Catalog Archive
Auction 188, Lot 186

"[Lot of 2] Geological Map of a Part of the State of California Explored in 1855... [and] Outline Map of Parts of Southern California & South-Western Nevada...",

Subject: California & Nevada

Period: 1856-76 (circa)

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A. Geological Map of a Part of the State of California Explored in 1855 by Lieut. R.S. Williamson U.S. Top. Engr., by U.S. War Department, circa 1856, hand color (16.1 x 22.3"). A majority of this map of California is colored to reflect geological knowledge and coded in accordance with a legend at the left. The legend identifies nine geological types as mapped by Lieut. R.S. Williamson of the Topographical Engineers. There are interesting details throughout, and especially along the American River. A huge Mono Lake is shown, but not Lake Tahoe; rather, in its place is a small lake named Lake Bonpland. In Southern California, Los Angeles, San Gabriel and San Pedro are located. Interestingly, the water between San Pedro (Long Beach) and San Diego is called "Earthquake Bay." Prepared to accompany the report of William P. Blake, Geologist of the Expedition. Lithographed by Sarony, Major & Knapp of New York. This example has 1855 in the title instead of the more commonly seen 1853 date. The two are cartographically identical, but Marcou makes no mention of this later version. Reference: Marcou & Marcou #678. Condition: Issued folding with light scattered foxing. There is light toning along the fold lines and sheet edges.

B. Outline Map of Parts of Southern California & South-Western Nevada, Showing the Relative Areas of Drainage of the Coast, Valley, Interior & Parts of the Colorado Basins..., by (Lt.) George Wheeler, dated 1876, printed color (19.4 x 14.4"). This interesting map is separated into three regions; Coast Drainage, Great Valley Drainage, and the Interior Basin. Several railroads are shown including the Visalia Div. S.P.R.R., which runs down the Great Valley Drainage past Tulare Lake. The Southern Pacific RR is complete about half way to Yuma. The Old Salt Lake Road runs northwest out of Los Angeles through a tiny Las Vegas. Condition: Issued folding with minor toning along the folds and faint color offsetting mainly visible in the bottom blank margin.

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Condition: B+

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Estimate: $250 - $325

Sold for: $150

Closed on 6/22/2022

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