This uncommon map from Marcy's report covers an area in Texas wholly unexplored previously, including southwest Oklahoma (here Choctaw and Chickasaw Territory). At the time, the only information on the region was from Indians and Indian traders. The map details Captain Randolph Barnes Marcy's route of exploration through this part of Texas with dates, the route of the train from Preston to Warren's T.H. at Cold Spring, Indian villages and camps, topography and hydrology. Filled with fascinating notations about the land and resources including a large profile of the entire region.

Earlier attempts at exploration had been thwarted by the Spanish; Capt. Sparks in 1806, Lt. Pike again in 1806 and Col. Long in 1819-20. Marcy's instructions from Major Gen. Scott were to make an examination of the Red River and the country bordering it. Accordingly, Marcy started his adventure on May 16th, 1852 from the vicinity of Ft. Arbuckle and reached the source of the upper branch of the Red River on June 16th. He then took a side trip of about 25 miles north to the Canadian River, reversed course and journeyed south, arriving at the main branch of the Red River on June 27th. After exploring the main branch to its source, he returned to Fort Arbuckle on June 28th. The explorers were greeted with great surprise as a report had spread about their massacre at the hands of the Comanche.

References: Wagner & Camp #226; Howes #M276.

Condition: B+

Issued folding with minor foxing and a few small stains. Trimmed close to the neatline at lower right and at left, with a short tear in the top left corner that has been closed on verso with archival tape.