Bring on the Revolution! Robert Erskine: Geographer and Surveyor General of the Continental Army

Robert Erskine was not a local Revolutionary War soldier but he most definitely has a place in Montgomery’s local history books.

Born and raised in Scotland, he was an engineer, an inventor, an ironmaster and a land surveyor. He moved to America in 1771 to oversee the management of the American Iron Company. He went on to become the first American Surveyor General, producing approximately 275 maps of the countryside for use by George Washington and the Continental Army

Van Harlingen Historical Society is proud to host historian Ralph Colfax, president of the North Jersey Highlands Historical Society, who will share a brief overview of Robert Erskine’s background, including his early life, education, and professional experience prior to his arrival in America. He will discuss how Erskine came to be appointed as the Geographer and Surveyor of the Continental Army. The presentation will focus on New Jersey, explaining the locations that were heavily surveyed while maps of other areas are lacking.  Colfax will define the difference between road surveys & broader area maps and what became of Erskine’s maps after the war.

The program will be held at the 1752 Dirck Gulick House (Erskine drew one of his maps right outside the house) on May 2 at 2pm.  Registration required because space is limited.  Call/ text 908-359-8304 or email library@vanharlingen.org to register and for more information.

Candy Willis   Van Harlingen Historical Society librarian