American geologist Ferdinand Vandiveer Hayden (1829-1887) explored the Great Plains and Rocky Mountain regions, his dedicated efforts providing the foundation for the U.S. Geological Survey and for the establishment of Yellowstone National Park.

Ferdinand Vandiveer Hayden studied to be a physician, until a chance encounter with a noted paleontologist drew him to the yet unmapped northwestern territories of the United States and a relentless career as a geologist and explorer. Through his work in mapping the states of Montana, Colorado, Wyoming, and Idaho, Hayden set the foundation for the activities of the U.S. Geological Survey, and his forward-thinking advocacy of preserving pristine wilderness areas resulted in the creation and preservation of Yellowstone National Park at a time when the nation's interests were in developing the wealth of natural resources west of the Mississippi.

Undeterred by Humble Beginnings

Hayden was born in Westfield , Massachusetts, in 1829, the son...