George Gibbs (geologist)

George Gibbs (1815 in Astoria, Queens – 1873) was an American geologist and ethnologist who contributed to the study of the languages of indigenous peoples in Washington Territory. Known for his expertise on Native American customs and languages, Gibbs participated in numerous treaty negotiations between the U.S. government and the native tribes.

Early life

Gibbs was from a distinguished New York family. After graduating with a law degree from Harvard University, Gibbs worked for American Ethnological Society in New York before moving west in 1849. He hoped to profit from the California Gold Rush, however, he instead settled in Astoria, Oregon where he took up a position as a customs official.

External links

* [http://www.wellpinit.wednet.edu/sal-hist/gibbs_toc.php George Gibbs, "Indians Tribes of Washington Territory,"] United States Geographical and Geological Survey of the Rocky Mountain Region, Washington, 1877.
* [http://siarchives.si.edu/findingaids/FARU7209.htm George Gibbs Papers, circa 1850-1853, 1857-1862,] Smithsonian Institution Archives.
* [http://washingtonhistoryonline.org/treatytrail/context/bios/george-gibbs.htm George Gibbs biography,] "The Treaty Trail: U.S.-Indian Treaty Councils in the Northwest," Washington State History Museum.
*gutenberg author|id=George_Gibbs_(1815-1873)|name=George Gibbs
*worldcat id|id=lccn-n88-191228