Previous Artifacts - January 2009
These surveyors' oaths are from the re-survey of the Dell Rapids Township in northern Minnehaha County that took place in 1890. There were two separate oaths, one for the two chainmen and one for the flagman and moundman. The preliminary oaths ask that these surveying assistants swear to faithfully and truthfully execute their duties, including: leveling the chain, plumbing the tally pins, reporting true distances and lengths, and performing the duties of establishing corners.
Surveying is one of the oldest professions, dating back 5,000 years to ancient Egypt. Many of our country's founding fathers, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, were surveyors. The territories of America were
1890 Surveyor's Oaths
divided, platted, deemed fit for purchase, and ultimately settled in millions of small parcels, all determined by surveyors. R.F. Pettigrew and his brother Fred also had an influence on charting land in the Dakotas.
To see these preliminary oaths, the finals oaths, and much of the equipment that was used by surveyors, and to see why this skill is relevant today, be sure to check out You Are Here: Surveying Dakota, opening January 15th at the Pettigrew Home & Museum.
