the Adirondacks was later named after him. Colvin was a member of numerous scientific societies and was president of the department of physical science at the Albany Institute. About 1881, at Hamilton College, he delivered lectures on geodesy, surveying, and topographical engineering. His maps, reports, illustrations and notes form a large part of the archives of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation in Albany and are often referred to by present-day surveyors. In 1891, he ran on the Republican ticket for New York State Engineer and Surveyor but was defeated by Democrat Martin Schenck. In addition to his Adirondack surveys, Colvin worked as a consulting engineer for several railroad projects. He was later the president of the Schenectady and Albany Railway Company and New York Canadian Pacific Railway Company. Colvin died on May 28, 1920, in Troy, New York. References Sources Goodwin, Tony, ed., Adirondack Trails, High Peaks Region, Lake George, New York: Adirondack Mountain Club, 2004. External links Verplanck Colvin, American Wilderness Surveyor and Savior New York Times, "The Adirondack Region--Ascent of Mount Seward", November 21, 1870 Adirondacks 1847 births 1920 deaths American environmentalists Lawyers from Albany, New York Activists from New York (state) The Albany Academy alumni 19th-century American lawyers