Lyell first came to America in 1841, remaining for more than a year and touring widely. His immediate reason for the journey was to deliver the prestigious Lowell lectures in Boston. His larger purpose was to study the geology of North America, hoping that the vast scale of the continent - its mountain ranges, plains, Great Lakes, and rivers - would confirm his belief in the uniformity of geological history.

In this fascinating travelogue, the renowned geologist Charles Lyell recounts his journey through the United States and Canada in the early 1840s. From the Great Lakes to the Rocky Mountains, Lyell observes the natural wonders of the continent and engages with the people and cultures he encounters along the way. With vivid descriptions of landscapes, flora, and fauna, as well as insightful commentary on the political and social issues of the time, Lyell's Travels in North America offers a unique glimpse into 19th-century North America. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.