Catalog Archive
Auction 96, Lot 148

"Map Illustrating the Plan of the Defences of the Western & North-Western Frontier, as proposed by Charles Gratiot, in his report of Oct. 31, 1837", Gratiot, Charles

Subject: Central United States

Period: 1838 (published)

Publication: Senate doc 65, 25th Cong., 2nd Session

Color: Hand Color

Size:
15.2 x 21.5 inches
38.6 x 54.6 cm
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The map depicts the states of Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana and Indian nations bordering them to the west. It shows the locations of many military forts and outposts from Ft. Jessup to Ft. Snelling with notations throughout concerning lands ceded by several Indian nations with dates of the treaties. This is the companion map to lot 147. The threat posed by hostile Indians whose numbers greatly exceeded those of the settlers in the area, resulted in a protracted debate concerning the defenses required along the frontier. Gratiot’s plan uses color to trace the common roads and rivers. A table lower left notes distances between forts and "days of march" at 15 miles per day. This map should not be confused with a later printing (c. 1860) in the American State Papers.

References:

Condition: B

Two areas of light foxing and the colorist dropped a red smudge in margin and just at the neatline.

Estimate: $450 - $550

Sold for: $250

Closed on 9/12/2001

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