Catalog Archive
Auction 140, Lot 165

"Map of the Country Embracing the Several Routes Examined with a View to a National Road from Washington to Lake Ontario", U.S. War Department

Subject: Mid-Atlantic United States

Period: 1829 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
17 x 37 inches
43.2 x 94 cm
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This pair of early maps reflects the federal government's early concern for providing a viable transportation system across the country. The detailed and interesting maps were based on a map by Col. Stephen H. Long, compiled by F. Harrison, Jr., drawn by A.J. Stansbury, and engraved on copper by W. Harrison. The first sheet covers an 80-mile section from just below Washington D.C. to Athens, PA, on a scale of five miles to the inch. The various routes run through Harrisburg, Williamsport, Baltimore and Lancaster. The second map is untitled and shows the road system north of the Susquehanna River to Lake Ontario. Both are filled with great detail of country roads, turnpikes, towns and even locates taverns and stores. Each is printed on two joined sheets. Size given is for the first map, the second untitled map measures 17 x 28.5".

References:

Condition: C+

Both banknote style maps show moderate offsetting and toning especially where the sheets are joined. The southern sheet also has some staining in the upper portion of the image and a tiny hole 2" above Frederick, MD.

Estimate: $275 - $350

Sold for: $200

Closed on 5/23/2012

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