These three maps and important reports reflect the debate about the value and continuation of the geographical surveys of the West.

A. Chart Exhibiting the Areas Surveyed by King, Wheeler, Hayden, Jenney, and Powell Compiled from Official Publications, by John Wesley Powell, black & white (28.2 x 19.8"). A remarkable map divided into 160 sections that reflects the overlapping survey efforts west of the 100th meridian, including the surveys of King (40th parallel), Wheeler, Powell, Jenney and Hayden. The use of shading reveals that much of Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah had duplicated efforts. This was a key map that helped persuade Congress to accept Powell’s position that the multiple surveys were duplicative and should be replaced by a single Geological Survey, subsequently established under Powell’s leadership. Still bound to Powell's 19 page report. There is only one auction record (OWA 156-154) of this map, and only two copies were located in institutions.

B. Map Showing Progress of the Work of U.S. Geological and Geographical Survey of the Territories, by F.V. Hayden, black & white (23.5 x 16.4"). This map is divided into 143 sections and shows surveying activity in Nebraska (geologic only), Colorado, northern New Mexico, and Wyoming. Still bound into Hayden's 22 page report.

C. 1878 Progress Map of the U.S. Geographical Surveys West of the 100th Meridian..., by Lt. George M. Wheeler, printed color (22.2 x 16.1"). A detailed representation of the various routes of western expeditions and the important surveys of King (40th parallel), Wheeler, Powell & Hayden. This edition includes the survey seasons of 1869, and 1871 through 1877. Among the details are the locations of occupied and abandoned posts, astronomical stations, signal service stations, telegraphic lines, and the routes of cattle droves and trains. It is a virtual tour de force of prior explorations and surveys. Accompanied by Wheeler's 8 page report.

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Condition: B+

The folding maps are very good with light toning along the folds and sheet edges. Disbound text is also lightly toned.