Douglass Houghton: Michigan's Pioneer Geologist, Doctor, and Teacher

By Deborah K Frontiera

Meet a man who was a medical doctor, a geologist, and a surveyor who also knew botany, zoology, and chemistry. Douglass Houghton was all of these, even though he stood barely five feet, four inches tall. Follow his trail as Michigan's first state geologist, as he explores the unknown wilderness of both peninsulas, in the 1830s and 1840s to discover the potential resources of a brand-new state.

"Deborah K. Frontiera immerses us into the life and times of Douglass Houghton, one of Michigan's premier statesmen. This is a valuable resource for upper elementary/middle school/high school Michigan History courses or for your informative reading and enjoyment." -- Deborah Olson, Library Director, Lake Linden-Hubbell Schools Public Library

"Douglass Houghton is the kind of book I loved as a young boy when I devoured biographies of men like Daniel Boone. I'm excited that one of Upper Michigan's heroes will now be introduced to young readers in this biography full of real-life excitement and adventure." -- Tyler R. Tichelaar, PhD and award-winning author of The Mysteries of Marquette

"Deborah K Frontiera paints the life of Douglass Houghton in an engaging and masterful way, filling the pages with glimpses into what life would have looked like for one of Michigan's greatest pioneers. Douglass Houghton: Michigan's Pioneer Geologist, Doctor, and Teacher is a must-read for anyone curious about Houghton's legacy. --Nikki Mitchell, author of The Magic Shoebox Adventures

"The book brings Michigan History to life for young readers, offering many entry points to tie classroom lessons into the story-natural history, physical science, geography, Michigan statehood, and much more " -- Lloyd Wescoat, owner of Grandpa's Barn Bookstore, Copper Harbor, Michigan

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0FYT9PZ18
• ISBN13: 9798896560814
• Release Date: January 2026
• Publisher: Modern History Press
• Length: 106 Pages
• Weight: 0.47 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.1" x 9.2"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7