This lot includes 5 sections (of 7) of the historic map that established the Oregon Trail Route. It was compiled by Charles Preuss during Fremont's controversial Third Expedition. Preuss created the seven-part map from Fremont's 1845 map along with additional topography based on Fremont's sketches and notes as well as his own expedition notes. Wheat calls this set a rarity that is important in the "evolution of the transcontinental wagon roads" and deserves "close study." Wheat devotes four pages to describe the map and illustrates all seven sheets in his monumental work.

The five contiguous sheets offered here cover the route from Grand Island on the Platte River to Fort Boise at the confluence of the Snake and Boise rivers. Each sheet contains fascinating comments from Fremont's narrative, and notes regarding water, grass, fuel, game and Indians; invaluable information for emigrants at the time. This is the original Senate version that includes the attribution to E. Weber & Co. directly below the titles.

References: Wheat (TMW) #523; Streeter Sale #3100.

Condition: C+

The maps have scattered foxing and toning along the left sheet edge. All sheets have an edge tear at left, all around 2" in length except for the last sheet which has a 5" tear, that have been closed on verso with non-archival tape.