Michigan's Columbus: The Life of Douglass Houghton

by Steve Lehto

The name Houghton is well-known to Michiganians. It graces a city, a county, a lake, waterfalls, schools, and more. But what made Douglass Houghton such a star? As the fledgling state s first geologist, he found more than any explorer before him from salt springs to gypsum. His reports helped launch a rush to the Keweenaw Peninsula s Copper Country. He also found time to be elected mayor of Detroit and teach at the University of Michigan, all before the age of thirty-six. Here is his story.

164 pages, Paperback

First published April 7, 2009

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Douglass Houghton was a great man. Unfortunately, his untimely death at 36 prevented the world from untold knowledge, both past, and future. He was indeed "Michigan's Columbus" and Steve Lehto does a fine job of describing the details of his life and all that he did. I for one was surprised that a man who dies at 36 did so much. His resume reads more like that of a man having lived a long life in the public eye and then dying at a late age. It's too bad that Douglass Houghton died so early. Who knows what he could've done had he just lived twenty or more years. Well written and highly recommended! I will certainly be seeking Steve Lehto out for his other works.

[Janet Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very well written and easy to read. I learned many interesting facts and developed a deep respect for Houghton and his work.

[Karol · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a gem for people interested in the history of the territorial and early statehood days of Michigan. By looking at the all too brief life of the first state geologist as he surveyed its natural resources, we are given a tour across the entire wilderness that Michigan was at the time. I found the book fascinating, well-written, and well researched. I appreciate the author's debunking of a few myths, too. Many times while I was reading this book, I paused to say to my husband, "Did you know that ..." So we both learned a lot!

[Sarah Alawami · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to read a short book about this man this book is for you. If you want to know a bit more about the geology this book is not for you, it is still a very good read though. It's a shame he had to die so so young and he really did accomplish a lot.

[Penguin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good history of Michigan told through the lens of Douglass Houghton. My biggest issue was with the poor choice of title - Michigan's Geologist or Michigan's Lewis and Clark would have been a better fit. Some dry spots, some tangential things, but overall interesting.

[Sean Eddy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book provides good history of the early geological surveys of Michigan, particularly the UP and the man who led them, Douglass houghton. There are some amusing anecdotes and the author brings some narrative and storytelling but like most history books, the writing is occasionally dry.

History buffs and those with an interest in early frontier life of the Midwest will get a lot more out of this book than the general public.

[Patsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly objective biography. About 1/3 about the history and geology of Michigan, the rest about a man who might have achieved a much higher profile had he not died so early.