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Description

The Finest California & Nevada Wall Map of The Period -- Locates The San Francisco Copper Mine in Spencerville, California.

Rare and important map of California and Nevada, published by Warren Holt in San Francisco and engraved by S.B. Linton of Philadelphia, with decorative vignettes showing the Capitol Buildings in Sacramento and Carson City, and an early image of the University of California, Berkeley.

The map is without question the largest and most detailed map of the states of California and Nevada published in this time period, providing extraordinary detail in both states.

In describing the 1869 edition of this map (of which there are two variant states), Wheat identified the map as the best and most up to date map of both California and Nevada to date, stating that "no amount of time spent on this map would be wasted; its detail is fascinating. Constructed on a scale of 12 miles to the inch, the map is one of the largest maps of the region published to date and clearly the most detailed." Wheat notes that the map was in the style of the Army maps of the period, both in scale and in the inclusion of American Flags flying over military posts.

The present edition is significantly revised from the 1869 edition, the most obvious change being the significant evolution in the county configurations in Nevada.

The other noteworthy change from the 1869 edition is the addition of statistical and other data around the map. The list of Land Offices has grown from 10 to 14 (adding Pioche, Austin, Carson and Elko), with The Surveyed Land Grants in California listed (over 500 in all), and 17 Government and Indian Reservations are identified. The Judicial Districts are also named. Views of the University of California and the Capital building in Nevada have also been added.

The map locates the Boundaries and Office Locations of the Ten US Land Districts shown on the map and includes a finely engraved vignette of Capital Building in Sacramento, which was completed in 1874. The map key also identifies Townships, County Seats, Proposed, Surveyed and Built Rail roads and a host of other fine details. Many of the Spanish Missions are noted, along with Wagon Road, Road Houses, Mines and Mining Districts, Springs, Indian Settlements and early Ranches and land owner claims. A number of early exploration routes are also noted. Along the coastline, many landings, points and early settlements are identified.

The detail of the map is extraordinary. Wheat was correct. The map is an endless source of information and entertainment.

The present example includes a manuscript annotation locating the Spencerville, in Nevada County, California, and the San Francisco Copper Mine. This map was acquired in London and it is probable that the present example was owned by a British investor or prospective investor in the Copper Mine.

Rarity

The map is very rare on the market. While the smaller 2 sheet Charles Drayton Gibbes map of the same title appears on the market with some frequency, this larger wall map edition is very rare on the market.

This is the second example of the 1876 edition of the map we have offered in over 20 years and the only example we have ever seen which was dissected and laid on linen.

Condition Description
Dissected and laid on linen, as issued. Marbled end papers, with decorative embossed title pasted down in gilt on front end paper.
Reference
Wheat 1202.