G.G. Chisholm,A.G. Ogilvie and the 1912 America Transcontinental Excursion

Abstract

This paper discusses the 1912 Transcontinental Excursion of the American Geographical Society. Planned and led by W.M. Davis, the 21 000 kilometre excursion highlighted facets of the geography of the USA and demonstrated the growing status of American academic geography to 43 European geographers. Among these were George G. Chisholm and Alan G. Ogilvie, respectively first lecturer and first professor of geography at Edinburgh University. Use is made of their unpublished notes and selected published material to convey the impact of the excursion on both men, demonstrate the friendships and networks that developed, and illustrate something of the methodological debates conducted during this unique, mobile summer school.