Photograph as originally submitted to this page in the Historical Marker Database www.HMdb.org. Click on photo to resize in browser. Scroll down to see metadata.

Photographer: Images of survey teams courtesy of Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan.
Caption: "X" Marks the Spot: A Tale of Four Townships Marker — left images
Additional Description: Top: This 1894 photo shows a survey team working just like teams in the early 1800s. Using a theodolite (a type of telescope) on a tripod to sight straight lines, and standardized chains (each 66 feet long) to plot distances, they accurately mapped the land. Their field notes recorded details such as lakes and rivers, trees, trails and settlements.
Bottom: A typical survey team in the early 1800's, resting overnight under a tent. Clearing trails through forests and crossing swamps and streams, they noted the land's various details. A deputy surveyor guided teams, and included chainmen to measure distances, axe men to clear bush and trees, and others who hunted for food and carried equipment. These efforts created a systematic record of the territory.
Submitted: May 22, 2021, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
Database Locator Identification Number: p587055
File Size: 2.556 Megabytes

To see the metadata that may be embedded in this photo, sign in and then return to this page.