"Survey of the Cumberland River from the Falls to Nashville with a View to the Removal of the Obstructions to Steam Boat Navigation Between Those Points", Stansbury, M. Howard (Capt.)

This scarce map shows the route from below Barboursville, Kentucky, to the confluence of the Cumberland River and the Great South Fork, just above Nashville. It is from Howard Stansbury's report and survey concerning the practicability of extending steam boat navigation up the Cumberland River. The region surrounding the upper Cumberland River was rich in mineral resources and Congress wanted to understand the feasibility of removing natural obstacles in order to access these resources. The map includes four cross sections titled: Shadowen's Shoal, White Cliff Ripple, End of Smith's Shoals, and Long Shoal. It is decorated with an elaborate compass point and terrific lettering in the title, which exactly matches the fancy lettering used on steamboats. This is an early work by Stansbury, who eighteen years later commanded an important expedition to Utah. A large (two-sheets joined) and early map that is very uncommon.

References: Claussen & Friis #43

Condition: B+

Issued folding with light scattered foxing and an edge tear at right that has been closed with tape on verso.