1873 Gray's Atlas Nebraska
By: OW Gray
Date: 1873 (Published) New York.
Dimensions: 23 x 16 inches (58.42 x 40.64 cm)
This detailed 1873 map of Nebraska by Ormando Willis Gray offers a fascinating glimpse into the state during a period of rapid settlement and transformation. Published just six years after Nebraska achieved statehood in 1867, the map captures the expansion of railroads, the establishment of new towns, and the development of counties across the region.
At this time, Nebraska was at the forefront of westward expansion, spurred by the Homestead Act of 1862, which attracted thousands of settlers seeking land opportunities. The map highlights the growing network of rail lines, particularly the influence of the Union Pacific Railroad, which had completed the transcontinental route in 1869. Railroads played a crucial role in Nebraska’s economic and demographic growth, connecting farming communities to markets and facilitating migration.
The division of the state into organized counties is clearly depicted, reflecting Nebraska’s evolving governance structure as more settlers arrived. Many of the counties shown on this map were still sparsely populated, with vast stretches of open prairie remaining. However, the 1870s also saw increased conflicts between settlers and Native American tribes, as the U.S. government continued to push Indigenous peoples onto reservations.
Condition: This map is in A+ condition with a vertical centerfold and original coloring.
Inventory #19487
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