Catalog Archive
Auction 137, Lot 409

Rare Map Showing Deseret

"Neueste Karte von Mexico…", Meyer, Joseph

Subject: United States, Mexico & Utah

Period: 1850 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
14.5 x 11.8 inches
36.8 x 30 cm
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This is a great map of the American Southwest and Mexico, showing the very rare proposed state of Deseret which covers much of the West. The state of Deseret was proposed in 1849 by Mormon settlers in Salt Lake City, which is shown on the map as Mormonfort. In 1850, as part of the Compromise of 1850, Utah and New Mexico territories were created, encompassing the region of Deseret. It appears on only a few maps of the period, most of which are German publications. On this map, the territory boundaries are not delineated, but New Mexico is shown as a small sliver of land between Texas and Deseret. Many Indian tribes are named and located, and the discoveries of Fremont in the Great Basin and California are evident and the Gold Region is located in California. In Mexico, the political boundaries are delineated with a table at left showing the 21 different states. This map predates the Gadsden Purchase.

References:

Condition: A

Minor soiling in the blank margins and a few tiny spots, else fine.

Estimate: $300 - $400

Sold for: $600

Closed on 9/14/2011

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