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[ Locations | Map themes & related | Cartographers ]
One of the most graphic and interesting maps of the Colorado River, focusing on the Grand Canyon, which was explored by a party in 1858 led Lieutenant Joseph C. Ives. This expedition was part of the U.S. Government's project of surveying the American West to determine the best routes for a transcontinental railroad line. Ives started off from the mouth of the Colorado River in the steam boat Explorer and after three months of difficult navigation made it as far as the Black Canyon, where the ship was holed by a rock and had to be abandoned. Ives and his party continued on eastwards along the South Rim on mules, reaching finally Fort Defiance. Ives was not impressed with the Grand Canyon, which he said "looks like the Gates of Hell," and he referred to the whole area as "altogether valueless."
Still, his report contained this excellent map drawn by the topographer of the expedition, F.W. von Egloffstein. The most salient feature of the map is its presentation of excellent detail using a technique of depicting topography developed by von Egloffstein. This process was used because Egloffstein wanted to "give his map the appearance of a small plaster model of the country." This was achieved by applying very fine lines on the plate by use of a ruling machine (done by Samuel Sartain), which were then exposed to acid to varying degrees to achieve the desired appearance. Only a few maps where made using this difficult process, and this example was one of a series of four from Ives' report. This map shows the Colorado from near Needles to just past Fort Defiance. It shows that fort, San Francisco Springs (now Flagstaff), Las Vegas, the Mormon Road, the Old Spanish Trail, Zuni and Moquis (Hopi) Pueblos, as well as the location of many other Indian tribes. $250
F.W. von Egloffstein after surveys by John N. Macomb. "Map of Explorations and Surveys in New Mexico and Utah...by Capt. J.N. Macomb Topl. Engrs....1806." New York: Geographical Institute, 1864. 30 3/4 x 37 1/4. Tinted aquatint engraving. Some separation and very light discoloration at folds. Overall, very good condition. Wheat: 983. Denver.
A nice example of what Carl Wheat called "one of the most beautiful maps ever published by the Army," a map that "is a landmark map for various regions." It shows the region around the "four corners" in the American Southwest, based on surveys from an 1860 expedition led by Captain John N. Macomb to explore the Old Spanish Trail from New Mexico towards Utah. The expedition is important in its confirmation that the Green and "Grand" (now Colorado) Rivers joined to form the Colorado just above the Grand Canyon. The map was printed in 1864, but didn't actually get published until 1875 because of the Civil War.
Wheat's comments on its importance is not only based on its geographical significance, but also because of its documentation of the routes of various explorer's routes, including Macomb's as well as those of Gunnison, Marcy, and Father Escalante and others. The last factor in Wheat's judgments is it striking appearance, where it looks almost three dimensional. This is the result of a technique of depicting topography developed by F.W. Egloffstein, where his intent was to "give his map the appearance of a small plaster model of the country." This was achieved by applying very fine lines on the plate by use of a ruling machine (done by Samuel Sartain), which were then exposed to acid to varying degrees to achieve the desired appearance. Only a few maps where made using this difficult process and this is the finest example thereof. The map is a wonderful depiction of the main drainage areas of the American Southwest, as well as many other features such as pueblos, archaeological sites and settlements, all conveyed with a remarkable appearance that few other maps have every matched. $1,800
"Williams' New Trans-Continental Map of the Pacific R.R. and Routes of Overland Travel to Colorado, Nebraska, The Black Hills, Utah, Idaho, Nevada, Montana California and the Pacific Coast." New York: Henry T. Williams, 1877. 22 3/4 x 36 1/2. Lithography (Osborne's Process) by A.M. Photo-Litho Company, N.Y. Original hand color. Separation at folds repaired on verso. Very good condition. Denver.
A terrific, folding railroad guide of the American West about a decade after the completion of the trans-Continental Railroad. The map extends from Omaha to the west coast and its focus is on that landmark Pacific Railroad, the route of which-with all its stops-is shown with a bold black line. Also depicted in bold are important off-shoot lines, including a number in California, including the Southern Pacific R.R., and lines to Eureka, Nevada, and Denver, Colorado. The Northern Pacific Railroad, then under construction across the northern part of the county, is indicated, but not in bold. Other lines, including proposed routes, and stage routes are also shown. The map highlights the states with contrasting colors and many towns, settlements and forts are named. Orography is graphically indicated and impressively up-to-date, giving a good picture of the topography of the West. On the back of the guide are advertisements for railroad lines, hotels, and time tables. A most graphic and decorative map. $1,400
Go to a sequence of maps of this same area, from about 1860 to 1880
George M. Wheeler. "Map Showing Routes of the River and Land Parties Engaged in Exploring the Grand Cañon of the Colorado." Washington: U.S. Army, [1871]-1878. 15 x 16. Tinted photolithograph. With some wear at folds and along left margin. Old repairs on back and along left edge. Overall, good condition. Wheat: 1292. Denver.
A highly detailed, topographical map of the Grand Canyon and surrounding region drawn by P.W. Hamel ad L. Nell under the command of Lieutenant George M. Wheeler, who led a number of expeditions in the area from 1869 to 1871. In 1872, the U.S. Congress authorized a plan to survey the United States west of the 100th meridian and map it at a scale of 8 miles to the inch. Wheeler was put in charge of this huge task, not only charged with the survey, but also to determine the physical nature of the lands, including its mineral and economic potential, and to describe the Native Americans there. This map is one of the resulting maps, issued in 1878, showing the Grand Canyon and surrounding lands in Arizona. Its focus is on the incredible topography of the region, but the map also details wagon roads and trails, passes, settlements and other features of interest. $325
"Gray's Atlas Map of New Mexico and Arizona." Philadelphia: O.W. Gray, 1874. 11 1/2 x 14 1/2. Lithograph. Original hand color. Very good condition. Denver.
An interesting map of these two southwestern territories (both admitted as states in 1912). Arizona had been split off from the original, larger New Mexico territory in 1863 and this map shows the region as it was beginning to develop a decade after the Civil War. Towns, counties and forts are shown throughout. Of particular interest is the information on the railroads in the territory, including the Atlantic & Pacific R.R. and the Texas & Pacific R.R.. Counties are indicated with contrasting shades and topography is shown with hatchuring, both giving the map a pleasant appearance. $150
"County and Township Map of Arizona and New Mexico." Philadelphia: W.M. Bradley & Bro., 1887. 14 x 21 3/4. Lithograph. Original color. Very good condition. Denver.
A neatly detailed map from the Philadelphia publishing firm of William M. Bradley & Bros. While Philadelphia was no longer the main center of cartographic publishing in North America by the late nineteenth century, many fine maps were still produced there, as is evidenced by this map. The map shows the two territories (which achieved statehood only in 1912) which had been split from the original New Mexico Territory in 1863. Topography, political information, towns, and physical features are all presented precisely and clearly. Particular focus is on the many railroads, which were essential in the development of this region, including the Southern Pacific. $150
"Arizona." Chicago: Geo F. Cram, 1887. 11 3/4 x 9 5/8. Wax engraving. Very good condition.
A colorful, detailed map of Arizona from the latter part of the nineteenth century. The George Cram Company was an engraving and publishing firm from Chicago. In the mid-nineteenth century, the center of cartographic publishing was New York City, but in the 1880's this began to shift towards Chicago with the advent of the Rand, McNally and Cram firms. These firms were noted for their efficient output of precise maps filled with useful and up-to-date political and cultural information, and details on roads, towns, railroads, and so forth.
"Arizona." From Rand, McNally & Co.'s Indexed Atlas of the World. Chicago: Rand, McNally & Co., 1888. 18 7/8 x 12 3/4. Very good condition.
Large, colorful atlas map of Arizona detailing roads, railroad lines and topography. Historical narrative of the territory on reverse. $85
"Tunison's Arizona." Jacksonville, Illinois: H.C. Tunison, 1889. Wax engraving. Original color. 12 1/4 x 9 3/4. Very good condition. Denver.
A handsome map of Arizona from Tunison's Peerless Universal Atlas. With the development of wax engraving (cerography), more maps and atlases were able to be produced in cities beyond the major centers of New York, Philadelphia and Chicago. Henry C. Tunison issued a series of fine atlases beginning in 1885 and lasting into the beginning of the twentieth century. This is a nice example of his output, showing the Arizona territory at an important and turbulent period of its history. In the 1880s, the shoot out at OK Corral occurred, railroads began to cross the territory and the Apache and Yavapai tribes fought the American settlers and army. This up to date map is an excellent snap-shot of the territory at this time. $125
"Arizona." Chicago: Geo F. Cram, c. 1890. 12 1/8 x 9 3/4. Wax engraving. Very good condition.
Another fine example of the prolific output from the Cram Company. Finer details in this map from those above, but with less color and a decorative border. Utah shown on reverse. $65
Lloyd Edwin Smith. "Arizona." From the Centennial Atlas of the World. Ed. by Frederick J. Branom. Chicago: Geographical Publishing Company, 1931. 20 7/8 x 15. Folio. Chromolithograph. Excellent condition.
A large, attractive and detailed map of the state from the early part of the twentieth century. Location index to towns and counties, with census data, on reverse. Full, but narrow margins. $65
Maps of the "horizontal" territory of ArizonaMaps of Western America and the New Mexico Territory
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