"Reconnaissance of the Western Coast of the United States from San Francisco to San Diego", U.S. Coast Survey

This terrific chart delineates the coast and is from the first official scientific reconnaissance of the Pacific coastal areas. It is one of three prepared by Lieutenant James Alden for this important survey. This sheet covers the region from the Mexican boundary to Point Reyes. It outlines the coastal littoral, shows dangerous reefs and shoals, gives offshore bathymetric soundings, plus general and specific harbor sailing instructions. The most impressive feature is the 17 views of entrances and promontories along this rugged coastline - among them Santa Barbara, Catalina Harbor, and the entrance to San Francisco Bay. The map was drawn by W.M. McMurtie and engraved by G. McCoy. Engraving of the views is also by McCoy and S.V. Hunt. This is one of the finest Coast Survey charts produced, and should not be confused with the simpler, and slightly smaller, charts that do not feature the large number of coastal views.

References: Schwartz & Ehrenberg, plt. #174; Heckrotte & Sweetkind #33.

Condition: A

Very nice example with no flaws. Folding as issued, now with well applied hand coloring.