Louis De Vorsey collection, 1900s

Summary

Creator:
De Vorsey, Louis
Date:
1900s
Extent:
35.2 Linear Feet (21 boxes, 77 oversized folders, 29 rolls)
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[Item, box, folder], Louis De Vorsey collection, UA09-006, University Archives, University of Georgia

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains research papers of forensic geographer, Louis De Vorsey, and spans his professional career. It consists mostly of secondary source materials which were used in researching his published books and in his work as a consultant for boundary dispute cases. Also included are professional correspondence, photographs, and cartographic materials.

Most cartographic materials in this collection are copies and many contain annotations by the researcher. None of the cartographic materials dated before 1900 are original. Some of the cartographic materials dated after 1900 are original.

Biographical / historical:

Louis De Vorsey joined the University of Georgia in 1967 as tenured associate professor of geography. From 1970 to 1972 he served as acting head of the Department of Geography and in 1973 was promoted to professor of geography. De Vorsey retired from the University of Georgia in 1988 as professor emeritus.

De Vorsey received a B.A. in social studies from Montclair State University in 1952, an M.A. in geography from Indiana University in 1954, and a Ph.D. in historical geography from the University of London in 1965.

From 1954 to 1958 he served in the United States Navy on active duty with the U.S. Pacific Fleet as a photo/radar intelligence officer and navigator. He retired from the U.S. Navy with the rank of Commander.

De Vorsey was a specialist in historical and forensic geography. His books include The Indian Boundary in the Southern Colonies, 1763-1775, De Brahm's Report of the General Survey in the Southern District of North America, and The Southeast in Early Maps.

De Vorsey served as an expert witness and consultant on several boundary dispute cases. Of note is United States v. Canada, in which the maritime boundary dividing the continental shelf and fisheries zones in the Gulf of Maine was argued in the International Court of Justice in the Hague. De Vorsey served as a legal consultant in the U.S. delegation for this particular case.

Louis De Vorsey died on April 29, 2012.

Access and use restrictions

Preferred citation:

[Item, box, folder], Louis De Vorsey collection, UA09-006, University Archives, University of Georgia