Catalog Archive
Auction 146, Lot 162

"Report of the Board of Directors of Internal Improvements of the State of Massachusetts on the Practicability and Expediency of a Rail-Road from Boston to the Hudson River..."

Subject: New England, Railroads

Period: 1829 (published)

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
5.7 x 9.1 inches
14.5 x 23.1 cm
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This uncommon report discusses the feasibility of building a railroad from Boston to Albany and from Boston to Providence. Of primary interest are the three large folding railroad maps and three profiles of the proposed railroads. According to Modelski, these are the earliest published American railroad maps. The maps are entitled:

A. Plan of a survey for a Rail-Road Made under the Direction of the Board of Directors of Internal Improvements...No.1 from Boston to Connecticut River ( 8 x 34").

B. Plan of a survey for a Rail-Road Made under the direction of the Board of Directors of Internal Improvements...No.1 from Springfield to Albany (8 x 30").

C. Plan of a Survey for the proposed Boston and Providence Rail-Way (7.3 x 41").

Rebound with a partial linen spine, 118 pp.

References: Modelski #1.

Condition: B

Maps and profiles show scattered foxing and light offsetting. The Boston to Providence map has a 7" tear confined to the lower blank margin. The text is lightly toned with scattered foxing. Minor soiling on the title page.

Estimate: $800 - $1,000

Sold for: $500

Closed on 9/4/2013

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