This very rare, pre-fire map of Chicago shows the extensive railroad network, establishing the city as the transportation hub of the Midwest. Includes an inset map of the state of Illinois that is color-coded to identify different mining resources including coal formations, lead mines and salt works. Lithographed by Edward Mendel. Still bound into the 22 pp. report published by Beach & Barnard that describes why Chicago should be the site of a National Armory and Foundry. This map is apparently very rare with only one auction listing in the last 30 years and one example at the Library of Congress (see references).

References: Phillips (Maps) p. 230; Modelski #115.

Condition: B

Issued folding with a couple of short fold separations along the sheet edges and at fold intersections. There is even light toning and faint offsetting. Front paper wrapper is detached.