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Description

One of the First Large Scale Maps of West Virginia

Fine large format map of West Virginia, published by real estate promoter M. Wood White in Grafton, West Virginia, and "Engraved & Printed by H.J. Toudy & Co., Phila. Pa."

The map is exceptionally detailed, locating counties, towns, post offices, railroads roads, rivers, lakes, mountains, etc.

Includes a fine image of the West Virginia State seal and advertising for:

  • C.P. Brown & Co. Dealers in American & Foreign Watches (Wheeling, West Virginia)
  • LS. Delaplain & Son, Wholesale Dealers in Dry Goods & Notions (Wheeling, West Virginia)
  • Levi F. Smith, Dealers in all appliances to Steam Boilers and Engines (Philadelphia)

White notes that:

English Capital is now seeking investment in this State. Eastern Capital is now seeking investment in this State. M. Wood White the proprietor of this State Map of West Virginia, is now prepared to act as Agent for the sale of West Virginia land, being in direct communication with New York capitalists, whose attention is now directed towards the vast Coal, Iron, Mineral and Timber Lands of this State . . .

White was responsible for publishing the earliest large format maps of West Virginia, this being one of several of his early works, which were first published in 1873.

White had previously published the first Atlas of West Virginia, White's New County and District Atlas of the State of West Virginia. Comprising fifty-four counties; three hundred and twenty-seven township districts; and two thousand five hundred and sixty-seven school districts. From the most recent surveys and authentic sources. Maps drawn by William H. Gamble, Philadelphia, Penna. Examined and corrected by M.A. Miller, top. eng., Staunton, Virginia. Grafton, West Virginia, published by M. Wood White and Samuel Augustus Mitchell Jr. in 1873.

Rarity

White's map is very rare on the market. We note one prior example at auction (Swann 2008) and a single institutional example (University of Chicago).

Condition Description
Dissected and laid on linen. Very minor soiling.