Fieldwork

Field work in geology and geography were emphasized in the first decades after the founding of the University. Researchers spent time away from Chicago, gathering data and observations for use in teaching and research. This excerpt of a November 1914 letter from Zonia Baber sent to Prof. Rollin D. Salisbury, head of the Department of Geography from Fiji, details travel challenges encountered on one such field study, not the least of which was the threat of German attacks on ships sailing the Pacific in the early months of World War II.

Field expeditions also took place closer to home. Pictured here is Rollin D. Salisbury, Professor of Geographical Geology on horseback during a trip to Montana.