This lot includes three mid-19th century plans of Washington as depicted by the most notable American mapmakers of the period.

A. Colton’s Georgetown and the City of Washington the Capital of the United States, by G.W. & C.B. Colton & Co., dated 1855 (15.9 x 12.9"). This fine plan of the city also portrays three large vignettes of The Capitol, Washington Monument, and the Smithsonian Institution. All major streets and buildings are named. The Washington Monument is shown in the full design envisioned by Robert Mills that includes the lower colonnade which was never built due to costs and arguments on its design. The map is surrounded with Colton's decorative, strapwork border. Condition: A few faint spots of foxing, otherwise fine. (A)

B. Plan of the City of Washington. The Capitol of the United States, by S. Augustus Mitchell, dated 1861 (13.6 x 11.0"). Nice example of this map with major buildings and sites noted including the Presidents House, Washington Monument and the Smithsonian Institute. Engraved by W.H. Gamble. Surrounded by a floral and ribbon border, which appeared in Mitchell's atlases from 1863-66. Condition: Just a few minor spots in the margins, otherwise fine. (A)

C. Johnson’s Georgetown and the City of Washington the Capital of The United States of America, by A.J. Johnson, circa 1866 (15.8 x 12.8"). This plan also portrays The Capitol, Washington Monument, and the Smithsonian Institution. All major streets and buildings are named. The map is surrounded with a decorative, metalwork border. Condition: Light toning and faint offsetting. There is a small chip in the bottom right corner of the sheet, away from the image. (B+)

References:

Condition:

See description above.