Catalog Archive
Auction 126, Lot 211

"Map of Upper California by the U.S. Ex. Ex. And Best Authorities", Wilkes, Charles

Subject: Western United States

Period: 1841 (dated)

Publication: Narrative of the United States Exploring Expedition

Color: Black & White

Size:
11.5 x 8.3 inches
29.2 x 21.1 cm
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This crisply drawn map covers all the American West south of 42 ° N. and west of the Rocky (Anahuac) Mountains, with by far the greatest detail in California. The cartography is distinctly pre-Fremont. The Colorado River is shown trending in an oddly straight course. The Great Basin is called the Great Sandy Plain, is crossed by Smith's Track and is bounded east and west by the Colorado Range and the California Range. The Great Salt Lake is Youta Lake and the Salt River is called the Inconstant R. Interesting notes explain the unknown qualities of the land and describe the Indians as "the most miserable objects in creation".

References: Wheat (TMW) 458; Wheat (Gold) 23.

Condition: A+

Bright and clean example. Two small marginal centerfold splits well closed on verso.

Estimate: $250 - $350

Sold for: $210

Closed on 12/3/2008

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