Business Details
8 Years
experience
Historical Surveying Books & Engineering Archives
Olson Engineering is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of surveying and engineering in the Pacific Northwest. Founded by Jerry C. Olson, a licensed professional land surveyor and engineer, our mission is to provide meticulously researched historical resources that bridge the past and present for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Our flagship publication, 'Surveying North of the River,' offers an in-depth exploration of the General Land Office's role in shaping the American West, featuring over 500 surveyor biographies and 2,200 archival photographs.Through collaborative efforts with institutions like MacKay Sposito and historical societies, we combine decades of technical expertise with archival scholarship to create authoritative references. Our work extends beyond mere documentationwe curate narratives that illuminate the human stories behind cadastral maps and engineering blueprints, ensuring these foundational contributions remain accessible to future generations.
Services
Historical Survey Books
Engineering Archives
Biographical Research
Land Office Documentation
Pacific Northwest History
Details
- Year established: 2018
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of expertise in historical land survey documentation
- Our publications feature exclusive access to Oregon Historical Society archives
- Collaboration with MacKay Sposito ensures technical and historical accuracy
- We provide the most comprehensive collection of Pacific Northwest surveyor biographies
- Our works combine professional engineering standards with academic research rigor
What people say
Captivating reading for both layman and engineer
Most insightful look into 19th century life
Rich heritage we surveyors share
Appealing and entertaining book
Worth the purchase price
Services
Historical Survey Books
Our historical survey books document 19th-century Pacific Northwest land development through original General Land Office records. These publications combine technical survey data with biographical context, offering professionals and historians authoritative references. Each volume includes annotated maps, photographs, and primary source materials to illustrate surveying practices that shaped regional boundaries.
Biographical Archives
Biographical archives feature detailed profiles of 573 surveyors who worked in the Pacific Northwest between 1851-1910. This resource includes photographs, career timelines, and contextual narratives about their contributions to land development. Researchers access both personal stories and professional achievements through meticulously cross-referenced documentation from historical societies and private collections.
Engineering Narratives
Engineering narratives explore infrastructure development through David D. Clarke's personal accounts and professional reports. These publications examine railroad surveys, water systems, and land allotments from both technical and human perspectives. Readers gain insights into 19th-century engineering challenges and solutions that established modern Pacific Northwest infrastructure.
People
Jerry C. Olson
Editor & Author
Jerry C. Olson, P.L.S., P.E., is a licensed professional land surveyor and engineer with over 40 years of experience in historical survey research. He has compiled extensive documentation of Pacific Northwest surveying practices through seven published volumes. His work combines technical precision with archival scholarship to preserve foundational land records for modern professionals and historians.
Questions
What historical surveying resources do you offer?
We provide comprehensive publications documenting Pacific Northwest surveying history, including 'Surveying North of the River' with 573 surveyor biographies and David D. Clarke's edited narratives.
How can I purchase your publications?
Order physical copies by sending a check for $39.95 plus shipping to Olson Engineering's Vancouver, WA address, as detailed on our website.
What makes your surveying books unique?
Our books uniquely combine technical survey records with personal narratives and 2,200 archival photographs, offering both professional context and historical storytelling.
Do you offer digital versions of your books?
Currently we only offer print editions, but email Jerry Olson directly to inquire about digital access options for academic institutions.
Are these books valuable for professional surveyors?
Yes - our publications provide essential historical context for modern surveying practices, with primary source materials from the General Land Office era.
