Catalog Archive
Auction 111, Lot 158

"[Lot of 3] Map No. 1 From San Francisco Bay to the Plains of Los Angeles [and] Map No. 1 From San Francisco Bay to the Northern Boundary of California [and] Map No. 2 From the Northern Boundary of California to the Columbia River", U.S. Railroad Surveys

Subject: United States - Western

Period: 1855 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
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For the first map, Wheat dedicates more than a full page to what he calls "a map of the greatest interest, not only for its route, which is that of the Southern Pacific Coast Line, but because of its showing of ranchos and missions along the route." The proposed line is shown from San Jose south to the Pueblo de Los Angeles, San Bernardino and through the San Gorgonio Pass on its way east. Remarkable detail along the route including well rendered hachure depicting elevation. The Spanish Trail, mail route to Salt Lake City and Whipple's route are shown passing through Cajon Pass and on to the Mojave River. Lt. John G. Parke, 1854-55 (35" x 28.5").

The second map is quite detailed along the coast from San Francisco Bay to the northern border with Oregon with place names, watershed and fine hachure in the mountainous areas. The balance of the map is mostly in skeletal format with an area to the west noted as not explored 'instrumentally.' Details numerous explorations and names the survey crews. Locates the Emigrant Trail plus the earlier explorations of Warner and Williamson in 1849, and Wessell in 1852. Notes the place Warner was killed in 1849. Williamson & Abbot, 1855 (23.3" x 27.5").

The third map is from the surveys of Williamson and Abbot. This map covers the region from the Siskoyou Range and Klamath Lakes north to above the Columbia River. Finely engraved with much topographical and watershed detail including fine hachure throughout mountainous area. Locates the Emigrant Road, unexplored regions, various routes of the surveying parties, the historical routes of Fremont and Warner, the first settlements and much more. Williamson & Abbot, 1855 (23.3" x 27.3").

References: Wheat (TMW) #852, 881, and 882.

Condition: B

Some light toning along centerfolds and a few tiny fold intersection splits, else very good.

Estimate: $500 - $600

Sold for: $450

Closed on 6/8/2005

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