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Description

Decorative example of Kuchel and Dresel's view of Crescent City, published in San Francisco in 1857.

The view shows the nascent Crescent City surrounded by tall pines and with only a few buildings. Two small steamers are at anchor in the bay. The Klamath Mountains are visible in the background. Surrounding the map are twenty-three vignettes of important public and private buildings.

The view shows Crescent City only three years after it was established in 1853 and incorporated in 1854. A road came in 1855, connecting Crescent City to Eureka. Battery Point Lighthouse, which appears to be behind the viewer in the present lithograph, is not visible.

Charles C. Kuchel & Emil Dresel were among the earliest western view makers. The pair published approximately 50 views between 1855 and 1859, of which 41 were of California, seven were of Oregon and the others were of Washington and Nevada towns. The pair became active in 1855, producing 4 views in 1855, 16 in 1856, and 17 in 1857. Kuchel & Dresel published their views both with and without the smaller vignettes around the primary subject matter.

Rarity

The view is very rare. Reps locates only 2 examples. The example at the Amon Carter Museum appears to be a proof state without the vignettes surrounding the central view.

Condition Description
Several areas of loss, expertly restored in facsimile, including an area in the French Restaurant vignette and bottom left corner.
Reference
Reps 81.