Land surveyors have played a pivotal role in the expansion and development of the United States. Notably, several of the nation’s most esteemed Presidents held this occupation before their political careers. George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Thomas Jefferson all served as surveyors in their respective states, contributing significantly to their communities and gaining valuable insights that later influenced their leadership.
George Washington
Before ascending to the presidency, George Washington worked as a surveyor in Virginia. Hired by Lord Thomas Fairfax, the only member of the British peerage to permanently reside in British America and Virginia’s greatest landowner, Washington was appointed by the College of William and Mary as the Surveyor General for Virginia at the age of 17. He subsequently became the first Registered County Surveyor in America, a position that laid the foundation for his future endeavors. Washington’s work involved the use of chains and theodolites (the predecessor of modern survey instruments like total stations) to measure land accurately, which was crucial for the development of property boundaries and land ownership records.
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson also held the title of Surveyor General. Under the tutelage of George Wythe, a skilled surveyor and mathematician, Jefferson was appointed the County Surveyor for Albemarle County, Virginia, on October 14, 1773. His expertise in surveying proved invaluable during his tenure as Secretary of State and later as President, enabling him to appoint surveyors to official posts and facilitate the nation’s settlement. Jefferson’s background in surveying played a significant role in the Louisiana Purchase, as it provided him with the knowledge to assess the vast new territory’s potential. This expertise also influenced the subsequent Lewis and Clark Expedition, as Jefferson understood the importance of accurate mapping and land assessment for westward expansion.
Abraham Lincoln
Prior to his political career, Abraham Lincoln served as deputy county surveyor in Illinois. Mentored by John Calhoun, Lincoln gained profound knowledge of land ownership and boundaries. His experience as a surveyor significantly influenced his policies on land distribution during his time as a Representative in the Illinois State Legislature from 1834-1842. Lincoln’s work involved the use of compasses and Gunter’s chains (used to measure land distances from the 1600s through the 1800s) to create detailed maps, which were essential for the fair distribution of land and the resolution of property disputes.
The Importance of Land Surveying
Land surveying is a critical profession that has shaped many aspects of society since ancient times. It provides precise and essential information about a property’s physical characteristics, which is crucial for various types of work. The United States’ development can be largely attributed to the contributions of land surveyors, both historically and in contemporary times.
UTRS Civil and Environmental Engineering
The history of UTRS Civil and Environmental Engineering (UTRS CEE), a division of Universal Technical Resource Services, Inc., doesn’t go back to colonial days. But we do have a longstanding legacy of serving our local Pennsylvania and New Jersey communities for over a century. Our team of licensed engineers, planners, surveyors, and environmental specialists is dedicated to delivering innovative, cost-effective solutions for a diverse clientele, including private property owners, commercial enterprises, and municipal, county, state, and federal governments.