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An important and rare map of Pittsburgh drawn in 1796, showing the nascent city and forts located at the conjunction of the Monongahela, Allegheny and Ohio Rivers. The map was issued in General Georges Collot's, Voyages dans l'Amerique Septentrionale, which reported on his expedition through the interior of North America. This was taken at the instigation of the French Minister to the United States, Pierre Augustus Adet, who asked Collot to create "a minute detail of the political, commercial, and military state of the Western part" of the country. Adet was in general interested in the situation in America, but he supposedly also had plans to attack the Spanish in their possessions of Louisiana and Florida so Collot's survey was of military interest to the French as well. Collot traveled along the waterways leading from the Great Lakes to the mouth of the Mississippi, mapping and making drawings of the sites he passed. Collot's survey was the most detailed and accurate of the western interior of North America at that time, but because of political considerations Collot's account and plates, which were printed in 1805, were not issued until two decades later. Issued in 1826, the journal-issued simultaneously in French and English editions-included an atlas of 36 maps and views. Interestingly, it is recorded that all but 100 of the English and 300 of the French volumes were deliberately destroyed just after the publication. Thus these important plates are extremely scarce, making them amongst the most sought after images of America. This map represents the earliest printed depiction of Pittsburgh with such detail. The ruins of the original Port Pitt are shown at the point, with the newer Fort Lafayette placed further up stream along the Allegheny. The street plan of Pittsburgh, with streets set up parallel to both rivers, is mapped out; the blocks along the Monongahela are shown well developed, with far fewer buildings indicated in the streets along the Allegheny. The hilly terrain further inland clearly depicted and a lettered key identifies various sites. Though published in 1824 to 1826, this map has its roots and history in the eighteenth century. $4,800
Charles Becker. "Custer's Battle-Field (June 25th 1876) Surveyed and drawn under the personal supervision of Lieut. Edward Maguire Corps of Engineers U.S.A. by Sergeant Charles Becker. Co 'D' Battalion of Engineers." Washington, 1877. Lithograph. 15 x 17 1/2. Excellent condition. Wheat: 1266. Denver.
The U.S. Army's Montana Column arrived at the scene of the Battle of Little Bighorn on June 27th, just two days after 'Custer's Last Stand.' They not only relieved the survivors from Custer's command, who had been under siege since the battle, but they had the unpleasant task of burying the hundreds of dead they found on the battlefield. Besides this, Lieut. Edward Maguire, from the Corp of Engineers, was tasked with compiling a report, to include a map, of the battle. The map was entrusted to another engineer, Sergeant Charles Becker, who had been making maps for the troops all along. Becker carefully surveyed the field, including the grave locations for many of the fallen, including Custer, and produced this excellent topographical drawing. The Little Bighorn River, the surrounding hills and ravines, and woods are all depicted clearly, with the movement of Custer's troops indicated. The location of the Indian encampment in the valley is shown, and a numbered key indicates a dozen grave sites. This map was issued along with Maguire's report the following year and it is the primary contemporary map of this famous battle. $650
John Williams Gunnison & Charles Preuss. "Map of a Reconnoissance between Fort Leavenworth and the Missouri River, and the Great Salt Lake in the Territory of Utah, made in 1849 and 1850." From H.J. Stansbury's An Expedition to the Valley of the Great Sale Lake of Utah. Washington: GPO, 1852. 68 x 30. Lithograph by Ackerman, New York. Original outline color. A few short separations at folds; overall, excellent condition. Wheat: 764. Denver.
With the huge number of emigrants crossing the American continent in the 1840s, following the Platte River and across the South Pass on the Oregon Trail, there was a need for a better understanding of this relatively unknown region. Combining this with the growing desire to find a practical route for a transcontinental railroad, in 1849 the U.S. Government commissioned Howard Stansbury, a Captain in the U.S. Topographical Engineers, to survey the trail from Fort Leavenworth west to the Great Salt Lake. Stansbury's was the first accurate survey of this important region. Some of the map is borrowed from Frémont, who had surveyed the area in 1843, but Stansbury's party was the first to circumnavigate the lake and much new information is provided throughout. Working with J.W. Gunnison and Charles Preuss, Albert Carrington and others, the full survey from Kansas, across the southern Rockies, and around the Utah Valley took about two years, at the end of which Stansbury submitted his report to Congress in 1852, including this seminal map of the American West.
The detail in the map is remarkable, presented with crisp lithography. Presented with great precision is the topography, including prominent land features, mountain passes, rivers, lakes, and springs, as well as social features such as towns, forts, Indian tribes, and of course, the various trails to Oregon and California and along the base of the Rockies. Stansbury also provided information of the Rocky Mountains down into what would soon become the Colorado Territory, including the three Parks, Pikes Peak and Longs Peak. This is on the best maps of the American West before the Civil War, what Wheat calls "one of the most important of its decade." $1,200
William E. Morris after John Melish. "Map of Pennsylvania, Constructed from the County Surveys authorized by the State; and other original Documents. Revised And Improved Under the supervision of Wm. E. Morris, Civil Engineer." Philadelphia: R.L. Barnes, [1848]-1849. Copyright, R.L. Barnes 1848. 50 x 74. Engraving by Edward Yeager. Original hand color. Conserved and mounted on new linen backing. Very good condition.
In 1816, the Pennsylvania State legislature passed a law to produce an official state map, and this project was given to the supervision of Philadelphia mapmaker John Melish. Melish called for each county to produce a standardized map, which he would then use to compile a full state map. He worked for six years on this map, which was finally produced in 1822, with revised editions issued in 1824, 1826, and 1832. As each of these maps was produced, one could see the internal growth and development of the state, with new roads and canals, settlements and other features making their appearance with each new issue. By the 1830s, however, it became clear that the tremendous growth of the state demanded an updated and revised version of this official state map. Civil Engineer William E. Morris was authorized to gather updated information from each county, and he proceeded to 'revise and improve' Melish's map, with the new engravings done by Philadelphia craftsman Edward Yeager. The map was copyrighted and first issued in 1848 and this example was issued a year later with some updating. The size of this map and its myriad public uses determined that the map would be issued in the format of a wall map. Its sheets were joined, mounted on canvas, and varnished so that it could be hung in public plates throughout the state. Added along the bottom of the map are several tables of information. These include: "Anthracite Coal Trade of Pennsylvania," "Public Works of Pennsylvania," "Approximate Estimate of Bituminous Coal Mined in 1847," and "Statistical Table Shewing The Prominent Features of each County." It map is a superb picture of Pennsylvania at mid-century and it is the last of the great engraved maps of the state. $6,500
"Map of the United States and Mexico Including Oregon, Texas and the Californias." New York: John Haven, 1846. Separately issued broadside map. 14 1/4 x 15 1/4 map, with decorative borders. Wood engraving. Original hand color. Excellent condition. Wheat: 513. Denver.
A very rare and wonderful broadside map issued by John Haven, who issued a number of such maps relating to the Mexican-American War and the route to the west. This map shows the United States around the beginning of the Mexican-American War, just after Texas became a state, but before "New Mexico" and "New California" became part of the country as a result of that conflict. The various states are indicated with contrasting colors, and to the west of the Mississippi are shown the Oregon Territory (with the name lying north of the 49th parallel, but the coloring limited to south of the present-day border), the Missouri and Indian Territories, and the Sioux District. Major towns and rivers and some orography is indicated as well. Texas is shown quite large, extending in the west all the way along the "Rio Puerco" and in the south to the Rio Grande, with a note indicating that "The Texians claim as their Boundary the Rio del Norte."
All this is interesting, but of particular note are the indications of the various trails in the western part of the continent. Stretching from New York City all the way to Astoria on the Columbia River is a red-dotted line labeled "Route of Oregon Emigrants." The part of this trail in the Oregon Trail is called "Great Oregon Rail Road." A dotted, but uncolored line runs labeled "Route of Santa Fe Traders" runs from Jefferson City to Santa Fe and another colored line, "Route to the United Sates," goes from San Francisco Bay to meet up with the Oregon Route to the north-east of the Great Salt Lake (labeled as "L. Youta or Bonneville"). On each side of the map are panels containing information on the states and California ("Taken military possession of by U.S. 1846"). Then surrounding the map are state seals, with the Texas star in the center at the bottom. Overall, a very rare, decorative and fascinating map of the United States in one of the most turbulent years of its history. $1,800
"Richardsons New Map of the State of Texas including Part of Mexico." Philadelphia: Charles Desilver, 1859. Detached from Texas Almanac. First edition (copyrighted 1858, dated 1859). Folding map on thin, banknote paper. 25 x 33. Lithograph. Original hand color. Some scattered light spots and minor, repaired tears. Overall, very good condition.
In 1857, David Richardson and Willard Richardson, co-owners of the Galveston News and not related, issued the first edition of the Texas Almanac, what became an annual publication containing information about the state and intended both for reference and to attract new residents. The almanac went through sixteen editions, being published every year, except 1866, through 1873. In the second year of publication, the Richardsons added a map to accompany the almanac, J.H. Young's "Map of the State of Texas," the same map which appeared in Charles Desilver's atlas of that year. The following edition, that of 1859, added an impressive new map of Texas, also published by Desilver, but of considerable improvement to other commercial maps of the state available at the time.
As stated in the title, the new map of Texas was "compiled from Government surveys and other authentic documents." It was based primarily on the Bureau of Topographical Engineer's "Map of Texas and Part of Mexico" issued in 1857, but also using information from Pressler's map of 1858, and the J.H. Young map. The map went through revisions in the following years, replaced in 1867 by a new map published by G.W. & C.B. Colton. This first edition is an impressive document. It shows the state entire and extends well into New Mexico, Arizona and Mexico. Counties are indicated with contrasting colors and much information is given on topography, settlements and the transportation network, including depictions of railroads (exiting and "in progress"), regular and military roads, and the Mail Road from San Antonio to San Diego via El Paso. A list in the bottom left lists railroads "in part Completed" and those in progress. Further on this theme is an inset "Map Showing the Proposed Route of the Arkansas Railroad and its Connections with the Eastern Roads." Overall, a rare, attractive, and superior map of ante-bellum Texas. $7,500
Thomas Hutchins. "Plan of the Battle near Bushy-Run, Gained by Colonel Bouquet, over the Delawares, Shawnese, Mingoes, Wyandoes, Mohikons, Miamies & Ottawas; on the 5th and 6th. of August 1763." Along with diagram of British line of march and dispositions during attack. From A General Topography of North America and the West Indies. London: R. Sayer & T. Jefferys, 1768. Two plans on folio sheet: map 8 7/8 x 6 1/4 (platemark); diagram 8 1/2 x 6 3/8. Engraving by Thomas Jefferys. Very good condition. Phillips: Maps of America, p. 182.
A very rare map and diagram of the Battle of Bushy Run from Jeffery's important General Topography. The Battle of Bushy Run was a very important event in the early development of the country, today unfortunately mostly forgotten. During the French and Indian War, the British had tried to win over from the French the tribes-Delaware, Shawnees and Iroquois-located in what is today western Pennsylvania and in the upper Ohio River basin. These tribes remained mostly neutral believing that this would lead to an end to British encroachments west of the Allegheny Mountains. This belief was shattered when, following the conclusion of the French and Indian War, European colonists began to move into western Pennsylvania and beyond in a steady stream, and the British continued construction of Fort Pitt, a large brick and stone fortification.
Meanwhile, Pontiac--an Ottawa war chief--was gaining a following in the mid-west for his campaign to drive the British out of the region. On May 8, 1763, Pontiac and his Ottawas lay siege to Fort Detroit, beginning what has been called Pontiac's Rebellion. Because of the British intrusions and broken promises, the tribes in eastern tribes decided to join the rebellion, destroying Forts LeBoeuf, Venango, and Pressque Isle and attacking Fort Pitt in June 1763. Colonel Henry Bouquet was sent, with three regiments, to march west to relieve and resupply the hard-pressed defenders of Fort Pitt. After leaving Fort Ligonier, and about 25 miles east of Fort Pitt near Busy Run, Bouquet was attacked on August 5 by a large force of Indians, who, once they learned of Bouquet's march, had left the siege of Fort Pitt to lay an ambush. Over the two days of the battle, about 50 British died and 60 were wounded, while the Indian force-described by Bouquet as numbering about 400 but by the Indians as about a quarter of that-lost between 30 and 50. The Indians were driven from the field and Bouquet marched on to rescue Fort Pitt. This battle off in the wilds of western Pennsylvania had an important impact on the course of American history, for it ended any hope the Indians in western Pennsylvania had of preserving their lands and opened up the entire region to more and more British settlement. This was, in effect, the beginning of the flood of colonists from their original settlements on the East Coast across the Allegheny Mountains and into the mid-west. $2,800
J.T. Lawson. "Lawson's Map from Actual Survey of the Gold, Silver & Quicksilver Regions of Upper California. Exhibiting the Mines, Diggings, Roads, Paths, Houses, Mill, Stores, Missions &c. &c. by J.T. Lawson, Esq. Cala. Together with a miniature map of the United States, Mexico and South America. Showing the different routs [sic] to California &c. &c." New York: Dewitt & Davenport, 1849. Separately issued map on banknote paper; folded into original booklet with stamped title. 14 1/2 x 20 1/2. Lithograph by G. Snyder; "Engraved in stone by Edw. Herrlein." A few small separations at folds. Some light darkening at a few folds and stain from glue where attached to booklet. Overall, very good condition. Wheat: Maps of the California Gold Region: 108. Denver.
An important pocket map of the California gold regions issued to year of the California gold rush. Pocket maps were issued for places people were interested in traveling to, and no place in the United States was of more interest for travelers in 1849 than the California gold regions. This map was intended for those heading to California to participate in the great gold rush. It was only the second map to be issued of just the gold fields. It contains all the information such a '49er' would need, including indications of all the mines, diggings, roads, mills, and other features of note. In the upper corner is a small map showing the various routes to California, and the main map extends from San Francisco, where most would land, north beyond the gold fields. The map is based on an 1848 by Edward Ord, but with some new information added to reflect later events. The map is almost as much a promotional document as a cartographic one, with notes scattered all over such as "Gold found on all these streams," and "Low Clay Hills and Gravel containing Gold." A note at the bottom lists the distances from Sutter's Fort to the lower and upper mines. A map like this, intended for use by travelers and often taken out into the field, would have a very low rate of survival, so it is especially surprising to find a copy in such excellent condition as this. It is a wonderful survivor of that important part of American history. $11,500
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