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Description

Scarce, large format 19th-century map of western Washington State, issued by the Northern Pacific Railway to promote the region and its service to the region.

The circa 1899 dating is based on mean monthly temperatures from 1890 through 1898.

The map depicts several Indian reservations and the lines of the Northern Pacific, Long Beach Ilwaco, Southern Pacific lines (especially in Oregon), the Astoria and Columbia River Railroad, and others.

Fascinating documentation of the land settlement of the United States fostered by the railroad companies in the late 1800s.

Provided on the verso along with photographs showing the wealth of the area (Columbia River salmon, orchards, gill net fishing, logging, etc.) are brief descriptions of Washington counties, paragraphs on "How to Get Government Land" and "Advice to Settlers" plus photographic views of Portland Oregon, Tacoma, and Seattle.

A short discussion of Seattle reports a population of approximately 80,000 persons, 21 public schools, 69 churches, 37 newspapers, and periodicals, with shipbuilding and marine ways as leading industries.

Text reports that Portland, on the other hand, "can safely claim to be the oldest, richest and most populous city in the Pacific Northwest" with a population of 100,000 (20,000 more than Seattle). Map in very good condition, with issues noted.

An important early map of a burgeoning region.

Rarity

OCLC lists six institutional examples (Number:35190599 under map title: "Western Washington: comprising Chehalis, Clallam, Clarke, Cowlitz, Island, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, Skanamia, Snohomish, Thurston, Wahkiakum and Whatcom counties.")

Condition Description
Folding map printed on both sides. Minor wear at folds and fold intersections.