Catalog Archive
Auction 155, Lot 207

"Map of Upper California by the U. S. Ex. Ex. and Best Authorities", Wilkes, Charles

Subject: Western United States

Period: 1849 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
11.3 x 8.5 inches
28.7 x 21.6 cm
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This map covers all the American West south of 42° N. and west of the Anahuac Mountains (the Rockies) with by far the greatest detail in California, particularly in the Gold Region. In this later edition, the Colorado River has a more accurate course through today's northern Arizona. The map was drawn almost entirely from Fremont's maps of 1845 and 1848, replicating Fremont's famous topographical error, showing an east-west mountain range across the unexplored area of the Great Basin. The course of Mary's River (Humboldt River) is depicted with relative accuracy. Los Angeles is a tiny Pueblo de los Angelos.

References: cf. Wheat (TMW) #654; cf. Wheat (Gold) #135.

Condition: B

Light toning, a few spots of foxing, and faint offsetting from an opposing page of text. Issued folding, now pressed and backed in Japanese tissue.

Estimate: $200 - $250

Sold for: $140

Closed on 11/18/2015

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