First Official Geological Map of the State

"[Map with Book] Map of Georgia to Accompany the Hand Book of Georgia... [with] Hand-Book of the State of Georgia...",

Although Georgia first established a geological survey in the 1836 (under Cotting) and again in 1874 (under Little), little seems to actually have been published except the geological outline and map contained in this report. The map represents the first official geologic map issued by the State of Georgia and is of sufficient rarity that it does not appear in Marcou's "Mapoteca Geologica Americana" catalogue.

Like many southern states struggling with reconstruction and the economic aftermath of the Civil War, Georgia produced this hand-book to attract immigrants and capital to the state. Following a short introduction (including a brief history and effects of the Civil War), Janes' Hand-Book is divided into three main parts: the country, the people, and the productions. All of Part 1 describing the geology and physical attributes of the state appear to be attributable to George Little, State Geologist. The geology, soils, topography, and water power potential of the state, including selected counties, are described with additional discussions of climate and economic resources. The geologic map accompanying this chapter is quite detailed and attractive, reflecting a large amount of field effort and expense. It depicts the entire state with sixteen different geological structures indicated by hand color in the upper 1/3 of the state.

Following the chapter on the country, Janes' coverage of "the people" of Georgia contains much about government institutions (of historical interest, Georgia was the first state in the Union to form a Department of Agriculture), educational facilities, transportation facilities, religious organizations, etc. The final chapter on "productions" deals mainly with agricultural and livestock products (peaches and cotton among others).

This is an association copy containing a gift inscription from George Little, then State Geologist for Georgia, to his father: "John Little Sr. from his affectionate son George Little, Atlanta Ga. Jan. 1, 1877." Octavo, hardbound in original plum cloth with gilt titles on front cover and spine. Rare with map present.

References:

Condition: B

The map has been backed with tissue to reinforce and repair numerous small separations along the fold lines. There is moderate toning and faint offsetting. Text is tight with occasional scattered foxing. Covers have light wear, the spine is sunned, and there is a small chip at the tail of the spine.