Catalog Archive
Auction 140, Lot 295

"Geology of the Gold Region of North Carolina"

Subject: North Carolina

Period: 1829 (published)

Publication: The American Journal of Science and Arts, Vol. XVI. No. 1

Color: Hand Color

Size:
10.8 x 7.3 inches
27.4 x 18.5 cm
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This is one of the more difficult to find American Journal of Science volumes because it contains Elisha Mitchell's map Geology of the Gold Region of North Carolina and his accompanying article. This important map appears to be the first published geological map of any part of North Carolina as it predates the earliest example listed in Marcou & Marcou's Mapoteca Geologica Americana, A Catalogue of Geological Maps of America, USGS Bulletin 7, 1884. The map covers the region of America's first gold rush that occurred during the 1820's and 1830's. Often overshadowed by the larger findings in California, gold was first discovered in the U.S. in Cabarrus County, North Carolina in 1799.

In 1853, Dr. Mitchell successfully measured the height of Mt. Mitchell, which was named for him and is the highest point in the U.S. east of the Mississippi River. Tragically, he fell to his death while attempting to re-measure the readings in 1857. 20 pp. disbound report accompanies the map.

References:

Condition: B+

Original hand color with just a few minor spots in the image.

Estimate: $200 - $300

Sold for: $150

Closed on 5/23/2012

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