Gunnison, J. W. (John Williams), 1812-1853

John Williams Gunnison, army topographical engineer in charge of surveying a route to the West for the Pacific Railroad, was born in New Hampshire and graduated from West Point in 1835. He served as ordnance officer in the Seminole War in Florida and in making surveys in Georgia. After further surveying work in the Wisconsin Territory, he was assigned to Captain Howard Stansbury's party to explore the Great Salt Lake region. While leading a survey for the exploration and survey of a railroad route through the mountains of Colorado and Utah, Gunnison perished when his party was ambushed by Indians on the Sevier River in October 1853.

From the description of Papers of J. W. Gunnison, 1832-1926 (bulk 1832-1896). (Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens). WorldCat record id: 122382994

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