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Description

Extremely rare geographical publication, published in New York by Disturnell during the first half of 1855.

The work is of the utmost rarity. While OCLC lists 8 examples (4 in New York Libraries, 1 at American Antiquarian Society, 1 at the University of Vermont, 1 at the BNF and 1 in a Dutch Library), 6 of the 8 are described as having only 5 issues (the others are not described), so it is possible that either our June 1855 issue is rarer than the others or that the May issue was never printed.

The set we offer includes 3 maps:

1. Map of New-Mexico and the Territory, acquired by the Gadsden Treaty, Also showing the Proposed Southern or Texan Rail Road Route. www.raremaps.com/gallery/enlarge/24963c

2. Map of Oregon and Washington %erritories : showing the Proposed orthern Rail Road Route to the Pacific Ocean. www.raremaps.com/gallery/enlarge/24963d

3. Chart Showing the Recent Search for a North-West Passage : Also, The Coast Explored in Search of Sir John Franklin, Between the Years 1848 and 1854. www.raremaps.com/gallery/enlarge/24963e

The first two maps are extremely rare. The Northwest passage chart was re-issued by Charles Morse in his Atlas of the United States in 1856, without Distrunell's name or the names of the printers (Taylor & Hoyt).

The New Mexico Territory map would seem to be the rarest survival of 3 maps. OCLC notes an example in the Huntington Library and a photocopy of the map in the Arizona Historical Society, which attributed the map to Herman Ehrenberg. Wheat, who was unfamiliar with the source of the map, stated:

. . . a "Map of New Mexico and of the Territroy acquired by the Gadsden Treaty" . . . is of prime interest. It shows als othe Southern or Texan Rail Road Route" extending fto Franklin (modern El Paso) and from there following Cooke's wagon road to teh Colorado at "Fort Yumas" and on west to SAn Diego. Various details lead one to believe that this was by Gray or possibly Ehrenberg, but it seems best to list it as anonymous at this time.

A line unlabeled, but doubtless of the railroad expedition of Whipple, leaves Albuqueque and goes past Zuni to the Rio Colorado Chiquito and down that stream to the San Francisco Mountains. Continuing, it goes by Williams Fork to the Colorado (where ar the "Yumas" instead of Mojave, Indians) and up the Mojave River, which is shown flowing into the Colorado from the west, finally reaching Cajon Pass at the western edge of the map. . . . it is an important map of New Mexico while it included Arizona.

The map of the northwest is also of tremendous interest, locating numerous Indian Tribes, forts, important early roads and other features. Whitney's Proposed Railroad Route from Lake Michigan to the Columbia is shown, as is the proposed Route of the Northern Pacific Railroad. There are also early counties noted in Oregon.

Full Title: The Geographical and Commercial Gazette. A Montlhy Publication, Devoted To Physical, Commercial and Political Geography. Edited By An Association of Practical Scientific Gentlemen. A list of the contents of the first 4 volumes can be found at this link: www.raremaps.com/gallery/enlarge/24963b

An announcement in the Monthly Nautical Magazine and Quarterly Review, Volume 1, pp 464-65 (1855), states:

The Geographical And Commercial Gazetteis the title of a new monthly publication, issued for the proprietors: By J. Disturnell. 207 Broadway, New-York.

The Gazette began with the New Year, and, as its title indicates, is devoted to Physical, Commercial, and Political Geography. It is edited by an association of practical and scientific gentlemen; and each number is accompanied by a map, illustrating some interesting portion of the globe, in connection with an article upon the geography of the same.

Until within a recent period Physical Geography was scarcely recognised as a distinct science, or felt to possess any striking importance in connection with the advancement of the popular mind. But the march of progress in developing commercial relations with the farthest corners of the earth, has brought us to the threshold of a department of knowledge which every intelligent man should enter, and court acquaintance with its treasures.

The Geographical Gazette appears well adapted to cultivate a popular taste for the study of this interesting science; and by supplying a monthly table of fresh information upon its peculiar topics, will become a useful and instructive serial. It is the only work of the kind in America. Terms-$2 per annum.

A remarkable rarity. This is the only example which were we know of to have been offered for sale.

Condition Description
Set of 5 (of 6) monthly journals. Front page of 1 copy and back page of 1 copy lacking. Includes 3 single page maps (detached). The covers are brittle with some minor tears, but generally a remarkable survival
Reference
Wheat #820.