Catalog Archive
Auction 168, Lot 271

A Gold Rush in Southern Nevada

"Elmer J. Chute's Map of the Goldfield Mining District Nye and Esmeralda Counties Nevada", Rand McNally & Co.

Subject: Southern Nevada

Period: 1905 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
23.4 x 24.8 inches
59.4 x 63 cm
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This fascinating lithograph of southern Nevada depicts the Goldfield mining district at the turn of the 20th century. The map is laid out in the familiar survey township format with an incredibly dense network of mining claims laid on top in vivid colors. A sampling of the more interesting mining company names include Lucky Strike, Conqueror, Wonder, Fortuna, and Sunnyside. These monikers reflect the speculative nature of the business and the aspirations of those involved.

Gold was first discovered in this region in 1902, and by 1904 the area represented 30% of Nevada's gold output. With the news of gold spreading, the population of Goldfield ballooned to over 20,000 by 1906. The boom was short-lived, however, as the cost to extract the gold became uneconomic. By 1910, the population was back under 5,000. The population in 2010 was 268.

Designed and drawn by R.W. Griswold and lithographed by Rand McNally. Pricing information below the title indicates the "pocket" version cost $1 and the wall map was $5 ($125 in today's dollars).

References:

Condition: B

Issued folding on original linen with light toning and a few small dampstains along the left and right sheet edges. There is wear along the fold lines from use along with some minor fold separations.

Estimate: $1,100 - $1,400

Unsold

Closed on 6/6/2018

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