Ohio Geology Digital Library

This collection of public domain documents was selected as a foundation to preserve and provide greater access to early writings on the geology of Ohio.  It includes the work of the early geologic surveys and to this core we will continue to add documents. 

These documents have been made available through the combined efforts and funding of the Ohio Geological Survey and The Ohio State University Libraries.

We want to thank them for their generosity and support.   

The Mather Survey, The First Geological Survey of Ohio (1837-1838)

The Geological Survey of Ohio was established by the state legislature on March 27, 1837.  William Williams Mather was appointed Principal Geologist.  The Survey conducted field work in 1837 and 1838. 

Report of the special committee appointed on so much of the governor's message as relates to a mineralogical and geological survey of the state of Ohio (1835?)

Publications
First Annual Report on the Geological Survey of Ohio, 1837, by W. W. Mather.  General Assembly of the State of Ohio, Doc. 26, 134 p. , illus.
Second Annual Report on the Geological Survey of Ohio, 1838, by W. W. Mather.  General Assembly of the State of Ohio, Doc. 22,   316 p., illus.
Catalogue of Specimens, Collected, on the Late Survey of State of Ohio, 1842, by W. W. Mather, State Geologist.
Columbus, Ohio : [State Geologist, 1842]  Ohio House of Representatives  Doc. 76, 18 p.

The Second Geological Survey of Ohio (1869-1888) (Newberry and Orton, Sr.)

The Second Geological Survey of Ohio was established by the State Legislature in 1869 and John Strong Newberry was chosen as State Geologist. He served until 1882 at which time, his assistant, Edward Orton. Sr. became State Geologist.

Publications
Geological Survey of Ohio, Report of Progress in 1869
Geologische Vermessung des Staates Ohio, Bericht uber den Fortgang in 1869
Geological Survey of Ohio, Report of Progress in 1870
Geologische Vermessung des Staates Ohio, Bericht uber den Fortgang im 1870
Geological Survey of Ohio, Report of Progress in 1871
Report of the Geological Survey of Ohio, Volumes 1-4

Third Organization of the Geological Survey of Ohio 1889-1899 (Edward Orton, Sr.)

Publications
First Annual Report, 1890   (digital copy coming soon)
Reports of the Geological Survey of Ohio v. 5-7

The Fourth Organization of the Geological Survey of Ohio (1900 - 1949), (Edward Orton, Jr.)

Publications
Report of the Geololgical Survey of Ohio, volumes 8-11 containing Bulletins 1-15.
 Report of the Geological Survey of Ohio
Dr. J. S. Newberry, State Geologist (volumes 1-4)
Dr. Edward Orton,Sr., State Geologist (volumes 5-7)
Edward Orton, Jr., State Geologist (volumes 8-11)

Published by authority of the Legislature of Ohio, Columbus, Ohio : Nevins & Meyers, 1873-1906

Volumes 1-11 available online, select from list at the right.

Print volumes available in the Orton Memorial Library of Geology QE151.A16 1873a.