Douglass Houghton
Douglass Houghton | |
|---|---|
Douglass Houghton Oil on board by Alvah Bradish (1850) | |
| 1st State Geologist of Michigan | |
| In office 1839–1845 | |
| Succeeded by | Alexander Winchell |
| 17th Mayor of Detroit | |
| In office 1842–1842 | |
| Preceded by | Zina Pitcher |
| Succeeded by | Zina Pitcher |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 21, 1809 |
| Died | October 13, 1845 (aged 36) |
| Party | Democratic |
Douglass Houghton (September 21, 1809 – October 13, 1845) was an American geologist and physician, primarily known for his exploration of the Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan. It was the site of a copper boom and extensive copper mining beginning in the 19th century. He was appointed in 1839 as the first state geologist of Michigan, after it was admitted to the Union, and served in that position for the rest of his life.