Joseph Frantz Oscar Wergeland

Joseph Frantz Oscar Wergeland (17 November 1815 – 19 August 1895) was a Norwegian military officer, cartographer and skiing pioneer.

Personal life Wergeland was born in Christianssand,

Career

Wergeland became a military officer in 1834, a first lieutenant in 1839, lieutenant colonel in 1866, colonel in 1868, and major general in 1880.

Wergeland had many talents. He worked 11 years as a cartographer for the Norwegian Mapping and Cadastre Authority, where he drew the first official Norwegian county maps (the first issued was Christians Amt in 1845). He drew the first large and detailed map of Norway for use in schools. planted Baneheia (former grazing land) with trees by use of soldiers, and transformed several main roads into large avenues. It is surrounded by many old and important buildings, such as the Cathedral (1696/1737/1885), Latinskolen (1736/1855) and the City Hall (1864).

Books Skiløber-Exercitie efter Nutidens Stridsmaade (1863) Skiløbingen, dens historie og krigsanvendelse (1865)

Honours and awards Sweden-Norway: Commander of the Royal Order of the Sword, 1st Class, 7 September 1875; Commander Grand Cross, 19 July 1891 Commander of the Royal Norwegian Order of Saint Olav, 1st Class, 21 January 1879 Grand Cross of the Order of the Dannebrog Grand Officer of the Order of the Crown of Italy