Young, J.H. "Map of Minnesota Territory" 1855

J.H. Young.  “Map of Minnesota Territory.”   From A New Universal Atlas. 

Philadelphia: Cowperthwait, Desilver & Butler, [1854]-1855.  13 1/8 x 16.  Lithographic transfer from engraved plate.  Full original hand coloring.  Very good condition. 

A strong and beautifully crafted map of the Minnesota Territory from the mid-nineteenth century, published by Cowperthwait, Desilver & Butler.  An earlier version of this firm took over the publication of S. Augustus Mitchell’s important Universal Atlas in 1850, and they continued to produce up-dated maps that were amongst the best issued in the period.  This map shows the territory at an important time in its development, just four years after it was created, when it included what is now North and South Dakota as well as the upper peninsula of Michigan.  The Dakota cession of 1851, where the Dakota or Sioux Indians ceded their lands to the United States, is indicated in outline, as is the 120 by 20 mile Dakota Reserve, the land still set aside for those Indians.  Topographical information is excellent including rivers, towns, lakes, and some topography.  An excellent map from the first years of the territory, striking in appearance and fascinating in detail.      

This map was issued in 1855 and shows the following changes to the 1854 edition with the counties of Rice, Wabasha, Fillmore and Goodhue, Pierce, Nicollette, Sibley, Scott, Leseuer and part of Dakota all colored individually.  Also the words “Region Abounding in Buffalo” in the 1854 map at top of the map in Pembina was removed for the 1855 edition.