Smithsonian Institution
Founded 1846
The Smithsonian Institution participated in a biological survey of the Canadian Rockies in 1911 at the request of Arthur Oliver Wheeler [1860–1945], director of the Alpine Club of Canada [founded 1906]. Wheeler was undertaking a topographic survey of British Columbia and Alberta and suggested it would be an opportunity for the Smithsonian to gather specimens from the region, centered around Mount Robson.
The Alpine Club of Canada also helped to pay for a portion of the Smithsonian’s costs for sending staff. Official Smithsonian staff included leader Ned Hollister [1876–1924], assistant curator in the division of mammals, and Joseph Harvey Riley [1873–1941], aid in the division of birds. They were assisted by Charles Doolittle Walcott Jr. [1889–1913], (son of the secretary of the Institution), and Henry Harrison Blagden [1888–1957]. All specimens collected went to the Smithsonian, including mammals, birds, reptiles, batrachians, fishes, invertebrates, and plants.
In 1912 secretary Charles Doolittle Walcott [1850–1927] led a geological expedition to the same region.
Available documents:
- — Expedition History, 1911 (1911). Smithsonian Institution Archives
- Wheeler, Arthur Oliver [1860–1945], and — “The Alpine Club of Canada’s expedition to Jasper Park, Yellowhead Pass and Mount Robson region, 1911.” Canadian Alpine Journal, Vol. 4 (1912):9-80. Alpine Club of Canada [accessed 4/2/2025]
- Wheeler, Arthur Oliver [1860–1945], and — “Topographical Map Showing Mount Robson and Mountains of the Continental Divide North of Yellowhead Pass to accompany the Report of the Alpine Club of Canada’s Expedition 1911. From Photographic Surveys by Arthur O. Wheeler; A.C.C. Director.” Canadian Alpine Journal, Vol. 4 (1912):8-81. Alpine Club of Canada [accessed 4/2/2025]
- Hollister, Ned [1876–1924], and — “Mammals of the Alpine Club Expedition to the Mount Robson Region.” Canadian Alpine Journal, Vol. 4 No. 2 (1912):1-46. Alpine Club of Canada [accessed 4/2/2025]
- Riley, Joseph Harvey [1873–1941], and — “Birds Collected or Observed on the Expedition of the Alpine Club of Canada to Jasper Park, Yellowhead Pass and Mount Robson Region.” Canadian Alpine Journal, Vol. 4 No. 2 (1912):47-75. Alpine Club of Canada [accessed 4/2/2025]
- Standley, Paul C., and — “Plants of the Alpine Club Expedition to the Mount Robson Region.” Canadian Alpine Journal, Vol. 4 No. 2 (1912):76-. Alpine Club of Canada [accessed 4/2/2025]
- Walcott, Charles Doolittle [1850–1927], and — “Cambrian Formations of the Robson Peak District, British Columbia and Alberta, Canada.” Smithsonian Miscellaneous Collections, Vol. 57, No. 12 (1913):328-343. Smithsonian Institution Archives [accessed 4/11/2025]
Events in the Mount Robson region in which Smithsonian Institution was involved:
References:
- Wikipedia. Smithsonian Institution