Fremont. Exploring Expedition. 1845.
Map of an Exploring Expedition to the Rocky Mountains in the Year 1842 and to Oregon & North California in the Years 1843-44 by Brevet Capt. J. C. Fremont of the Corps of Topographical Engineers … 51”w x 31”h. Wheat, Transmississippi West, Vol. 2, p. 128, Map 398 (illustrated). Map by Charles Preuss. Minor separations at some fold joints; image very good.

Published in John Charles Frémont (1813-1890), Report of the Exploring Expedition to the Rocky Mountains in the Year 1842, and to Oregon and North California in the Years 1843-'44. Imprint: Washington: Gales and Seaton, Printers. 1845. The heading on p. (9) reads: “[Senate.] 28th Congress, 2d Session [174] Report.” 9"h x 6"w. 693 pages, 22 plates, 5 maps. Rebound in brown cloth. Pages beginning to tone at edges. Plates and maps in very good condition. Includes astronomical and meteorological observations for both expeditions; these were omitted in the House edition.

Consists of two reports bound together: “A Report on an Exploration of the Country Lying Between the Missouri River and the Rocky Mountains . . .” And, “A Report of the Exploring Expedition to Oregon and North California, in the Years 1843-’44.”

Additional maps, all lithographed by E. Weber & Co., Baltimore, Md.:

“[Bear River.]” 16”h x 8”w.
“Beer Springs.” 9”h x 6”w.
“The Great Salt Lake.” 9”h x 6”w.
“[Route along the Rio de los Americanos.]” 24”h x 9”w. A large-scale map showing the entire course of the river from its source (erroneously Lake Tahoe) to its junction with the Sacramento River.

Frémont set out in 1842 on an expedition to the Rocky Mountains, with Kit Carson as guide, and then in 1843-44, again with Carson as guide, to Oregon and California. Frémont’s reports of both of those expeditions are recorded in the present book. The Report states (p. 3), “The map which illustrated the Report of 1842 is now extended to illustrate the entire expedition of 1843-’44, so that a view of both expeditions may be presented together,”

Frémont's report and map "changed the entire picture of the West, and made a lasting contribution to cartography…. [It] represented as important a step forward from the earlier western maps of the period as did those of Pike, Long, and Lewis and Clark in their day.... [Frémont's map] represented trustworthy direct observation, a new, welcome, and long overdue development in the myth-encrusted cartography of the West. To Fremont and his magnificent map of his Second Expedition all praise. This is an altogether memorable document in the cartographic history of the West, and for it alone Fremont would deserve to be remembered in history....This map marked not only the end but the beginning of an era …." (Wheat, Transmississippi, pp. 194-200).

“Though the map accompanying the report is unsigned, Lt. G. K. Warren, in his Memoirs p. (45), says it was ‘drawn by Charles Preuss, whose skill in sketching topography in the field and representing it on the map has probably never been surpassed.’ Though Oregon Trail and the Spanish Trail had been regularly used for a few years there were no dependable maps. For other parts of Fremont’s route, much of the recording of his map was new, including the whole extent of the Sierra Nevada Range, the California Rivers from the American River south, and the three Colorado rivers.” (Streeter, V 3131.)

Charles Preuss (1803-1854) was a surveyor and cartographer who accompanied Frémont on three of his five expeditions. Preuss is credited with all five maps and the 22 plates in the present book. “Unlike most maps of the period, which were largely assimilations of information gleaned from previous maps, Frémont and Preuss included only geographical data they had collected themselves. (Cohen.)

References:

Appletons' Cyclopædia of American Biography;Vol 2, p. 545;
Cohen, Mapping the West, pp.130-133, illustrated;
Howes, USIana; F370;
Streeter, The Celebrated Collection of Americana, vol. V, 3131;
Wagner-Camp, The Plains & the Rockies, 115.1. Maps and plates collate complete with this reference;
Wheat, Mapping the Transmississippi West, 497 and Vol. 2, pp. 194-200;
Wheat, Maps of the California Gold Region, 21.

WESTERN REGION. Greenhow. 1844.
Map of the Western & Middle Portions of North America, to illustrate the History of California, Oregon and other Countries on the North West Coast of America by Robert Greenhow. Compiled from the best Authorities by Robert Greenhow. 23"h x 25 1/2"w. Removed from text, cut into 15 sections and mounted on linen. Tear in lower right mended when backed. Trimmed to neat lines.

Published in John C. Fremont, Narrative of the Exploring Expedition to the Rocky Mountains, in the Year 1842, and to Oregon and North California, in the Years 1843-44. London: Wiley and Putnam, 1846. This book, based upon the texts presented to the Congress, contains revised accounts of Fremont's first two expeditions, as indicated by the title, and omits the scientific portions of his reports.

The map extends from Mexico, which at that time extended into California and to the Great Salt Lake, to Alaska and Hudson Bay. Texas is named but not outlined. There are few details in the Southwest. The “Sandwich Islands” are in the lower left corner.

The book includes four lithograph plates by Day & Haghe, Lithographers to the Queen:

"The American Falls of Lewis Fork".
"Hill of Columnar Basalt on the Columbia River".
"Devil's Gate".
"The Pyramid Lake".

References:

Howes F370.

Steven’s, Rare Americana: A Catalogue, No. 1708 with the comment: “The work is one of great importance and is one of the best for those seeking information regarding the Far West and its native inhabitants.” And noting the book is “scarce” in his 1926 catalog.

Wagner-Camp, The Plains & the Rockies, similar to No. 115-6, citing this specific combination of book and map, with two additional plates, but without the advertising.

Wheat, Maps of the California Gold Region, 22; the same map but in an 1845 history by Greenhow. Wheat indicates "This is a beautifully executed map ...."

Wheat, Mapping the Transmississippi West, 481n & vol. II, p. 184, stating that the map appeared in Greenhow’s History of Oregon published at Boston in 1844.

The map and book.

WESTERN REGION MAP IN EMORY'S NOTES. Emory. 1848.
Military Reconnaissance of the Arkansas, Rio Del Norte and Rio Gila by W. H. Emory, Lieut. Top. Eng’rs. Assisted ... by Lieuts. J. W. Abert and W. G. Peck … Constructed under the orders of Col. J. J. Abert. Ch. Corps of Top. Eng'rs. 1847. 30”h x 64”w. Opening at one fold intersection. An excellent copy of this rare map, usually missing from this report. Wheat, 544.

Wheat Vol. 3, stating on p. 6: “The map of Lieutenant Emory (including the map of Abert and Peck and the map of Cooke) is a document of towering significance in the cartographic history of the West.”

Published in and included: Notes of a Military Reconnoissance, from Fort Leavenworth, in Missouri, to San Diego, in California, including part of the Arkansas, Del Norte, and Gila Rivers. House Ex. Doc. No. 41, 30th Congress, 1st Session. Washington: Wendell and Van Benthuysen, Printers, 1848. 9"h x 5 1/2"w. 614 pages. Illustrated with 43 lithographed or engraved plates (3 are single-page battle-plans). This House issue contains the reports of Abert, Cooke & Johnston not found in the Senate’s 416-page Emory report. The Abert report has an additional 24 plates. The Johnston report has numerous sketches integral to the text. With all three maps called for, including the huge folding map in a pocket. Bookplates. Black cloth. Paper label on spine.

The two additional maps are:

“Map of the Territory of New Mexico, made by order of Brig. Gen. S. W. Kearney under instructions from Lieut. W.H. Emory, U.S.T.E. by Lieut’s J. W. Abert and W. G. Peck U.S.T.E. 1846-7.” 25”h x 20”w. This map accompanies the Abert report. Wheat Vol. 3, Map 542, illustrated before p. 3.

“Sketch of part of the march & wagon road of Lt. Colonel Cooke, from Santa Fe to the Pacific Ocean, 1846-7”. 12”h x 22”w. This map accompanies the Cooke report. Wheat Vol. 3, Map 505.

Howes, E145.
Wagner-Camp, The Plains & the Rockies, 148.5.
Wheat, Transmississippi West Vol. 3.

The maps and the report.

WESTERN REGION. Hughes. 1848.
A New Map of Mexico, California & Oregon, Published by J. A. & U. P. James, Cincinnati 1848". 13”h x 9”w. Short tear at stub.

Bound in John T. Hughes, Doniphan's Expedition; Containing an Account of the Conquest of New Mexico; General Kearney's Overland Expedition to California; Doniphan's Campaign against the Navajos... 2nd ed. Cincinnati: J. A. & U. P. James, 1848. Portraits of Doniphan and Price, xii, 407 pages. Text foxed. Front cover and spine loose. The book and map detail the activities of Colonel Alexander William Doniphan and General Stephen W. Kearney.

The map extends from Vancouver Island through Mexico. Texas is included. Inset of Yucatan Peninsula.

The book also contains:

A single-page city plan: “Plan of Santa Fe and Its Environs”.

A single-page map: “Plan of the Battle of Brazito.”

A single-page map: “Plan of the Battle of Sacramento.”

References:

Howes, USiana, H769, indicating: “Doniphan’s and Kearney’s conquests gave the United States its claim to New Mexico and Arizona, finally acquired by the Gadsden Purchase.”

Streeter, The Celebrated Collection of Americana, 165 for the 1st ed.

Wagner-Camp, The Plains & the Rockies, 134:3 and indicating on page 287 the book "is now rare and avidly sought".

Wheat, Transmississippi West, 546.

The book with its maps.

CALIFORNIA GOLD FIELDS, OREGON, TEXAS. Colton. 1849.
Map of California, Oregon, Texas, and the Territories Adjoining with Routes &c. Image is 18”w x 20 ½”h including ornate lithographed frame. Outline color and gold fields in yellow. Fold lines with one fold beginning to perforate. Map in very good condition.

Imprint: Published by J. H. Colton, No. 86. Cedar St. New York, 1849. Under scale: Ackermans lith. 120 Fulton St. N.Y. Bottom left: Entered according to Act of Congress ... 1849 ...by J. H. Colton ... New York. Bottom center: D. Appleton & Co. New York.

Bound in Edwin Bryant, What I Saw in California. Being the Journal of a Tour, by the Emigrant Route and South Pass of the Rocky Mountains, Across the Continent of North America, the Great Desert Basin, and Through California, in the Years 1846, 1847. New York: Appleton & Co. 1849. Cloth. Fifth edition. Octavo; original blind-stamped publisher's cloth; gilt lettered spine; [2], 480 pp; 2 maps. The single-page frontispiece woodcut map is foxed. Spine sunned; binding lightly worn and rubbed; scattered internal foxing, heaviest to title page and first few pages. A tight, complete and unrestored copy. By Edwin Bryant(1805-1869). For details on this book and Bryant see our entry under “Antique Books”

The book includes both the large Colton map identified above (Wheat, Gold Region 73 and Wheat Transmississippi, 593) and the small untitled frontispiece woodcut map of the California gold fields (Wheat, Gold Region 67), neither of which appears in the 1848 editions. The map’s tie to this volume is indicated by the entry "D. Appleton & Co. New York" appearing below the bottom neatline.

The Colton map is one of the most famous maps of the Gold Rush. According to Wheat on page 75 of Transmississippi, the map “is a combination of the 1848 Fremont and 1848 Tanner, with a big splotch of yellow covering ‘El dorado or Gold Region’”. An extremely desirable large map of the California gold regions.

References:

Howes, USIana, B903;
Streeter, The Celebrated Collection of Americana, 3147 (1st edition, having no maps);
Wagner-Camp, The Plains & The Rockies, 146:8 (this edition);
Wheat, Maps of the California Gold Region, 67 and 73;
Wheat, Maps of the Transmississippi West, 593.

Campbell. Pacific Wagon Roads. Dated 1859.
[Set of 6 maps of the Pacific Wagon roads.]

Published in Report upon the Pacific Wagon Roads, Constructed Under the direction of the Hon. Jacob Thompson, Secretary of the Interior, in 1857-‘58-’59. By Albert H. Campbell, General Superintendent, etc. 35th Congress, 2nd Session. House of Representatives. Ex. Doc. No. 108.

9”h x 6”w. 125 pages. Uncut. Six large folding maps. Housed in custom case. Maps have a few separations at folds and short tears at stubs. Maps are disbound as one from the report. All were lithographed by T. S. Wagner’s Lith., Philadelphia.

In 1857 Congress authorized survey and construction of the Pacific Wagon Road from Independence, MO, to Honey Lake, CA. Carl Wheat devotes a chapter to the project, concluding, “The Department of the Interior was caught up in the currents that surrounded the oncoming Civil War, and little came of the imposing wagon road program that it had set in motion. [However] its efforts were of great effect on all parts of the West.” Wheat, Vol. 4, p.153.

“Map No. 1 of the El Paso & Fort Yuma Wagon Road. J. B. Leach, Superintendent. Made under the direction of N. H. Wharton, Chief Engr, assisted by G. C. Wharton … 1857-8.” 22”h x 36”w. Wheat, 981.

“Map No. 2 of the El Paso & Fort Yuma Wagon Road. J. B. Leach, Superintendent. Made under the direction of N. H. Wharton, Chief Engr, assisted by W. D. Cress and P. G. Hume, Assts. 1857-8.” 22”h x 35”w. Wheat, 982.

“Map of the Wagon-Road from Platte River via Omaha Reserve and Dakota City to Running Water River Geo. L. Sites, Supt 1858.” 26”h x 24”w.

“Map of the Fort Ridgely and South Pass Road to accompany the report of William H. Nobles, Superintendent, by Samuel A. Medary, Engr. 1858.” 31”h x 18”w. Wheat, 987.

“Preliminary Map of the Central Division Ft. Kearney South Pass & Honey Lake Wagon-Road. Surveyed and worked under the Direction of F. W. Lander, Supt. by W. H. Wagner Engr. 1857-58.” 20”h x 34”w. Three-inch tear at stub. Wheat, 1004.

“Map of the Western Division of the Fort Kearney South Pass and Honey Lake Road Surveyed under the direction of John Kirk, Supt. by F. A. Bishop Engineer. 1857.” 21”h x 36”w. Wheat, 966.

On pages 58-62 is the “Emigrant Guide” by F. W. Lander giving distances between points and description of the terrain conditions, such as water, grass for animals, game, and fuel.

References:

Howes, USIana, C86;
Wagner-Camp, The Plains & the Rockies, 321, with maps in a different sequence;
Wheat, Mapping the Transmississippi West, Vol. 4.

WESTERN REGION. Wheeler. 1871. Surveys in Nevada and Arizona.
Explorations and Surveys South of Central Pacific R. R. War Department. Preliminary Topographical Map …Conducted under the immediate direction of 1st Lieutenant George M. Wheeler, Corps of Engrs… 1871. Louis Nell. Chief Topographer and Draughtsman.

22”w x 28”h. The map is on thick paper and very good with only a few spots, a short binding tear and one short split at a fold intersection.

Published in Preliminary Report Concerning Explorations and Surveys Principally in Nevada and Arizona … Conducted under the immediate Direction of 1st Lieut. George M. Wheeler, Corps of Engineers. 1871. Imprint: Washington: Government Printing Office. 1872. Quarto, 96 pp., original gilt-titled green cloth covers. The endpapers at the front of the report are partially separated; otherwise the pages are tight and mostly clean. Covers show minor shelf wear. Unobtrusive embossed library stamp on title page and pages 49-51. Inscribed on the front pastedown and the front free end paper. This report of the 1871 survey is complete with the large folding “Preliminary Topographical Map” bound at the end of the report.

In 1871, the Army Engineers sent Lt. George Wheeler to explore and map the area south of the Central Pacific Railroad in Arizona and eastern Nevada. This report chronicles that expedition. It describes Wheeler's explorations in Arizona and Nevada and the first exploration of Death Valley. The report contains a great amount of information on the mining districts, as well as information concerning the Indians, military sites, routes for roads, and grazing lands.

The map covers parts of Southern California, Nevada and Arizona and details scores of mining districts. Wheat states: "Enough of the West is shown to give the map great interest." In the notations Wheeler said the map "is a hasty and partial compilation from the topographical data already received, many still remaining en route." This map is labeled preliminary, as it was the forerunner of what would become one of the most important surveys of the American West. The map was also published in Senate Doc. #65, 42nd Congress, 2nd Session, but this preliminary hard-bound report is scarce, especially with the map.

References:

Cohen, Mapping the West. 192-194. Illustrated with “Sketch Indicating the Advancement of the Surveys of the Public Lands … 1879.”

Howes, W321;

Wheat, Transmississippi West. Vol. 6, pp. 338-342, illustrated, and entry1237.

The map bound in the report.

Events of 1872-1878. Wheeler. Atlas Sheets, Geographical Surveys.
U.S. Geographical Surveys West of the 100th Meridian. (A lot of 5 maps, each title beginning with those words.)

By George Montague Wheeler (1842-1905).

On his return from his 1871 expedition, Lieutenant George Wheeler proposed a plan for mapping the United States west of the 100th meridian on a scale of 8 miles to the inch, expected to cost $2.5 million and take 15 years. The Army Corp of Engineers developed that plan to systematically survey the entire West and called it the “U.S. Geographical Surveys West of the One Hundredth Meridian”. The region was divided up into 95 rectangles, comprising an area 2°45' of longitude and 1°40' of latitude (or approximately 160 miles wide by 110 mile high). Most rectangles were represented on one numbered sheet. Where the scale was 4 miles to one inch, the rectangle was divided into parts (A), (B), (C), and (D). Lieutenant Wheeler was chosen to head this immense project largely as a result of the surveys he had conducted in Nevada and Arizona in 1871. Congress authorized the program on June 10, 1872. Surveys were conducted each summer from 1872 to 1878, after which Congress cut off appropriations for field work, citing duplication of effort among the various surveys underway; thus the survey was not completed as originally envisioned. Wheeler published annual reports from 1873 to 1884, as well as the final Geographical Report published in 1889. The maps from this report are a valuable document of the record of Western exploration.

The 100th Meridian West (100 degrees west of Greenwich, England) was recognized in the late nineteenth century as the boundary between the moist east and the arid west. By coincidence of statehood, it splits North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, and Texas and matches the western boundary of Oklahoma, excluding the panhandle.

“The survey's basic method to accomplish these goals was to establish base camps and then use a transit, theodolite with compass attachment, cistern barometer, and odometer wheel to determine the geographical features and produce a map of each region. The total area covered by all survey expeditions to the area west of the 100th meridian was 1,443,360 square miles in the states of what are now New Mexico, California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Wyoming, and Texas. As a result, 164 topographic maps were produced and 41 publications issued.” (Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center, University of Nevada, Reno.)

Offered below are five topographic maps of parts of Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico. These maps were developed by Lt. Wheeler based upon expeditions he led between 1874 and1877. Terrain is depicted through the use of hachures. All images are approximately 19 ½”w x 15”h.

A. “U.S. Geographical Surveys West of the 100th Meridian .Parts of Southern Colorado & North’n New Mexico, Atlas Sheet No. 69 (B). Expeditions of 1874-1875 & 1877.” Lower right: “Weyss, Land & Herman Del.” Scale 1 inch to 4 miles, showing an area approximately 75 miles wide by 65 miles high. The sheet is toned and margins are chipped.

B. “U.S. Geographical Surveys West of the 100th Meridian...Parts of Southern Colorado & Northern New Mexico, Atlas sheet No. 70 (A). Expeditions of 1874, 1875 and 1876.” Under map: “The Graphic Co. Photo-Lith. 39 & 40 Park Place. N.Y.” and “Weyss, Herman, & Mahlo Del.” Scale 1 inch to 4 miles, showing an area approximately 75 miles wide by 65 miles high. Very good condition.

C. “U. S. Geographical Surveys West of the 100th Meridian. Part of North Central New Mexico Atlas Sheet No. 70 (C). Expeditions of 1874, 1875 and 1876.” Under map: “The Graphic Co. Photo-Lith. 39 & 40 Park Place. N.Y.” and “Weyss, Herman, & Mahlo Del.” Scale 1 inch to 4 miles, showing an area approximately 75 miles wide by 65 miles high.

D. “U. S. Geographical Surveys West of the 100th Meridian. Parts of Eastern Arizona and Western New Mexico. Atlas Sheet No. 76. Expeditions of 1871-1873 and 1875.” Under map: “The Graphic Co. Photo-Lith. 39 & 40 Park Place. N.Y.” and “Weyss, Herman, & Lang Del.” Scale 1 inch to 8 miles, showing an area approximately 150 miles wide by 115 miles high.

E. “U. S. Geographical Surveys West of the 100th Meridian. Parts of Eastern and Southeastern Arizona, Western and South Western New Mexico Atlas Sheet No. 83. Expeditions of 1871 and 1873.” Under map: “The Graphic Co. Photo-Lith. 39 & 40 Park Place. N.Y.” and “Weyss, Herman, & Lang Del.” Scale 1 inch to 8 miles, showing an area approximately 150 miles wide by 115 miles high. Sheet No. 83 has a repaired tear at left that extends 3 inches into the image.

Some margins are slightly tattered and chipped. There is some light damp staining primarily in the margins.

Cohen, Mapping the West. 192-194. Illustrated with “Sketch Indicating the Advancement of the Surveys of the Public Lands … 1879.”

For sale as a group of 5 maps for $600 or $150 per individual map.

GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEY. Wheeler. 1878.
1878 Progress Map of The U.S. Geographical Surveys West of The 100th Meridian. To accompany the annual report of 1st Lieut. George M. Wheeler Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army, in charge.

Below bottom margin, at left: Seasons of 1869, 1871, 1872, 1873, 1874, 1875, 1876 & 1877. At bottom right: 1st. Lieut. Geo. M. Wheeler, Corps of Engineers, in charge. Upper margin at left: United States Geographical Surveys. Upper margin at right: West of the One Hundredth Meridian.

16 ¼”h x 22 ¼”w. Folded as issued. Color. One-inch tear at binding edge; otherwise excellent condition.

The Army Corp of Engineers developed a plan to systematically survey the entire West and called it the “U.S. Geographical Surveys West of the One Hundredth Meridian”. The region was divided up into 95 rectangles, each comprising an area 2°45' of longitude and 1°40' of latitude (or approximately 160 miles wide by 110 mile high). The present map is an attractive “Progress Map” with a detailed representation of the survey efforts. Indicated on the map are index areas to atlas maps with the solid gray color reflecting survey maps published and solid green those under preparation, astronomical stations, military posts, rail lines, routes of cattle droves, and altitudes of most towns and forts.

Also indicated in sepia color and important for an historical perspective are the "Lines of Expeditions, prosecuting Explorations and Surveys conducted by 'Officers of the Line', 'Corps of Topographical Engineers', and 'Corps of Engineers', U.S. Army". These include the western expeditions and historic surveys of King, Wheeler, Powell and Hayden, among others. Clarence King's area of surveying responsibility (the 40th parallel) is also noted on this map.