Catalog Archive
Auction 188, Lot 83

"Map Illustrating the Extermination of the American Bison", Smithsonian Institute

Subject: North America

Period: 1889 (dated)

Publication: The Extermination of the American Bison...Its Discovery and Life History

Color: Printed Color

Size:
17.4 x 22.2 inches
44.2 x 56.4 cm
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This map poignantly illustrates one of the most tragic episodes in American history; the extermination of the buffalo as a means to control the Native American population. The area once inhabited by buffalo is outlined in red with green and blue regions describing the systematic destruction of these herds. When this map was published in 1889, barely 800 bison were known to exist. This is the historically important map by W.T. Hornaday that was published in the Annual Report of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution for the Year Ending 1887, Part II, 1889.

References: PJ Mode Collection #1102.01.

Condition: A

Issued folding on a clean sheet with a binder's trim at left.

Estimate: $350 - $425

Sold for: $325

Closed on 6/22/2022

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