In 1883, then Territorial Governor Tritle, requested federal
assistance in establishing a geologic survey for the Arizona
Territory. The U.S. Congress responded in 1888 by creating the post of
Territorial Geologist of Arizona. The unpaid position of Territorial
Geologist first went to John F. Blandy, who served until the
mid-1890s [left]. 
Subsequently, the Office moved to the newly established University of Arizona where we operated under a variety of names, mostly often the Bureau of Mines, until we split off in 1988 as an independent state agency with our current name.Celebratory events in the works:
- GeoSnaps – geologic snapshots capturing Arizona’s geologic setting and mining history with a picture of the day from 1 January through 31 December 2013
- Arizona Mining Review – a monthly online video revue hosted by AZGS to discuss Arizona mining – past, present and future
- Release of new & old geologic products bearing our 1888 – 2013, 125th anniversary logo
- Symposium on 125 Years of Arizona Geology (arrangements pending)
- Symposium on Arizona Geology at the 2013 Geological Society of America Annual Meeting – Denver, Colorado (pending)
- Timeline graphic demarcating milestones in the history of Arizona geology
- A retrospective review on the state of geology of Arizona ca. 1888. Arizona Geology Magazine 125th year anniversary issue
- 125th anniversary field trip(s)
Is there a list of all the State Geologists since John Blandy? That would make an interesting historical paper in itself for your proposed symposium.
ReplyDeleteThe list of former Territorial Geologists, State Geologists, or Directors is posted on our website at http://www.azgs.az.gov/formerdirectors.shtml
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on reaching 125, a great milestone! Will the GeoSnaps go online?
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