Rand McNally “Missouri”

Rand McNally.  “Missouri.” 

Chicago: Rand McNally, ca. 1885.. 13 ¼ x 19 ½.  Lithograph.  Very good condition. 

A late nineteenth century map from the early days of the Rand, McNally & Co. firm out of Chicago, a company that would shift the center of cartographic publishing from the east coast to the mid-west.  Typical of the firm’s work, this map has very good detail, precisely and neatly exhibited.  Social information, counties, roads, and much more is neatly illustrated.  The firm is known for being able to depict copious data in a clear manner, and on this map that is well demonstrated by the depiction of the impressive topography of the state.  Aesthetically and cartographically, it foreshadows the maps of the twentieth century.