A. Washington and Oregon, by Joseph Hutchins Colton, from Colton's Atlas of the World, dated 1853 (16.3 x 12.8"). A great map of the Pacific Northwest showing both territories extending to the Continental Divide and incorporating the region that would become Idaho. Of specific interest is the notation of all the major exploration routes, wagon trails, and the proposed routes for the transcontinental railway as explored by Gov. Stevens. A few organized counties are confined to a narrow band along the coast and Wascopen, Skamania, and Walla Walla are the only counties east of the Cascade Range. Dated 1853 but published circa 1857. Condition: There is light toning and dampstaining confined to the blank margins. (A)

B. Map of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Part of Montana, by Samuel Augustus Mitchell, from Mitchell's New General Atlas, dated 1870 (13.7 x 10.9"). This decorative map features the newly formed, but unnamed Wyoming. In this configuration the northwestern corner extends as a wedge between Idaho and Montana. Both Idaho and Montana show early county development. Eastern Washington is shown with only three counties while Oregon's eastern portion has four. The map notes places so important to navigation, such as Ft. Boise, Ft. Bonneville, the Three Buttes, and several gold mining areas including Elk City. The Emigrant Road, or the Oregon Trail, winds across from South Pass, following the route of the Snake River and ending at The Dalles. Condition: There is a faint dampstain at top right, a small abrasion in Washington, and a short split just above the border at top right. (B+)

References:

Condition:

See description above.