"Map of Explorations and Surveys in New Mexico and Utah…", Macomb, J. N. (Col.)

Very rare, large map considered by Wheat to be a landmark in the mapping of the region and "one of the most beautiful maps every published by the Army." According to Wheat there are several reasons for its importance. First, it is the first to show a trail to the junction of the Green and Grand Rivers. Second, he praises the map for its depiction of numerous routes of other explorers. Finally, it demonstrates the culmination of the process developed by Egloffstein to convey the idea of altitude. The process used a combination of extremely fine lines and applying acid to the plate for varying times, thus giving the map a remarkable 3-dimensional realism unmatched in the period. It is also the first to correctly establish the relationship between the San Juan and Colorado Rivers. The map covers Arizona, Utah, New Mexico and about 30% of Colorado. The map was issued in Capt. Macomb's very rare "Report of the Exploring Expedition from Santa Fe, New Mexico, to the Junction of the Grand and Green River", produced in 1860 but not issued until 1876 due to the Civil War.

Accompanying the map is a full-sized reproduction on modern paper.

References: Wheat (TMW) #983.

Condition: C+

Backed with linen to reinforce and repair numerous fold separations and several small chips along the centerfold resulting in some loss of image. There are also several edge chips, with a few extending into the map border.