"Historical Map of Illinois Showing Early Discoveries, Explorations, Indian Villages, Missions, Trails, Battle Fields, Forts, Block Houses, First Settlements and Mail Routes...", Blanchard, Rufus

This uncommon map of Illinois outlines the history of the state from 1670 through 1880, with an extensive table at left listing events for each decade. Key events include "Marquette winters at Chicago" in 1674, "French and English War on the frontier" in 1689, "500 slaves brought to the Illinois country" in 1720, and "first statute book of laws published in Illinois" in 1807. The map is divided by county, with dates listing the year each county was organized. Key towns (along with their settlement dates), roads, railroad lines, Indian villages, missions, and forts are also shown. The exploration routes of Marquette and Joliet (1673) and La Salle (1679-82) are depicted. A table listing the census dates for Illinois between 1810 and 1880 appears above the title, showing the population increasing from 12,282 to 3,077,871 during that time period.

The map was issued with a 128-page book on the History of Illinois. Two additional maps appear in the book, showing the location of Indian tribes in Illinois in 1684 and again in 1765. Notes explaining the large folding map are also included. The book has several signatures removed to make space for the folding map, which fits nicely inside the book but is not attached.

Black quarter-faux leather over black cloth boards, with gilt embossed title on front cover and spine. Map is dissected and mounted on linen.

References: Howes #B510.

Condition: B

The map is good with bright, original color and light soiling along a few folds. Trimmed at top and bottom with complete loss of border, as issued. The map is separating from the linen in numerous places. The book is in very good condition, with a faint damp stain at bottom right of the first half of the text, a repaired hinge, and light wear to covers and spine. A previous owner's stamp on title page has been covered with old paper.