Donald W. Meinig is the Maxwell Research Professor in the Department of Geography at Syracuse University. Over the past two decades, he has become one of the worlds most prolific and best historical geographers. Since receiving his Ph.D. in 1953 from the University of Washington, he has focused his research on the historical geography of North America and its various subregions. From his work on the Southwest from Texas to the Columbia River Valley, and through his ongoing three-volume project on the broad epochs of American historical development, Meinig's work is critically praised for showcasing vividly the interrelationships between geography and history.