Warren's General Map - One of the Most Important Maps of the American West

"Map of the Territory of the United States from the Mississippi to the Pacific Ocean Ordered by the Hon. Jeff'n Davis, Secretary of War...", Warren, Lieut. G. K.

Known as "Warren's General Map," this is a monumentally important map that is considered to be the first accurate overall picture of the region. Wheat considered it so important that he dedicated eight pages to its description and called it the most important map produced by the Topographical Engineers. Drawn on the polyconic projection, the map culminated a half-century of government explorations beginning with Lewis & Clark. Only 24 years old when assigned the task, Warren used information from the U.S. Land Office, the Coast Survey, Topographical Engineers, the Adjutant General, the Quartermaster General, the Indian Bureau, and Smithsonian Institution to obtain the latest information in developing this map. The majority of the map was completed by 1854, but it was not fully complete when the first railroad survey report was published in 1855 and thus did not accompany all editions. A remarkable and scarce map that represents the best geological knowledge of the day. Printed on two sheets and joined, as issued.

References: Wheat (TMW) #936.

Condition: B

Issued folding with light toning along the joint and the folds, short separations at fold intersections, and light foxing. There is an 8" tear extending into the title that has been closed on verso with cello tape. Trimmed at left with some loss of the neatline.