1863 Johnson's Washington, Oregon, and Idaho
By: Alvin J. Johnson
Date: 1863 (published) New York
Dimensions: 12.75 x 16 inches (32.5 x 40.5 cm)
This exceptional example of Johnson's map of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho provides a detailed depiction of the territorial Pacific Northwest region of the United States while the country was in the midst Westward Expansion and the Civil War.
This map presents the boundaries of the Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, territories and highlights various geographical features, including mountain ranges, rivers, and lakes, with a prominent emphasis on the Rocky Mountains in Idaho. Counties within each territory are color-coded in pink and green, indicating political boundaries as they were defined at the time. Early settlements, Military Forts, Native American tribal lands, and key transportation routes, are also noted throughout the map, making it a valuable reference for understanding the spatial organization of the Pacific Northwest in the 1860s. Surrounding the map is a decorative border indicative of Johnson's maps and his contemporaries which ads an ornate touch and helps to date the map.
The Pacific Northwest in the 1860s
In 1863, the United States was embroiled in the Civil War, but significant changes were also occurring on the western frontier. The Idaho Territory was established in 1863, carved out of the Washington Territory, marking a significant shift in the region's political landscape. The map captures this transitional period by portraying the newly defined boundaries of Idaho, reflecting the federal government’s interest in organizing and asserting control over the western territories. The creation of Idaho was largely driven by the discovery of gold in the region, which attracted settlers and prospectors to an area previously inhabited primarily by Native American tribes. The map serves as a snapshot of a rapidly changing landscape, where new settlements and economic opportunities were reshaping the region.
About Alvin Jewett Johnson
Alvin Jewett Johnson (1827–1884) was an influential American publisher and mapmaker known for his detailed and decorative maps of the United States. Initially working as a book canvasser, Johnson shifted his focus to cartography in the 1850s, partnering with other notable mapmakers to produce maps and atlases. By the early 1860s, Johnson had established his own publishing company, producing his signature Johnson’s Family Atlas, which included some of the most accurate and finely detailed maps of the era. Johnson's maps were known for their distinct borders and meticulous attention to political boundaries, making them popular for both educational and decorative purposes. His work provides a valuable historical record of the American landscape during a period of significant expansion and change.
Condition: Map is in A condition with lovely hand coloring over a clean and lightly toned paper with no significant damage. A short marginal tear in the bottom that doesn't enter the map image has been reinforced on the verso.
Inventory #12887
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