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The Second General Land Office Map of the United States
This 1865 edition of the Map of the Public Land States and Territories, issued by the General Land Office, captures a pivotal moment in America's westward expansion through the lens of land surveys. This second edition builds upon its 1864 predecessor, showcasing the progression of township and range surveys across the Plains and into the Far West. Its timing is particularly significant, coming in the wake of the Pacific Railroad Act of 1862 and amid intensive railroad surveys that would profoundly shape the nation's development.
The map reveals a stark contrast in survey coverage. Coastal regions and the Mississippi Valley display impressive survey density, reflecting areas of established settlement and economic activity. In contrast, the interior territories of Montana Territory, Dakota Territory (which still includes the future Wyoming), Idaho Territory, Nevada, Utah and Arizona Territory show only nascent survey work. This disparity vividly illustrates the uneven advance of American settlement and the monumental task of integrating these vast interior spaces into the national framework.
Constructed from official surveys and authoritative sources, the map offers a comprehensive view of territorial development immediately following the Civil War. It depicts state and territorial boundaries, land offices, townships, cities, forts, and Indian Reservations, with particular detail in California, Washington, Oregon, New Mexico, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, and the Mississippi River states. Beyond political divisions, the map's rich topographical details demonstrate the GLO's expanding knowledge of the Western landscapes.
The map serves as a crucial record of transportation infrastructure, documenting existing and proposed wagon trails and railroad lines. This information proved invaluable for government officials, settlers, and businesses driving westward expansion. The map's legend provides further context, explaining symbols for administrative offices and road types, making it an indispensable tool for land management and development in the post-Homestead Act era.
The series of GLO maps of the United States from 1864 to the early-20th century should be seen as critical documents in the cartography and history of the American West.
Rarity
The early GLO maps are scarce. This edition is not in Rumsey. It is only the second time we have had the map.
General Land Office Large Maps of the United States to 1890
The General Land Office, which had been founded in 1812, began publishing official maps of the United States in 1864. The first iteration (1864-1865 or '66) of these maps focused on the United States west of the original colonies. Eventually, these publications would grow into large multi-sheet wall maps, which were published into the 20th century. The following is a preliminary list of maps from this series of publications up to 1890. It will be revised and potentially extended as time and information allows in the future.
1864. Map of the Public Land States and Territories constructed from The Public Surveys and other official sources in the General Land Office Drawn by J.H. Hawes, Principal Draughtsman T. Franks, Assistant 1864. Rumsey 4581.
1865. Map of the Public Land States and Territories constructed from The Public Surveys and other official sources in the General Land Office Drawn by J.H. Hawes, Principal Draughtsman T. Franks, Assistant 1865. BLR 106917.
1866. Map of the United States and Territories, Shewing the extent of Public Surveys and other details. Constructed From the Plats and official sources of the General Land Office Under the direction of the Hon. Jon. S. Wilson, Commissioner . . . 1866. BLR 99458.
1867. Map of the United States and Territories, Showing the extent of Public Surveys and other details, Constructed From the Plats and official sources of the General Land Office, Under the direction of Hon. Jos. S. Wilson, Commissioner, by Joseph Gorlinski, Draughtsman, 1867. Rumsey 1882.
1869. Map of the United States and Territories, Showing the extent of Public Surveys and other details, Constructed From the Plats and official sources of the General Land Office, Under the direction of Hon. Jos. S. Wilson, Commissioner, by Joseph Gorlinski, Draughtsman, 1868. Rumsey 1883.
1870.
1871. Map of the United States and Territories, Showing the extent of Public Surveys and other details, Constructed from the Plats and official sources of the General Land Office, Under the direction of the Hon. Willis Drummond, Commissioner, 1871, by C. Roeser, Draughtman. BPL G3701.B5 1871 .U55
1872.
1873. Map of the United States and Territories, Showing the Extent of Public Surveys, Indian and Military Reservations, Land Grant R.R., Rail Roads, Canals, and Other Details, Compiled from the Official Surveys of the General Land Office, and Other Authentic Sources, Under the Direction of Hon. Willis Drummond, Commissioner. Library of Congress G3700 1873 .U55
1875. Map of the United States and Territories. Showing The Extent of Public Surveys, Indian and Military Reservations, Land Grant RR, Rail Roads, Canals, and other Details. Compiled From the Official Surveys of the General Land Office . . S.S. Burdett. . . 1875. BLR 80634.
1876. Map of the United States and Territories. Showing The Extent of Public Surveys, Indian and Military Reservations, Land Grant RR, Rail Roads, Canals, and other Details. Compiled From the Official Surveys of the General Land Office. . . Hon. J.A. Williamson. . . 1876. BLR 106900.
1876. 1876 Centennial Map of the United States and territories showing the extent of public surveys, Indian and military reservations, land grant railroads, railroads, canals, cities, towns & other details, compiled from the official surveys of the General Land Office, and other authentic sources, under the direction of the Committee on Public Lands, House of Representatives. By W. L. Woods, Clerk of the Committee, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44 & 45 Congress. C. Roeser, Chief Draughtsman. See Phillips Maps, page 926.
1878. 1876 Centennial Map of the United States and territories showing the extent of public surveys, Indian and military reservations, land grant railroads, railroads, canals, cities, towns & other details, compiled from the official surveys of the General Land Office, and other authentic sources, under the direction of the Committee on Public Lands, House of Representatives. By W. L. Woods, Clerk of the Committee, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44 & 45 Congress. C. Roeser, Chief Draughtsman. Revised & corrected to 1878. Rumsey 1071.
1888.
1890. Map of the United States and Territories, with Adjacent Parts of Canada and Mexico also part of the West India Islands. Showing the Extent of Public Surveys, Indian and Military Reservations, Rail Roads, Canals, and Other Details. Compiled from the Official Surveys of the General Land Office and Other Authentic Sources. Under the Direction of the Hon. Lewis A. Groff, Commissioner. A.F. Dinsmore, Chief Draughting Division. Rumsey 3157.
![[ Western United States -- Massive Idaho Territory ]](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/99057.jpg)
