Catalog Archive
Auction 188, Lot 207

The First Official Map of Colorado

"Map of Colorado Territory, Compiled from Government Maps & Actual Survyes", U.S. State Surveys

Subject: Colorado

Period: 1861 (dated)

Publication: Sen. Ex. Doc. No. 1, 37th Congress, 2nd Session

Color: Black & White

Size:
20.9 x 17.7 inches
53.1 x 45 cm
Download High Resolution Image
(or just click on image to launch the Zoom viewer)

This is the first official map of Colorado. It is signed in the plate "Denver City Nov. 1st 1861. Francis M. Case Sur. Genl. Co. Ty." The map has good detail considering this early attempt at mapping the territory. Details include watersheds, mountains in hachure, and survey status shown along the plains just east of the Front Range. The towns of Denver, Colorado City (Colorado Springs), Boulder City, Golden City, Pueblo, Canon City, Breckenridge, Central City, Ft. St. Vrain are shown. Mountains named include Pike's Peak, Longs Peak, Spanish Peaks, etc. The map is centered on the San Luis Valley and the parks - South, Middle and North. In the plains is an Indian Reservation divided between the Cheyennes and Arapahoes. An important map that should be in any collection of Colorado maps.

References: Wheat (TMW) #1034.

Condition: B+

Issued folding with light toning along the fold lines. Several of the fold junctions have been reinforced with archival tape on verso.

Estimate: $600 - $700

Sold for: $700

Closed on 6/22/2022

Archived