Catalog Archive
Auction 171, Lot 211

"Johnson's California Territories of New Mexico and Utah", Johnson & Browning

Subject: Southwestern United States

Period: 1861 (circa)

Publication: Johnson's New Family Atlas

Color: Hand Color

Size:
24.1 x 16.9 inches
61.2 x 42.9 cm
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This is an uncommon edition from this great series of maps covering the Southwest, with the newly formed Nevada shown occupying part of California to the summit line of the Sierras. The western border of Nevada extends south from Goose Lake (just west of the 120th meridian) and then continues along the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and finally extends east to meet with the southern border of Utah. The Utah/Nevada border is also too far west on the 116th meridian. Arizona (spelled correctly here) shows up in the southern part of New Mexico Territory. This is thought to represent the Confederate Territory of Arizona that existed for nearly a year from August 1861 until July of 1862. The Confederate General Baylor appointed himself the territorial governor and claimed all of New Mexico Territory south of the 34th parallel. In the southern part of Arizona is the "Gadsden Ten Million Purchase of Mexico." The Gold Region in Colorado's South Park is prominently shown, along with the Hastings Road and the routes of numerous explorers and military expeditions. The map is filled with historic and interesting notations. One note in the area of Quartzite, Arizona refers to the area as being "exceedingly fertile and abundantly timbered and well watered." Additional details include the U.S. Mail routes, the Emigrant road to California, and the proposed railroad route through Utah, Nevada and California. Johnson was diligent in constantly revising his plates with new information; according to Dr. Ira Laurie's Johnson U.S. Map Project, this is the third of 8 versions of this map. A great map of the Southwest.

References:

Condition: A

Light toning along the sheet edges with a short centerfold separation confined to the lower blank margin.

Estimate: $325 - $400

Sold for: $230

Closed on 2/6/2019

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