Catalog Archive
Auction 118, Lot 222

"[Railroad Promotional Newspaper] Iowa and Nebraska Burlington and Missouri River R.R. Company Lands", Railroad Companies, (Various)

Subject: United States

Period: 1875 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
19.8 x 13.4 inches
50.3 x 34 cm
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This scarce land promotional broadside, published July, 1875 by the Burlington and Missouri River R.R., features two large maps and is filled with marketing text promoting the region. The railroads were granted millions of acres along their routes to help defer the huge cost of building the transcontinental railway system. This broadside is an example of the marketing effort to sell this land to immigrants. The four page folding paper features two large maps on the back page. The top map contains two titles: "Map of Southern Iowa…" [and] "Map of South-East Nebraska." The map details the route with the 20 mile limit shaded. This map notes that millions of acres are for sale, ranging between $4 and $15 per acre. The lower map is "Map Showing the Lands for Sale on Ten Years Credit at 6 pr. cent Interest." Over printed on the map is "The Gulf Stream of Migration" in large block letters. Both maps measure approximately 19" x 6". The other three pages describe the property, how to obtain it, how to get there, plus marketing articles like "Why Go to Iowa or Nebraska," "How is a Buyer to Select Lands?," and much more. Small table contains railroad fares from major cities. Large listing of agents who can provide additional information. A scarce ephemeral land promotional railroad broadside.

References:

Condition: B

Near fine example with full margins and good impression, evenly age toned on sound paper. With some staining in upper and lower margin.

Estimate: $350 - $450

Sold for: $250

Closed on 3/6/2007

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