This impressive portfolio consists of 3 index maps and 31 of 32 detailed maps that follows the course of the Mississippi River from Cairo, Missouri to the entrance of the Gulf of Mexico (missing only sheet 18). The maps include a plethora of information related to the river including islands, shoals, mileages, etc., as well as details along the shoreline including individual property owner names/boundaries, towns, cities and railroads. This revised edition has been updated to 1906 and includes new shore lines in red, controlling levee lines in heavy red, and also notes changed positions in landings. On a detailed scale of 1 mile per inch. The maps were published by the Mississippi River Commission, which was created by Congress in 1879 with the goal of improving the conditions on the Mississippi River to aid in navigation, accelerate commerce, and prevent catastrophic flooding. Three separate government agencies assisted with this ambitious survey: the Mississippi River Commission, the Corps of Engineers, and the Coast Survey Office. Oblong folio, original printed wrappers, table of distances, 3 linen backed index sheets, and 31 of 32 detailed maps of the river. All sheets are loose as issued.

References: Phillips (Maps) p. 442.

Condition: C+

A working example that was previously rolled with overall light toning, numerous manuscript notations throughout, and a small puncture tear throughout near the middle of the map image. There is a large chip out of the right corner of sheet 1 (Cairo) resulting in some loss of image, and many of the maps are tattered in the top and bottom blank margins. There is moderate toning to index sheet 3, sheet 1, and sheets 24-27. Sheet 28 has a 1.5" edge tear at left. Paper wrappers are heavily chipped at top and bottom, and the front cover is toned at right with manuscript notations.