Catalog Archive
Auction 156, Lot 98

"Map Illustrating the Extermination of the American Bison Prepared by W.T. Hornaday [with report] The Extermination of the American Bison, with a Sketch of its Discovery and Life History", Smithsonian Institute

Subject: North America

Period: 1889 (published)

Publication: Annual Report of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution

Color: Printed Color

Size:
17.4 x 22 inches
44.2 x 55.9 cm
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This poignant map was prepared by W.T. Hornaday for a report to the U.S. National Museum, Smithsonian Institution. It traces in red the boundary of the area once inhabited by buffalo. The area outlined in blue and green reflects the tragic and systematic destruction of these herds. The numbers in green represent the location and number of the wild buffalo in existence January 1, 1889. Barely 800 bison were known to exist when this map was published.

Included with the map is the historically important article "The Extermination of the American Bison, with a Sketch of its Discovery and Life History." The 182-pages of text includes 21 plates and provides an important historical context for the map. Rebound in maroon faux quarter leather over simulated grey cloth with raised bands and gilt titling on spine.

References:

Condition: A

Folding map and plates are clean and bright, and text is lightly toned. Modern binding is pristine.

Estimate: $300 - $400

Sold for: $200

Closed on 2/17/2016

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