Catalog Archive
Auction 196, Lot 184

Warren's General Map - One of the Most Important Maps of the American West

"Map of the Territory of the United States from the Mississippi to the Pacific Ocean Ordered by the Hon. Jeff'n Davis, Secretary of War...", Warren, Lieut. G. K.

Subject: Western United States

Period: 1857 (dated)

Publication: U.S. Pacific Railroad Surveys

Color: Black & White

Size:
46 x 42.5 inches
116.8 x 108 cm
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Known as "Warren's General Map," this is a monumentally important map that is considered to be the first accurate overall picture of the region. Wheat considered it so important that he dedicated eight pages to its description and called it the most important map produced by the Topographical Engineers. Drawn on the polyconic projection, the map culminated a half-century of government explorations beginning with Lewis & Clark. Only 24 years old when assigned the task, Warren consulted the U.S. Land Office, the Coast Survey, Topographical Engineers, the Adjutant General, the Quartermaster General, the Indian Bureau, and Smithsonian Institution to obtain the latest information in developing this map. The majority of the map was completed by 1854, but it was not fully complete when the first railroad survey report was published in 1855 and thus did not accompany all editions. A remarkable and scarce map that represents the best geological knowledge of the day. Printed on two sheets and joined, as issued.

References: Wheat (TMW) #936.

Condition: B

Issued folding with some light toning along the folds and joint. A 9" edge tear at bottom left and a related 5" tear have both been archivally repaired on verso. There is some minor loss at the fold junctions of the lower horizontal fold that have been backed on verso with tissue.

Estimate: $950 - $1,100

Sold for: $550

Closed on 2/7/2024

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