Catalog Archive
Auction 110, Lot 148

"Map Illustrating the Plan of the Defences of the Western & North-Western Frontier, as proposed by Charles Gratiot, in his report of Oct. 31, 1837", Gratiot, Charles

Subject: United States - Central

Period: 1860 (published)

Publication: Military Affairs, Vol. VII, No. 753-B

Color: Hand Color

Size:
15.2 x 21.5 inches
38.6 x 54.6 cm
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This map is a later printing from the series of maps that illustrated the factious Congressional debate over the nature of the Frontier Defenses between the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains. Issued under the direction of Col. A.A. Albert by W. Hood, the map includes the states of Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana and the Indian nations bordering them to the west. Locates many military forts and outposts from Ft. Jessup to Ft. Snelling with notations throughout concerning lands ceded by several Indian nations with dates of the treaties. The threat posed by hostile Indians, whose numbers greatly exceeded those of the settlers in the area, resulted in a protracted Congressional debate concerning the defenses required along the frontier. Gratiot’s plan uses color to trace the common roads and rivers to emphasize the nearness of Indian Tribes with towns and spreading settlements. A table lower left notes distances between forts and "days of march" at 15 miles per day. A lovely example.

References: cf. Wheat [TMW] #426.

Condition: A+

Original outline color. Issued folding, now pressed and backed with archival tissue.

Estimate: $350 - $400

Sold for: $600

Closed on 3/2/2005

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