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Description

Fine example of Alexander Bache's map of the Eastern Virginia, published by Philip & Solomons of Washington, D.C.

Detailed map of Eastern Virginia and Delaware, engraved by Charles Krebs and compiled by W.L. Nicholson, under the direction of A.D. Bache. The US Government was, at the time, apparently supplementing its income by selling government published maps.

The map focuses on Richmond and Washington, DC, with six concentric circles at ten-mile intervals surrounding both Washington DC and Richmond. Red is used for railways and the circles around Richmond, blue for the circles radiating from Washington, D.C.

It appears likely that these maps were intended for and used by Union officers for activities within rebel-held Virginia during the Civil War.

Philip & Solomons advertised themselves as:

Printers, Publishers, Book Binders and Army-Stationers, No 332 Pennsylvania Avenue, Between 9th and 10th Sts., Washington D.C. -- All kinds of Military Books, Filed Desks, Maps, Field Order Books, Roll Books, Army Pay Tables, Claim Blanks &c.

US Coast Survey Map Making During the Civil War

During the Civil War, the trained engineers and hydrographers of the United States Coast Survey played an important role in the production of field maps. While established for hydrographical mapping, at the outset of the war, it quickly became apparent that infrastructure at the Coast Survey office was the best available production site for the rapid compilation and assimilation of available cartographic sources, in order to produce maps and sea charts in aid of war being waged by the Union Army and Navy.

During this time period, the Coast Survey mapmakers were also responsible for a number of printing innovations that allowed for faster and more accurate printing methods, both at home and in the field. A number of important mapmakers and other historically influential Americans engaged in the production of maps for the Coast Survey from 1861 to 1865.

Condition Description
Dissected and laid on linen, with original covers and paste-down advertising end papers.