This famous map by Lt. Abert, assisted by Lt. Peck, is considered of great importance as it shows the first precise astronomical observations in this unknown part of the country. It covers the area from Missouri to the Rocky Mountains, as far north as Ft. Laramie and south to Santa Fe. The entire length of the Santa Fe Trail is shown, and details the party's route along the Arkansas and Canadian rivers.

After reaching Bent's Fort in present-day southern Colorado, Fremont broke away from the party and headed to California, refocusing his attention on a key region in the war with Mexico. He instructed Abert and Peck to complete the remainder of the original route along the Canadian River through very hostile territory controlled by the Comanche and Kiowa Indians. Fortunately, the entire exploring party survived this dangerous region and Abert & Peck delivered their maps and notes to Washington. The final map engraved here by Charles Preuss shows the exploring party's route in the southern half of the map and Fremont's routes from 1842-44 are reflected in the northern half. While it is unclear why Preuss added a northern section, Wheat considers it to be "one of great interest."

For an outstanding new article detailing Abert & Peck's journey, please see Wes Brown's article in the Fall 2021 issue of the Portolan.

References: Brown (Portolan - Fall 2021) pp. 31-38; Wheat (TMW) #489; Wagner-Camp #120.

Condition: B

Issued folding with light dampstains along the fold lines and a number of fold separations that have been closed on verso with archival tape. There is a small abrasion just to the south of Spanish Peaks resulting in small loss of image and some light extraneous creasing at left.