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Description

This annotated map of Kansas, compiled by A.F. Hassan in 1921, was used and annotated by Ameican historian Colonel George Ruhlen to illustrate his historical historical analysis of the exploration and settlement of the American West, particularly focusing on early trails and significant events in Kansas.

This map is richly annotated with references to exploration routes, trails, early settlements, and geographical features, giving insight into the region's role as a key corridor during westward expansion.

Key Historical Trails and Routes:

  1. Santa Fe Trail (Solid Purple Line):

    • The Santa Fe Trail was a major trade route connecting Missouri to Santa Fe, New Mexico, starting in 1821. It was critical for commercial trade and cultural exchange between the U.S. and Mexico.
    • The map identifies various segments of the trail, including the Cimarron Cutoff, which was a shorter but riskier route that crossed the arid Cimarron Desert. This cutoff and features like the Cimarron Crossing of the Arkansas River highlight the trail's importance for commerce and migration.
  2. Oregon Trail (Dashed Purple Line):

    • The Oregon Trail served as a primary route for settlers heading to the Pacific Northwest. It crossed the northeastern portion of Kansas and connected with other key trails, such as the California Trail.
    • This route symbolized westward migration and settlement, driven by opportunities for land and economic prosperity.
  3. Emory’s Route (Green Line):

    • Lieutenant William H. Emory played a significant role in mapping the American West during his expeditions. The map tracks Emory's 1846 journey from Leavenworth, noting daily camps and astronomical observations used for navigation.
    • These annotations reflect the military and scientific efforts to chart the region during the U.S.-Mexican War, which emphasized the strategic value of the Kansas plains.

Significant Sites and Events:

  1. Quivira and Coronado’s Expeditions (1541):

    • The "Site of Quivira 1541" and "Coronado's Crossing June 29, 1541" refer to the Spanish explorer Francisco Vázquez de Coronado's expedition in search of the mythical Seven Cities of Gold. Quivira, located in modern Kansas, represented the northernmost reach of Spanish exploration.
    • These locations signify the early European incursions into the Great Plains, long before the era of American westward expansion.
  2. Military and Trade Forts:

    • Forts such as Fort Dodge, Fort Mann, and Fort Atkinson served as key military outposts and supply points along the Santa Fe Trail. They were crucial for protecting settlers and traders from conflicts with Native American tribes and ensuring safe passage through the region.
    • Ft. Aubrey and other outposts reflect the growing military presence during the mid-19th century, aimed at securing the trails and expanding U.S. influence.
  3. Geographical Landmarks:

    • Point of Rocks, Chateau's Island, and the Arkansas River crossings were critical waypoints for travelers and traders. These natural features provided navigation aids and essential resources like water and shelter in the vast prairie landscape.
    • Springs such as Lower Spring, Middle Spring, and Wagon Bed Spring were lifelines for travelers crossing the arid and challenging terrain of western Kansas.
  4. Survey of the Trail (1825):

    • The survey refers to the 1825 government-sponsored survey of the Santa Fe Trail, led by Commissioners Joseph C. Brown and George C. Sibley. This effort formally established the route as a trade and migration artery and marked the beginning of federal interest in western infrastructure.
  5. Jackson Grove:

    • This site, like other groves and landmarks, served as a recognizable resting place or waypoint for travelers on long journeys.

Kansas played a pivotal role in westward expansion during the 19th century. The trails that crisscrossed the state connected settlers, traders, and military forces to key destinations in the West. These routes were not only pathways for migration but also conduits for cultural exchange, conflict, and economic activity. The annotations on the map reflect a transformative period when Kansas was a crossroads of exploration, commerce, and settlement.

The map’s inclusion of daily camps, astronomical calculations, and detailed landmarks illustrates the meticulous efforts of explorers like Emory and the challenges faced by those crossing the state. Furthermore, the presence of Spanish, Native American, and U.S. historical layers highlights Kansas's significance as a contested and dynamic region in the story of the American West. This map serves as a valuable document for understanding the convergence of exploration, trade, and military strategy in shaping Kansas’s historical landscape. 

Condition Description
Extensively annotated in purple, green, blue and pencil.
Colonel George Ruhlen Biography

Colonel George Ruhlen (1884–1971) was a distinguished military officer and historical geographer whose career spanned significant developments in U.S. military history, particularly during the early and mid-20th century. Best known for organizing the coastal defenses of San Diego after Pearl Harbor, his leadership, particularly during World War II, and his contributions to historical scholarship made him a respected figure in both military and academic circles. 

Born at Fort Totten, near Devil's Lake, North Dakota, in 1884, Ruhlen came from a family with a deep military tradition. His father, Major General George Ruhlen, was a U.S. Army quartermaster.  Ruhlen graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army. His early postings were within the Quartermaster Corps, but over time, he transitioned to roles of increasing responsibility within the field artillery, where he demonstrated keen leadership skills. His career saw him stationed at various posts, with a notable assignment in 1938 as the commanding officer of Corregidor, a fortress island in the Philippines critical to the defense of Manila Bay.

Colonel Ruhlen is perhaps best remembered for his role as the commander of Fort Rosecrans, a key military installation in San Diego, California. After the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Ruhlen was tasked with organizing the coastal defenses of San Diego, a city that was seen as vulnerable to Japanese attack in the early days of the Pacific War. Fort Rosecrans, located on the Point Loma peninsula, became the centerpiece of Ruhlen’s efforts to fortify the region.

In his capacity as commander, Ruhlen oversaw the deployment of coastal artillery and anti-aircraft defenses, ensuring that San Diego, a vital Pacific Fleet base and a hub for wartime logistics, was well-protected. His leadership during this period was crucial in maintaining the security of one of the most strategically important cities on the U.S. West Coast. 

Ruhlen retired from the U.S. Army in 1944, but his contributions to the San Diego community did not end there. He became heavily involved in historical research and preservation, notably serving as the president of the San Diego Historical Society during the late 1940s and early 1950s. In this role, Ruhlen was instrumental in promoting the study of Southern California's military history, especially the role that Fort Rosecrans and other installations played in the defense of the region during World War II.

Ruhlen’s work as a historical geographer extended beyond military history. He was particularly interested in the history of the American West and the strategic role of military forts in the development of the region. His research and writings contributed to a greater understanding of the military’s influence on the growth of Southern California, helping to preserve the legacy of the region's military past. 

Colonel George Ruhlen was part of a family with a remarkable military lineage. His father, George Ruhlen Sr., served as an Army inspector general and was a significant figure in the U.S. Army during the early 20th century. Ruhlen's son, also named George Ruhlen, followed in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps, serving with distinction in the U.S. Army during World War II. As a Lieutenant Colonel, George Ruhlen III commanded the 3rd Armored Field Artillery Battalion, a unit of the 9th Armored Division that played a key role in halting German advances during the Battle of the Bulge, particularly in the defense of Medernach.