Contribution of John Daniel Gross to American Geography

Keywords: Columbia University, history of geography, Johan Gros, John Daniel Gross, second great awakening
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Saturday
Session Start / End Time: 2/26/2022 09:40 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/26/2022 11:00 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 17

Abstract

Early geography in the United States has a rich history, though not always understood or acknowledged. One American geographer in the pre-Humboldt era who has been largely overlooked is Columbia University’s John Daniel Gross, who has been described as “arguably the first American professional geographer.” The purpose of this research is to shed more light on this eighteenth-century geographer. Evidence suggests that, unlike some other prominent geographers of their day who subsequently became relegated to obscurity, Gross displayed neither controversial views nor a personality that conflicted with more powerful contemporary rivals. Instead, although geographical, synchronistic, epistemological, and personal attributes make it seem likely that his work created a bridge to the new geography of Alexander von Humboldt and Carl Ritter, his work and reputation appear to have been overshadowed by that of the “new geography.” The demise of Ivy League geography appears to have cemented his lost legacy.