Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Stake, Survey |
Source |
Grout Museum District |
Iowa History Era Tag |
Statehood and the Civil War Era (1847-1868) |
Chronological Tag |
Expansion and Reform (1801-1861) |
Catalog Number |
2018.038.007 |
Credit line |
Grout Museum District - Waterloo, Iowa |
Description |
Charles Mullan, one of the earliest settlers of Waterloo, Iowa, used these survey stakes as he mapped out the Waterloo area. Stakes like these were used to mark boundaries and locations that were later marked down on plat maps. Content can be used with the following standards: SS-US 9-12.23 Iowans Influence US History and SS-Geo. 9-12.24 Iowans Influence Iowa Environment in a lesson on early settlers and the techniques they used in surveying the land. For any use other than instructional resources, please check with the organization that owns this item regarding copyright restrictions. |
Additional Research & Sources |
A surveyors compass would be used with these stakes to note the direction when mapping a location. A tripod stand allowed the compass to stand on its own making it easier to write without holding a compass. Charles Mullan was born in Eckland, Pennslyvania in 1811 and came to Iowa in 1846 and settled in the area now known as Waterloo. At the time, only two other settlers, G.W. Hanna and William Virden, were residing in the town. Mullan served as the county's first justice of peace as well as the first county surveyor, where he mapped out the county''s streets, boundaries and landmarks. Mullan and his family lived in Waterloo for 28 years, where they experienced the expansion of railways through the state as well as the Civil War and the impact it had on the town. |
Notes on Related Objects |
Object is related to the following library resources, which can be found by searching the catalog number in the advanced search section: Catalog #: 2018.045.028 Crossroads on the Cedar: A Story of Two . Cities 2018.045.078- The Middle West in American History 2018.045.138- History of Iowa from the Earliest Times to the Beginning of the Twentieth Century 2018.045.184- Iowa: The Pioneer Heritage |
Primary/Secondary Source |
Significant - Local |
County Tag |
Black Hawk |
People |
Mullan, Charles |
Relation |
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Multimedia Links |
Click here to view/hear the file. |
Search Terms |
Early Explorers People Rural Life Settlers/Pioneers Towns Surveying equipment |
Legal Status |
Ownership of this resource is held by the Grout Museum District and has been provided here for educational purposes only, specifically for use in the Iowa Museum Association's "Teaching Iowa History" project. It may not be downloaded, reproduced or distributed in any format without written permission from the Rights Holder. For information on U.S. and International copyright laws, consult an attorney. |
