"Map of Indian Territory and Oklahoma", U.S. Government

Large, colorful and historically significant map. Oklahoma Territory was created in 1889 and this is possibly the only Census Office map showing the two territories together. Both would clamor for admission to statehood. The Dawes Commission would soon extinguish Indian land titles, which led to eventual statehood for the Oklahoma Territory. There is documentary backup for the Indian titles in each of the tribal areas and marginal notes with historical information on the various Indian Lands. Scale of 12 miles to the inch, legend in upper right. Lower right box lists the railroads authorized to operate in Indian Territory. This is the rarer issue from the 11th Census and should not be confused with the more common General Land Office issue.

This map was owned by Melvin R. Gilmore and carries his embossed stamp inconspicuously along the right border. Gilmore was a noted ethnologist and author who is best remembered for laying the groundwork for present-day analytical cultural ethnology. Interested in ethno botany (the study of native Americans and their environment) Gilmore studied and raised plants known to be grown by native Americans. In 1914 he accompanied White Eagle, an elderly Pawnee Indian, to central Nebraska and recorded information about many abandoned village sites identified by White Eagle. Continuing his interest in the Pawnee, Gilmore conducted interviews in Oklahoma about Pawnee traditions. He was curator at the State Historical Society of North Dakota at Bismarck, on the staff of the Museum of the American Indian in New York (1913-1928), and was the curator of ethnology at the University of Michigan from 1929 to 1939. He authored several books and is noted for recording ritualistic ceremonies of the Arikara tribe.

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Condition: A+

Fine color and impression with full margins. Folding as issued. With old owner's tiny embossed stamps that are virtually invisible along the wide border at right.