Catalog Archive
Auction 123, Lot 221

"[Lot of 2] Montana Territory [and] Washington Territory", General Land Office

Subject: Montana, Washington

Period: 1879 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
21 x 15 inches
53.3 x 38.1 cm
Download High Resolution Image
(or just click on image to launch the Zoom viewer)

A very nice pair of maps whose main focus is the delineation of railroads throughout the territories. Montana Territory is an early territorial map produced by the GLO to detail the state survey efforts. This map names only ten of its eventual 56 counties. Four huge Indian Reservations take up a large portion of the territory. It names many forts and military installations including Ft. Peck Agency, Old Ft. Charles, Ft. Maginnis, and Ft. Union. The amended track of the Northern Pacific R.R. is noted, as is the original proposed in 1870. Information includes mining districts, township survey status, railroad limits and more. Interestingly, Virginia City is incorrectly shown as the territorial capital (It was moved to Helena in 1875). Published by the Department of the Interior, J.A. Williamson, Commissioner. Compiled by C. Roeser, Principal Draughtsman.
Washington Territory is from the annual report of the GLO and shows the entire territory. It provides information on the status of surveys, various Indian treaties, and the state of development and settlement. Different line styles are keyed to indicate the status of various lines of the Northern Pacific Railroad -- proposed lines, constructed lines, and branch lines, each with their date. The legend identifies townships subdivided, county seats, railroad limits, Indian and military reservations, and more. An interesting notation west of the Colville Indian Reservation states "Reserved for Chief Moses and his people, and such other friendly Indians as may elect to settle here with the Consent of Chief Moses and the Secretary of the Interior."

References:

Condition: A+

Both folding, as issued.

Estimate: $150 - $250

Sold for: $180

Closed on 2/20/2008

Archived