As part of the Army of the West’s conquest of New Mexico and Upper California during the Mexican-American War, Lt. Col. Cooke and the Mormon Battalion built the first wagon road between the Rio Grande and the Colorado River. During the California Gold Rush this road became a major component of the southern route that eventually became known as the Southern Emigrant Trail. This important map records only that part of the country actually explored with several notes where alternate routes might be possible. Cooke’s Road travels through Guadalupe Pass, then along the San Pedro River, then westward to Tucson and finally northwestward to the Gila River where his route rejoined General Kearny’s Gila Trail. The map is accompanied by Report of Lieut. Col. P. St. George Cooke of his March from Santa Fe, New Mexico to San Diego, Upper California, which records the journey in great detail.

References: Wheat (TMW) #505.

Condition: B

The map was issued folding with light scattered foxing, a few tiny splits at fold intersections, and an edge tear at top that has been closed with tape on verso. The disbound report is moderately foxed and toned.