"Preliminary Map of the Western Portion of the Reconnaissance and Survey for a Pacific Railroad Route Near the 35th Parallel Made by Capt. A.W. Whipple. T.E. in 1853-4…", Whipple, Amiel Weekes

This large lithographic map covers the region from Albuquerque to Los Angeles. The map, drawn by Whipple and signed in the plate by Beale, documents part of the famous expedition in which E.F. Beale took a group of camels from the Gulf Coast to Fort Tejon in California. In addition to Beale's route, which eventually became the route of the Santa Fe Railroad, the map also shows Cook's wagon road, Sitgreaves' route, and Aubrey's trail of 1854. The future site of Phoenix is shown here as Coco Maricopa and Pima Villages. Numerous interesting notes concerning Indian villages and topography. Beale advocated the construction of dams and military posts along the way to facilitate emigration to the West Coast. The map is offered with Beale's original 8vo report written to John B. Floyd, Secretary of War, and James L. Orr, Speaker of the House. The 88pp report details Beale's explorations and includes his recommendations and estimated cost to improve the wagon road by straightening and improving grades, constructing bridges and other improvements. During the year long journey Beale notes "I have not last a man" nor was there any illness and that the medicine chest "proved only an encumbrance." The map and report are rarely offered complete.

References: Wheat [TMW] #939.

Condition: B+

The map is surprisingly clean and bright for a map of this size. Some folds with small intersections splits that will benefit from backing. The report is tight and near fine less a third of the pages with edge water stains. Disbound report and the map is loose.