Catalog Archive
Auction 116, Lot 319

"Map of the Country upon Upper Red-River Explored in 1852…", Marcy, Capt. R.B.

Subject: Texas

Period: 1853 (published)

Publication: Exploration of the Red River of Louisiana in the Year 1852

Color: Black & White

Size:
40 x 22 inches
101.6 x 55.9 cm
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Taken from Marcy's report of his exploration of the Red River, the map covers an area in Texas wholly unexplored previously, including southwest Oklahoma (here Choctaw and Chickasaw Territory). The only information previously available on the region was from Indians and Indian traders. Earlier attempts of exploration had been thwarted by the Spanish; Capt. Sparks in 1806, Lt. Pike in 1806 and Col. Long in 1819-20. Marcy's instructions from Major Gen. Scott were to make an examination of the Red River and the country bordering it. Accordingly, Marcy started his adventure on May 16th, 1852 from the vicinity of Ft. Arbuckle and reached the source of the upper branch of the Red River on June 16th. He then took a side trip of about 25 miles north to the Canadian river, reversed course and journeyed south, arriving at the main branch of the Red River on June 27th. After exploring the main branch to its source, the party returned to Fort Arbuckle on June 28th. They were greeted with great surprise as a report had spread about their massacre at the hands of the Comanche. The sheet has fascinating notations about the land and resources. Published as Senate Doc. 54, 32nd Congress, 2nd session, the map is dated 1852 but was published the following year by Ackerman Lithography.

References: Wagner & Camp #226:1 No. 2.

Condition: A

Very nice example on sound paper with just a little light toning along some folds, still very good. This example is properly encapsulated in archival Mylar.

Estimate: $300 - $350

Sold for: $200

Closed on 9/20/2006

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