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Description

Rare Silas Farmer Map of Wisconsin

Fine example of this rare map of Wisconsin, published by Silas Farmer & Co., heir to John Farmer, the most important of all Michigan map makers.

The map is colored by counties and provides the ususal excellent detail characteristic of Farmer's maps. The map advertises Farmer's maps of Michigan, Wisconsin and Lake Superior, with testimonial to the firm, noting that

all who have seen or used our Sectional Maps [testifies] that they are more minute, reliable, and accurate than the maps of any other publisher, and are of great utility, and eminently serviceable to every Pioneer, Lumberman and in fact to every person dealing in Real Estate, or who desires Truthful Information concerning the States named.

The map also provides

  • a history of Wisconsin
  • a description of the Ancient Mounds,
  • economic information for farming, lumber and mining,
  • populations of the principal villages
  • details concerning the distances and stations for all the Railroads operating in Wisconsin.

John Farmer

John Farmer is perhaps the single most important map maker and surveyor in the history of the mapping of Michigan. Farmer was invited by Governor Cass and the trustees of the University of Michigan to move from Albany, New York to Michigan in 1821. His first major work was the surveying and creation of the first published map of Michigan. In 1825, he issued the first of a number of printed maps of Michigan, Wisconsin, Lake Superior, and Detroit, most of which he also engraved. In 1831 he compiled and drew for the governor and judges of the state the first and only map of Detroit. Farmer's early maps were extremely influential in promoting the extensive emigration to Michigan that occurred between 1825 and 1840. John Farmer's son, Silas, was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1839 and was brought up working in his father's business, where he continued the publication of maps well into the 1880s. For a period of time, Farmer's maps were licensed to J.H. Colton.

Rarity

The map is quite rare. This is the first example we have ever seen on the market.

Condition Description
Original covers. A few minor folds breaks and some very minor soiling.
Reference
Karpinski, L.C. (MI) p.302