A. Map of the United States Exhibiting the Present Status of Knowledge Relating to the Areal Distribution of Geologic Groups (Preliminary Compilation), by W.J. McGee, from U.S. Geological Survey Fifth Annual Report, dated 1884 (28.2 x 17.4"). This is the first published geological map of the United States by the USGS. It is generally referred to as the McGee map after the compiler. The legend at lower left names and color codes eleven different geological groups. There is also very fine detail of hydrology. Vast areas of the western U.S. remain blank, reflecting the infancy and inadequacy of western geological explorations at the time, and coincidentally emphasizing the need for more congressional funding. The mapping of the King, Hayden, Powell and Wheeler surveys are evident in the West, but little else. This was the most up-to-date map at the time, but was soon superseded by Hitchcock's 1886 map that augmented the western states' geological detail. Condition: Issued folding with light toning along the left fold.

B. Map of the United States and Territories to Accompany Annual Report of Honorable Wm. A. J. Sparks Commissioner, General Land Office for Fiscal Year That Ended June 30, 1885, by General Land Office, dated 1885 (38.2 x 24.1"). This detailed lithograph of the United States was published in the annual report of the General Land Office for 1885 under the direction of William A.J. Sparks. The map is color-coded to show the public land states/territories, which includes the entire United States west of the Mississippi excluding Texas (which had its own Land Office as part of the annexation settlement) and Indian Territory. Additional details include topography, drainage, cities and towns. An inset of Alaska Territory is included at bottom left. Lithographed by Norris Peters in Washington. Condition: Issued folding with a 1.5" binding tear at left and a 4" fold separation at top right that have both been closed on verso with archival tape. There are several tiny splits at the fold junctions with minute image loss.

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Condition: B+

See description above.