"[Pacific Railroad Surveys - Volume XII Book I] Reports of Explorations and Surveys, to Ascertain the Most Practicable and Economical Route for a Railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean ... Volume XII. Book I", U.S. Railroad Surveys

This is the 1860 House edition, which is a revised and enlarged version of Stevens' narrative first published in octavo format in 1855. This volume describes Stevens' explorations from St. Paul to Puget Sound and contains his general narrative and final report and a superb collection of lithographs by John Mix Stanley, the expedition artist. Among the important lithographs are those that depict St. Paul, Fort Union, Fort Benton, Blackfeet Indians, Fort Owen, Nez Perces, Mount Rainier, and Cantonment Stevens (Corvallis). Included are lithographs of Hellgate (Missoula before there was a settlement), of the Big Hole Valley in Montana, and of the Great Falls of the Missouri. Volume XII is one of the most richly illustrated volumes in the entire series containing a total of seventy tinted lithographs (one of which is folding). The volume is missing the 3 issued folding maps.

Tall quarto, 358 pages with appendix and index. Printed in Washington by Thomas H. Ford. Hardbound, quarter leather with tips over blue marbled boards.

References: Wagner-Camp #267:2.

Condition: B

Contents are bright with a light dampstain occupying the lower half of most pages and plates. The hinges are starting, covers are worn, and the spine is cracked and chipped.