1959 Old Oregon Trail
By: American Pioneer Trails Association
Date: 1959 (dated) Manchester, NH
Dimensions: 17.5 x 24.5 inches (36.8 x 64.8 cm)
This vintage pictorial map presents the Oregon Trail and many other of the trails of western exploration and expansion, dating from 1785 and through much of the 19th century, in which great waves of emigrants struck out against the odds for a chance at better life.
Though the map shows trails through 1866 officially, many of the trails or parts of them were still in use right up to the early 20th century when homesteaders headed west. The map includes such famous trails as the Old Oregon Trail and its deviations, the Old Spanish Trail, the Lewis and Clark route, the Santa Fe Trail, Fremont’s Trail, the Mormon Trail, the Naches Pass Trail, the Overland Stage Route the Pony Express and Bozeman Trails and the Butterfields Denver Stage.
The monumental push westward from the region of the Mississippi River is beautifully illustrated with myriad scenes depicting life experiences of, as is stated on the map, ‘explorers, trappers, missionaries, and covered wagon home seekers, all of whom would eventually settle in the far corners of the country’.
Vignettes depicting historical details are included at especially noteworthy junctures and accompanied by descriptive texts. All major rivers and their tributaries are delineated, countless forts throughout the country, including such famous sites as Fort Mandan, which Lewis and Clark made their winter headquarters in 1805-1806 are named. Major cities and small towns are included, as are places such as Sutter’s Mill of Gold Rush fame.
This is a very appealing and engaging map, illustrating history in an engaging, bright and colorful format.
Condition: This folding map in B+ condition shows some slight wear at folds and tiny holes at some intersections of folds. The map has been linen-backed for preservation and presentation purposes.
Inventory #11859
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