Origins & Early Life

William Maclure (27 October 1763 – 23 March 1840) was an Americanized Scottish geologist, cartographer and philanthropist. He is known as the 'father of American geology'. As a social experimenter on new types of community life, he collaborated with British social reformer Robert Owen, (1771–1854), in the utopian settlement of New Harmony in Indiana, United States. Maclure had a highly successful mercantile career, making a fortune that allowed him to retire in 1797 at the early age of 34 to pursue his scientific, geological and other interests.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

In 1809 he made the earliest attempt at a geological map of the United States of America. Maclure was born in 1763 in Ayr, Scotland. After a brief visit to New York City in 1782, he began work with the merchants Miller, Hart & Co, who traded and shipped goods to and from America. Maclure was based in the London office but regularly travelled to France and Ireland on business. In 1796 business affairs took him to Virginia, which he thereafter made his home.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In 1803 he visited France as one of the commissioners appointed to settle the claims of American citizens on the French government...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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