Catalog Archive
Auction 137, Lot 257

Rare Union Pacific Railroad Pamphlet and Map

"Map of the Routes of the Union Pacific Railroads with Their Eastern Connections [with] Letter of John D. Perry, President of the Union Pacific Railway…",

Subject: Western United States

Period: 1868 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
18 x 7 inches
45.7 x 17.8 cm
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This is a small map showing the proposed Union Pacific's route from Ft. Wallace to California. There are numerous notations of silver and gold deposits and the latest detail of military forts depicted on the map. Such economic and strategic notations were visual arguments for government support to complete the railroad. This map appears to be a reduced version of Keeler's large format map with the same title. It is noted in Wheat 1186, as it has the same title and dimensions but gives credit to the Kansas Pacific Railway. Later in 1868, the Eastern Davison of the Union Pacific Railway was renamed the Kansas Pacific Railway.

Accompanying the map is a letter from John Perry, President of the Union Pacific Railway, requesting a government loan to build a western branch of railroad to the Pacific via Arizona and New Mexico, upon "equal terms with the Union and the Central Pacific Railroads" to the North. The 28 pp. letter provides additional detail on the geological findings and economic benefits of the proposed route.

References: Wheat #1186; cf. Wheat #1171.

Condition: A

Map is clean and bright with a few tiny stains in the blank margin, else fine. Report pages are mostly clean, with the back portion of the paper wrapper missing.

Estimate: $400 - $500

Sold for: $150

Closed on 9/14/2011

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