Cleveland S. Rockwell

Cleveland Salter Rockwell (November 24, 1837 – March 22, 1907) was a multifaceted American figure renowned for his work as a topographical engineer, cartographer, military officer, investor, and landscape painter. Born in Youngstown, Ohio, he moved with his family to Cleveland in 1852. Rockwell's education at Troy Academy and the University of the City of New York prepared him for a distinguished career, beginning with the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey in 1856. His early work involved mapping harbors and river systems on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, as well as undertaking significant survey projects in South America. During the American Civil War, Rockwell served as a captain in the Union Army, leveraging his expertise in topography and cartography to provide essential maps and reconnaissance for military operations. His contributions were vital in various theaters, including the Union blockade and General Sherman’s campaigns. Following the war, Rockwell continued his work with the Coastal Survey, eventually focusing on the Pacific coast. His meticulous surveys of the Columbia River, San Francisco Peninsula, and Puget Sound greatly improved maritime navigation and safety. In 1892, Rockwell retired from the Coastal Survey and settled in Portland, Oregon. He then transitioned into a successful investor and devoted more time to landscape painting. Rockwell’s artworks, primarily depicting the Pacific Northwest, are celebrated for their precise depiction of natural landscapes, rendered in the English romantic style. His artistic legacy includes approximately 500 finished works, with many displayed in museums along the west coast. Cleveland Rockwell's contributions to cartography and art have left a lasting impact. His topographical maps remain significant historical documents, and his landscape paintings continue to be admired for their beauty and accuracy. Rockwell passed away in Portland in 1907, but his work continues to be a valuable part of the cultural heritage of the Pacific Northwest.