Joint 72nd Annual Southeastern/ 58th Annual Northeastern Section Meeting - 2023

Paper No. 43-1
Presentation Time: 8:05 AM

THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NORTH CAROLINA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY – 1823 TO 2023


TAYLOR, Kenneth, North Carolina Geological Survey, 1612 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1612

North Carolina Geological Survey is marking a significant milestone in 2023 with the 200th anniversary of the establishment of the Survey in 1823. The North Carolina Survey was the first in the nation.

During those 200 years, there have been only thirteen persons to serve as the state geologist – Dennison Olmstead (1824-25); Elisha Mitchell (1825-27); Ebenezer Emmons (1851-63); Washington Carruthers Kerr (1864-85); J.A. Holmes (1891-1905); Joseph Hyde Pratt (1905-24); Brent S. Drane (1924-25); Jasper L. Stuckey (1925-26); Herman J. Bryson (1926-40); Jasper L. Stuckey (1940-64); Stephan G. Conrad (1964-90); Charles H. Gardner (1990-2022); James D. Simons (2022-2012); and Kenneth B. Taylor (2012- present).

Each of these persons gave direction to geologic mapping, research on the mineral resources in our State, and the geologic hazards found within the State. Dennison Olmstead constructed the first geologic map of the full state in November 1825. Each of my predecessors has improved the Survey with new technology and increasing the number of professional staff.

As part of the 200th anniversary, there will be a series of activities to engage students, teachers, interested organizations, and the general public on the work the Survey has done.