Stephen H Long: The Man Who Mapped the West

Stephen H. Long, a U.S. Army civil engineer, played a crucial role in mapping the western territories of the United States in the early 19th century. His expeditions provided detailed maps and surveys that were instrumental in expanding the nation's infrastructure and borders. However, his mislabeling of the Great Plains as the 'Great American Desert' delayed migration and development in the region until the gold rush in California. Long's work spanned 13 presidencies and had lasting impacts on American expansion.

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