This is an updated version of Chapman's 1853 map of the state of Wisconsin, with the only difference being the progress in surveying in the north. It covers only those regions that have been surveyed; thus it does not extend to include the northern part of the state. Towns and settlements are concentrated in the southern part of the state, where the mapping of river systems is highly detailed and the divisions of townships and sections are complete. The counties north and east of the Wisconsin River are still largely unsettled. There are a few railroads and projected railroads serving Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha. Reservations are marked for the Menomonee and Oneida Indians. The locations of many native burial mounds are also shown. Chapman's maps of Wisconsin are among the earliest and most desirable maps of Wisconsin. The map folds into its original green paper boards.

Silas Chapman was an important Midwestern map publisher during the period of rapid expansion in the region (1850-1875). When he first arrived in Wisconsin he was an educator, co-editor of the Milwaukee Sentinel, and publisher of the Milwaukee Herald. He then turned his interests to bookselling, stationery, bookbinding and printing, at first in partnership with Philetus C. Hale and after 1850 alone. He was best known as a publisher of county, city, railroad, and geological maps focusing specifically on the states of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois. Upon his retirement the Chapman firm was acquired by Dyer and Pasmore, who continued to update and republish his maps into the 1880s.

References: cf. Phillips (M) p. 1077; Rumsey #0138.002.

Condition: B

Original outline color with a number of small brown spots, light toning along the folds, and a few tiny splits at fold intersections. Paper boards are lightly stained and worn.