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Including Routes of Explorers

Scarce German map showing the progress of the Wheeler Expedition, from Petermann's Geographishce Mittheilungen.

Among the great achievements in the history of western exploration and cartography, the Wheeler Expedition holds a prominent place. The renowned German cartographer, Augustus Petermann, seized this opportunity to publish a map titled "Lieut. Wheeler's Expedition In California, Nevada, Arizona, 1875" in Gotha in 1876. The map was featured in Petermann's Geographishce Mittheilungen (Geographical Communications), a respected German periodical that provided the latest updates on global geographical explorations. This unique piece of history provides a detailed account of the Expedition's journey, the routes taken, and the remarkable features of the land traversed.

The Wheeler Expedition was part of the broader US geological survey initiatives in the late 19th century, aiming to chart and explore the western territories. Led by Lieutenant George Wheeler, the Expedition was a significant scientific endeavor, carrying out topographic surveys, studying natural resources, and collecting data on the local Native American tribes.

Petermann's map precisely represents this historic journey, emphasizing the different divisions of the expedition. These include the routes of Eric Bergland, Lieutenant Birnie, Lieutenant Wheeler, and Lieutenant Whipple. Each division had its own distinct path, each meticulously delineated in the map. Particularly notable is the route through the Mining District, showcasing the valuable resources in the area, which was a point of high interest for American and European investors at the time.

In addition to the routes, Petermann's map exhibits a comprehensive array of geographical, cultural, and anthropological details. The vast wilderness of the American west is shown in great depth, with features like mountains, rivers, and roads meticulously represented. The map also acknowledges the presence of forts and wells, essential for any traveler or settler in these hostile lands.

However, it was not only the physical features that Petermann paid attention to; his map also presents fascinating sociocultural details. Native American villages are marked, hinting at the rich indigenous cultures of the region. Moreover, Indian Reservations are also shown, reflecting the difficult reality of Native American displacement and confinement during this period.

Furthermore, the Petermann map was one of the most detailed European-published maps of the American West at the time, marking its exceptional significance.