1829-1887
American geologist, b. Westfield, Mass., grad. Oberlin, 1850, M.D. Albany
Medical College, 1853.
Chiefly through the influence of James Hall, his interest in geology was
aroused and he engaged in geological expeditions; Hayden first explored
the Badlands (with F.B. Meek) and later the upper Missouri valley. After
serving as a surgeon in the Civil War, he taught geology (1865-1872) at
the University of Pennsylvania. In 1867 he undertook for the goverment a
survey of Nebraska; later he headed (1872-1879) the survey of the
territories. His notable work, especially in the Rocky Mountains region,
resulted in his appointment to the newly created United States Geological
Survey; he was in charge (1879-1886) of the Montana division. Largely
through his efforts, Yellowstone National Park was created.
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