Thomas Condon: Establishing a Foundation for Oregon’s Geoscientists Today
 Photo: Oregon Historical Society Thomas Condon (1822-1907) focused his life around scientific study of the geology of Oregon. Throughout this entire exhibit, you can see examples of some of the work of Oregon’s geoscientists. Today’s geoscientists work at institutions throughout the state, building on a foundation of exceptional research and education established by Oregon’s founding father of geology, Thomas Condon.
Condon became the first State Geologist of Oregon in 1872 while a professor at Pacific University (Forest Grove). He served as the state geologist until the University of Oregon was established in 1876. He was appointed its first Professor of Geology and was chair of Natural Sciences until his death in 1907.
Learn how two DOGAMI scientists are helping uncover the largest volcano in Oregon while two other scientists follow in Condon’s footsteps studying the record of ancient life in the John Day Basin. Some geologists, including those at the OSU Hatfield Marine Science Center and OSU College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences use boats not boots to reach their field areas!
Digging Deeper: For more information, visit these websites:
Thomas Condon: http://www.nps.gov/archive/joda/condon.htm http://bluebook.state.or.us/notable/notcondon.htm
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument (National Park Service):
OSU Hatfield Marine Science Center:
OSU College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences: http://www.coas.oregonstate.edu/
Crooked River Caldera: http://www.oregongeology.com/sub/publications/OG/OGv67n01.pdf
Digging Deeper: For more information, give this sample of books a read:
The Odyssey of Thomas Condon: Irish Immigrant, Frontier Missionary, Oregon Geologist by Robert D. Clark (1989, Oregon Historical Society Press [http://www.ohs.org/research/publications/])
Thomas Condon: Pioneer Geologist of Oregon by Ellen Condon McCornack (1928, University Press, Eugene; out of print, check your local used book store) |
