Winchell, N. H. (Newton Horace), 1839-1914

Newton Horace Winchell came to Minnesota in 1872 when the Legislature offered him $1,000 to complete the first geological survey of the state. He was the first person to map Minnesota's geology and mineral deposits; he discovered the valuable low-grade iron ore deposits of the Mesabi and Vermilion ranges. He founded the Minnesota Geological Survey, served as its director for 28 years, and was the first head of the University's geology and geophysics department.

From the guide to the Newton Horace Winchell Papers, 1872-1908, (University of Minnesota Libraries. University Archives [uarc])