Footsteps Through The Adirondacks: The Verplanck Colvin Story

by Nina H. Webb

This informal biography traces the life of Verplanck Colvin, who was superintendent of the Adirondack Survey form 1872 to 1900. While serving in that capacity, he played a major role in the creation of the Park and the NYS Forest Preserve. The story is a tribute to a visionary who is one of the most important figures in Adirondack History.

216 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1996

Reviews

[Stephanie McGuirk]

This book is deeply fascinating, enlightening, and moving. It details the struggles and triumphs of truly remarkable, dedicated men.

[Hapzydeco]

A synchronized biography tracing the life of Verplanck Colvin. Verplanck Colvin is credited having the idea to create the NYS Adirondack Park.

[Will]

People did amazing stuff before electricity.

[Paul Koenig]

A beautiful albeit sad story about arguably the most important man in the history of the Adirondacks (a place which I’m lucky enough to call my home.) Very informative as to the hardships Colvin and his men encountered. It was also very interesting to see how inventive he was as far as establishing accurate ways to survey the land especially considering the harsh environments in which he was working.

Ultimately it’s quite sad to see how miserable the last few years of his life were and just how unappreciated and unrecognized Colvin went in his lifetime especially when considering the nobility of what he was trying to accomplish. A must read for anyone who has a love for the Adirondack Park.