Catalog Archive
Auction 203, Lot 184

Early Map to Identify Wyoming Territory

"Johnson's Nebraska, Dakota, Idaho and Montana", Johnson, A. J.

Subject: Northwestern United States

Period: 1865 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
23.4 x 17.1 inches
59.4 x 43.4 cm
Download High Resolution Image
(or just click on image to launch the Zoom viewer)

This colorful double-page map published circa 1866-67 shows a very early rendering of Wyoming Territory, organized in 1868. The territory's western boundary is not correctly formed; a pointed projection extends into present-day Idaho in the northwest, with Idaho occupying western Wyoming south of Jackson Hole. The map correctly delineates Montana which, along with Wyoming, was previously contained in a large Idaho territory. Dakota Territory, from which Wyoming was formed, remains undivided. There is excellent detail throughout with scores of place names, roads, watershed, topography, the Emigrant Road, forts, springs, routes of exploration and proposed railroads. The route of the Pony Express & U.S. Mail Route through Utah, Wyoming and Nebraska is delineated. According to the Johnson Map Project, this is version 2.0.

References:

Condition: B

Full contemporary color. The map was split in half along the centerfold and skillfully rejoined with archival tape on verso. There is some toning along the top sheet edge and the bottom decorative border has been partially trimmed away.

Estimate: $140 - $170

Sold for: $100

Closed on 4/23/2025

Archived