His mother died in 1842, leaving Eugene's care in the hands of his remaining sisters. He educated himself in the fields of botany, chemistry, and physics, but his continued precarious health led doctors to suggest a change in climate, so in 1848 he traveled to Washington, D.C., with his eldest brother Julius, who was returning to his job at the U.S. Coast Survey.
His mother's passing in 1842 resulted in Eugene being under the care of his remaining sisters. He self-educated in botany, chemistry, and physics, but due to ongoing health issues, doctors recommended a change of climate, so in 1848 he traveled to Washington D.C., accompanied by his eldest brother Julius, who was returning to his position at the U.S. Coast Survey.