1881 Geological and Geographical Atlas of Colorado and Portions of Adjacent Territory
By: Ferdinand Vandeveer Hayden
Date: 1881 (published) New York, NY
Dimensions: 27 x 20.25 inches (68.5 x 51.5 cm)
This is a very fine example of Hayden's monumental work, which was the result of field surveying and mapping the state of Colorado and surrounding areas from 1873 - 1876. The work is a landmark example of the capabilities of premier 19th century surveyors , which was the continuation of an prior expedition by Hayden throughout northwest Wyoming that led to the establishment of Yellowstone National Park.
Known to the Sioux as "man-who-picks-up-stones-running" Ferdinand V. Hayden was arguably one of the most important geologists of the 19th Century, certainly within America. He describes this atlas as follows...
This Atlas is composed of two series of maps: the first, of four sheets,... covering the whole State of Colorado; the second, of twelve sheets, six topographical and six geological, of identical areas,... the whole presenting the results of field work of 1873, '74, '75 and '76, covering the entire state of Colorado and adjacent portions of Utah, Arizona and New Mexico.
Of the maps contained within the work, the three of arguably most significance are the Drainage Map, the Economic Map and the General Geologic Map. The information provided by these tree maps would be instrumental in establishing the best locations for mining, logging, and farming, which would become the three major drivers of industry in Colorado until tourism in the latter half of the 20th century. With regards to beauty however, nothing in this atlas compares to the panoramic views that include the Pike's Peak Group, Mesa Verde, and the San Juan Mountains to name a few.
Colorado, from Territory to Statehood
It wasn't until the end of the Mexican-American war in 1848 that the area which is now Colorado was opened to settlement for Americans, however most settlers would bypass the region on their way to California or Oregon. Eventually, gold would be discovered in Clear Creek in 1850 by a prospector heading to California. It wouldn't be until 1858-59 however that a significant number of fortune seekers and prospectors would make their way out during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush. By the early 1860s enough gold had been discovered in the territory for Congress to establish the Denver Mint.
Much of the rest of the decade was dominated by bloody conflicts between settlers with intermittent help from the U.S. Military and the local tribes of the Kiowa, Arapahoe, and Cheyenne. With the advent of transcontinental railroads, ongoing mining claims, and increased settlement in the mountain parks promoted by William Gilpin, Colorado was quickly becoming the bookend of the vast and wild prairie to St. Louis and the eastern states. Eventually, at the end of Hayden's time in the territory of Colorado, Ulysses S. Grant certified Colorado as the 38th state to enter the Union on August 1, 1876.
The Superior Lithography of Julius Bien
Born in Naumburg, Hesse, a small town in Germany, Julus Bein immigrated to New York in 1849 after fighting alongside other Jews for the liberals in the 1848 Revolution. There he opened a lithograph studio with a single press and would grow his studio into a large and successful company. Of his many works, he was well known for his ability to print maps with an extraordinary level of scientific accuracy. These abilities are showcased throughout this remarkable work. Julius Bein also produced a lithographed edition of John James Audubon's "The Birds of America."
Condition: This atlas is in A condition with all contents securely bound to an original spine, housed between cover boards that show light wear and some fading. The maps and views are in superb condition with no discoloration, tears or holes.
Inventory #12262
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