The former is a reprint of the original plan of the Federal City as envisioned by Pierre Charles L’Enfant rests in the Library of Congress. In May of 1887 the U.S. Coast & Geodetic Survey was charged with the task of copying the original manuscript and making available reproductions for use in land disputes and other legal aspects relating to the territory of the District of Columbia and other national survey matters. The plan remained in the custody of the agency until it was transferred in 1918. Several variations of the plan were sold by the USC&GS from 1893 until 1991. An extensive note in the margin dated 1887 from the U.S. Coast & Geodetic Survey affirming the accuracy of this reproduction traced from the original "dilapidated" manuscript. (30 x 19"). L'Enfant, Washington D.C., Norris Peters.

The latter is a terrific photo-lithographic facsimile by the Norris Peters Co. of the original 1792 plan engraved by James Thackara and John Vallance. The original plate is identified as No. 3035 in the upper left corner. (21.8 x 17") A nice pair of matching maps that appear to have been reissued circa 1900 based on printing method and paper.

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Condition: A

The former with a very small chip in the edge of the left margin, well away from image. Otherwise, both maps are crisp impressions on bright paper with a couple tiny, unobtrusive spots.