"Map of the Yellowstone National Park Compiled from different official explorations and our personal survey, 1882", Wingate, George Wood

This map was published 1886 by Carl J. Hals and A. Rydstrom in the book Through the Yellowstone Park on Horseback by George W. Wingate. The map is especially attractive and informative, showing not only tourist sites and trails but also hotels, cabins, and routes of previous explorers. About the map, Blevins remarks that "Many features are illustrated for the first time on a non-government map". Topography is illustrated by an unusual and pleasing form of contoured shading that enhances interpretation for the tourist.

The book is in original green cloth with gilt spine and front cover titles and floral pastedowns and end sheets. First edition, octavo, 250 pp., 6 ad pages at rear, 21 engraved plates (including frontispiece), and large color topographical folding map stored in rear pocket. The plates include Old Faithful; Lower Canon of the Yellowstone; Lower Falls of the Yellowstone; Antelope; Elk; and Wild horses. Today, Wingate is best remembered as a co-founder of the National Rifle Association, of which he was president for 25 years. Naturally, portions of the book reflect the author’s interest in guns and hunting, with rifle selection and shooting technique discussed early in the book and chapters covering game and outfitting near the rear. His descriptions of Yellowstone’s scenery and natural features are both entertaining and informative and are further enriched by his observations about park facilities, personnel, and cowboys of the nearby cattle ranges. A scarce volume complete with its map.

References: Blevins (Wyoming) No. 459.

Condition: B+

The folding map has been backed with thin archival tissue to allow placement in rear pocket, but is starting to split along a couple fold lines - best to be stored flat. Rubbing to boards and wear to edges. Binding a bit weak but intact. Marginal smudges to a minority of pages, pp. 224 and 225 stained and soiled.