Catalog Archive
Auction 127, Lot 319

"Indian Territory [and] Map of Indian Territory", U.S. Government

Subject: Oklahoma

Period: 1885 (dated)

Publication: Sen. Ex. Doc. No. 50 & No. 20, 48th Cong., 2nd Sess.

Color: Printed Color

Size:
See Description
Download High Resolution Image
(or just click on image to launch the Zoom viewer)

Government report with two large color folding maps. The report "Communications of the Secretary of War… certains lands in the Indian Territory acquired by treaty from the Creek and Seminole Indians" Senate Ex. Doc. No. 50, 48th Congress, 2nd Session. The maps fold into the rear of the 72-page report:

Indian Territory, General Land Office, 1885, Senate Ex. Doc 50, 48th Cong., 2nd Sess. (32.5" x 24.0") A most interesting and detailed map reflecting the status of lands allocated to various tribes (color-coded). Indian removals from 'home lands' began as early as 1817, and in the years following many of the principal Eastern Indian tribes were relocated to the region with the Five Civilized Tribes having formed the nucleus of an organized government. By 1885, however, representatives of some fifty tribes had settled on lands once promised to the original five. This map reflects many of these allocations and provides some data on the pertinent treaties involved. Does not include the panhandle, which by this time are Public Lands. Drawn by G. P. Strum. Some offsetting in blank areas and a couple marginal fold splits. (B+)

Map of Indian Territory, General Land Office, 1885. (22" x 15.5") The map was first published in 1879 as Senate Ex. Doc 20, 46th Congress. This is the revised edition with the additional senate stamp: S. Ex. 50, 2, 48. The map shows an early depiction of "U.S. Public Lands" in the southwest portion of Indian Territory. The panhandle is barely visible, but it is also marked as Public Lands. Included in a panel to the side of the map are two fascinating letters concerning the disposition of the Public Lands within the territory. The first, by Congressman Augustus Albert contains a list of questions. The answers, by Col. E.C. Boudinot, attempts to "set the records straight" by detailing how the land was acquired from the Indians, its current status, and directions to "several million acres of the richest land on the continent." A number of Army forts are named and located. A significant and important map for any Oklahoma collection. Some very faint offsetting in blank, still very good. (A)

References:

Condition: A

The report is disbound, clean interior. See below for map conditions.

Estimate: $350 - $450

Sold for: $1,000

Closed on 2/25/2009

Archived