Wilderness Podcast

Early Adirondack History | Thomas Welch | Adirondoc | Ep. 028

March 04, 2020 Wilderness Podcast Episode 28
Wilderness Podcast
Early Adirondack History | Thomas Welch | Adirondoc | Ep. 028
Show Notes

In this episode, I speak with Thomas Welch, retired pediatrician, Adirondack guide and amateur historian about early Adirondack history. We begin with the first ascent and expedition up Mount Marcy (the tallest mountain in the Adirondacks) with geologist Ebenezer Emmons (Geologist), William Redfield (Meteorologist), John Torrey (Botanist) and their scientific pursuits. We then talk about Verplanck Colvin and his surveying expeditions which latest from 1872 to 1900 where he mapped and measured the entirety of the Adirondack Park. We also discuss Bob Marshall and his formative years on Saranac Lake and his time climbing and exploring the high peaks, inspired by Colvin’s surveys. Bob’s time in the Adirondacks inspired his essay “The Problem with Wilderness” and led to his deep appreciation of wilderness values and its importance to the human spirit. Thomas also tells the story of Vice President Teddy Roosevelt and his harrowing descent of Mt. Marcy after learning of the assassination of President McKinley.

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