A Canadian Knight

Sir William Logan
Source

The Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) was originally created to find coal and other minerals to fuel the Province of Canada's mining industry. It was not meant to last for long. Even though its first director, William Logan, did not discover coal he did make some important geological discoveries. He also brought the GSC international recognition by publicizing his finds in creative ways.

Starting in the mid-1800s European countries held large international exhibitions, or world fairs. Countries liked to show off their natural resources and technological advances at these exhibitions. The 1851 World Fair Exhibition was held in London, England. Many countries sent samples of their products and resources.

In the text that accompanied this painting
of the Canadian exhibit in the London World Fair of 1851,
Logan was the only person mentioned by name
Source

William Logan put together an impressive display of Canada's minerals. His exhibit was a huge success. Logan was asked to participate in the 1855 Exhibition in Paris, France. This time Logan added a geological map of Canada to the display. He also prepared a booklet describing Canada's minerals with the help of his geochemist, Thomas Sterry Hunt. Visitors to this World Fair were impressed with the exhibit, with Canada's rich resources and with the work of the Canadian geological survey. The exhibit won a first prize. Queen Victoria was so taken with what Logan had done that she knighted him. Upon his return to Canada, Logan was celebrated at fancy dinners in Toronto and Montréal. He had become a true superstar!