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Description

Encouraging Immigraiton To California in the 1880s

The Map of the State of California Compiled Expressly for the Immigration Association of California, published in 1884, was a promotional tool designed to encourage immigration to California by showcasing the state's available land, resources, and opportunities. The text on the verso of the map is organized into several categories that provide extensive information about the state's land, climate, and incentives for new settlers.

The map was issued on at the beginning of a major population boom in the state, especially in Southern California, which was experiencing its first major boom.

The main map of California offers a comprehensive view of the state. It includes detailed representations of counties, towns, railroads, and geographical features such as rivers and mountain ranges. The map is designed to highlight the accessibility and connectivity of various regions within California, making it an effective tool for potential settlers to visualize their new home. The detailed title section of the map provides information about the scale and references used, ensuring accuracy and utility for those using it to plan their relocation. The map not only serves as a practical guide but also as a persuasive document showcasing California's vast potential and promising future for new immigrants.

The first section, Schools, Churches, and Benevolent Associations, describes the pride California takes in its educational institutions and churches, emphasizing their abundance and quality. Private Lands discusses the availability and pricing of private lands, ranging from unimproved lands to those suited for agriculture and other purposes. Free Government Lands details the availability of government land under the Homestead and Pre-emption Laws, promoting the opportunity for settlers to acquire land at low costs. The text also outlines the work of the Immigration Association of California in assisting immigrants, providing specific information and guidance to new settlers.

California's favorable climate is highlighted in the section on Climate, promoting it as the finest in the world for health, beauty, and fertility. The Homestead Law explains the process for acquiring land under this law, including the requirements and benefits for settlers, while the Pre-emption Law describes another method for settlers to acquire land, detailing the steps and conditions. Information on the Timber Culture Law is also provided, allowing settlers to acquire land by planting and maintaining trees.

The text advises potential settlers on the capital needed to start a new life in California in the section Capital Necessary for New Comers, including approximate wages and costs of living. The Work of the Immigration Association is discussed, highlighting the association’s efforts in receiving and assisting immigrants, distributing information, and guiding new settlers. Approximate Wages per Day and Week without Board lists the wages for various types of labor, helping settlers understand the economic opportunities available. Finally, Information for Settlers provides practical advice and steps for settlers to follow upon arriving in California.

Immigration Association of California

The Immigration Association of California was established in the late 19th century with the goal of attracting settlers to the state. This organization played a crucial role in promoting California as a desirable destination for immigrants by providing information, assistance, and resources to new settlers. The association emphasized the state's agricultural potential, favorable climate, and economic opportunities. Through publications like this map, the association sought to boost the state's population and economic development by encouraging migration from other parts of the United States and abroad.

The leadership of the Immigration Association of California comprised influential figures dedicated to the state's development. Arthur R. Briggs served as the president, with Wm. L. Merry as the vice-president and Wm. Steinhart as the treasurer.  

Rarity

The map is very rare.  We note a single example of this state of the map, offered for sale at PBA Galleries.

  •  OCLC locates only later 2 variant examples (Bancroft Library and CSU Fresno), dating them 1886, with no text on the back.
  • We also locate an example at Harvard, with a variant title ending "compiled expressly for C.H. Street & Co., successors to the Immigration Association of California," dated 1884, that does have the verso text.