1878 George Cram's Railroad and Township Map of Washington State
By: Geo F. Cram
Date: 1878 (published) Chicago
Dimensions: 16.25 x 55.25 inches (41.25 x 54 cm)
Published by Western Map Depot, a lithographed map of Washington in original hand color. This map is a standout piece of early work from George Cram as his first map of Washington Territory. Originally part of his rare railroad atlases from the 1870s and a favorite among collectors and historians.
The map shows the Seattle area as well as several counties east of the Cascade Range including Whitman, Walla Walla, Columbia, Kilkitat, Skamania, and Yakima (misspelled on the map as “Yakiam”) and includes early township surveys, giving a glimpse into the development and settlement patterns of the era. Cram was known for his detailed and accurate maps, starting with his railroad maps in the late 1860s, which played a key role in documenting the growing railroad network across the United States.
Cram's success with these railroad maps led to the creation of his "New Commercial Atlas of the United States," published in 1875 and 1879 (and possibly in 1878). These atlases are now very rare and included several of his early railroad maps. The 1875 Washington Territory map is particularly valuable because it's one of the earliest detailed maps of the area in a commercial atlas, highlighting the significance of the Pacific Northwest during that era.
Condition: This map is in B- condition. Toned toward the margins. Edges with occasional chipping and losses to corners, all of which have been reinforced on the verso using archival materials.
Inventory #12782
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