1893 Topography of the United States of America
By: Walter Levi Yaggy
Date: 1893 (published) Chicago, IL
Dimensions: 22.5 x 34.5 inches (57.2 x 87.5 cm)
A unique map by of the United States of America, focusing on the physical topography and river systems. The map appeared in the 1893 edition of Levi Walter Yaggy's Geographical Portfolio, which was published as an educational tool for high schools and colleges. The entire portfolio consisted of nine illustrated charts, and maps as well as two movable diagrams of presenting celestial phenomena, all housed in a wooden cloth-wrapped case.
Yaggy's topographic map of the United States is unique in it color scheme as well as the information it provides and leaves out. States are outlined with the location of their respective capitols identified with a star, however no place names or any other geo-political information is provided. As a result of the time with which this map was made, present-day Oklahoma is divided by Indian Territory in the eastern half.
The mountain ranges of the Appalachians, Rockies, Cascades, and Sierra Nevada jump off the map in a relief format that shades the eastern slopes in order to illustrate change of elevation. That vast watershed region of the Mississippi River that includes the Ohio, Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois, and Red River dominates the central portion of the map and does an exceptional job conveying the significant output of the Louisiana delta. All of the major rivers of the western states such as the Colorado and Columbia have yet to be dammed for agricultural and energy purposes, thus many of the large manmade lakes and reservoirs we know today do not yet exist. Conversely, Tulare Lake in the central valley of California is shown in its original state, feeding the San Joaquin River that flows north to the Bay of San Francisco.
Chromolithography or Multi-stone Printing
This print and others from Yaggy's Geographical Portfolio were produced using multi-stone chromolithography, a method of color printing by multiple applications of lithographic stones, each using a different color ink. Previously, lithographs were printed in black and white and then colored by hand, often times with watercolor paint. This method was not only more suitable for mass production, but also resulted a much more vibrant image.
Levi Walter Yaggy (1848 - 1912) Was born in Plainfield Illinois to Jacob and Elizabeth Yaggy. He attended Northwestern College in Naperville, Illinois before moving to Chicago where he would found the Great Western Publishing House in 1874. He business would enjoy great success, ultimately expanding to include seventeen branch offices throughout the United States and employing thousands. Yaggy primarily focused on creating maps and educational books and portfolios for high schools and colleges that included "Museum of Antiquity; A Description of Ancient Life...," "The Standard History of All Nations and Races…," and "Yaggy’s Anatomical Study; Presenting the Skeleton, Muscles, Arteries, Veins and Nerves...," among others.
Condition: This map is in B+ condition with a light diagonal fold in the top left portion. The lower left corner has some chipping along the edge of the margin, which is well away from the map image, leaving ample room for framing.
Inventory #12232
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