This large pocket map of the nascent state of Colorado was published by Homer Lockwood Thayer in Denver. It shows early county development including the immense counties of Weld, Arapahoe, Elbert, Bent, and Las Animas in the eastern plains. Several railroads are shown including the Denver Pacific, Burlington & Colorado, Kansas Pacific, Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe, and a branch of the Denver & Rio Grande that extends to Durango and Silverton in La Plata County. A large section of western Colorado is identified as the Confederated Ute Indian Reservation with the recently established White River Military Reservation (established by Executive Order on April 26, 1881) placed within its borders. A few uncommon place names appear including Tennessee Colony near Ft. Morgan and Greeley (formerly the Union Colony, incorporated in 1886). There is good topographical detail throughout, and a legend at top left identifies county seats, railroad stations, towns and villages, private grants, and land offices. The map was based upon surveys from the General Land Office and lithographed by Julius Bien in New York. Folds into green cloth boards (4.0 x 5.8") with gilt title on the front cover.

H.L. Thayer, a Civil War veteran, established his map business in 1871 and was one of the earliest publishers in Denver. He issued his large Sectional Map of Colorado that same year and continued to produce different editions of Thayer's Map of Colorado over the following decade. This 1882 example is the final edition.

References: cf. Rumsey #3702.

Condition: B

Issued folding on a clean sheet with numerous fold separations that have been mostly closed on verso with archival materials. Covers have light wear and minor soiling.