“In Whose Heads I Would Like My Ideas To Live”: Humboldt’s Interest in the United States

Abstract

Alexander von Humboldt’s decision to add a visit to the United States at the end of his expedition has led to various speculations about the motives of this change in his itinerary and the particular moment during his voyage when he took this decision. This article argues that his stay in North America forms an important part of his American Expedition and is crucial to better understanding both the historical context and the larger impact of his journey. It therefore addresses this topic based on a thorough analysis of his first references to this country and the information he received about the young republic during his time in the Spanish colonies. In particular, it focuses on the role the Louisiana Purchase had played in this context and the possibilities he saw regarding the scientific exploration of the newly acquired territory.