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No. 2. Map of the Rock Island Rapids of the Mississippi River

1837 No. 2. Map of the Rock Island Rapids of the Mississippi River

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By: Lt. M.C. Meigs & Henry Kayser 

Date: 1837 (Dated)

Dimensions: 21.75 x 66.5 inches (55.25 x 168.9 cm)

This scarce map was based on the surveys undertaken in the autumn of 1837 by future Confederate General Robert E. Lee, along with the military engineer corps assigned to him.

The Rock Island Rapids in the vicinity of Milan, Illinois posed serious navigational problems in the early nineteenth century as steamboats engaged in travel and commerce increasingly plied the waters of the Mississippi. The rapids in this area of the river were especially treacherous, and Lee was charged with mapping and then blasting a channel through them to allow for the expansion of trade on the river. This map is a result of his surveys.

The map is oriented to the west, and covers an area from Fort Armstrong to the town of Le Claire (not shown). Parts of modern day Illinois and Iowa are depicted, but at the time the map was issued the western shores of the Mississippi were still part of Wisconsin Territory. The map includes details such as individual buildings and farms with surnames of their owners, settlements and even stores located alongside the river.

The survey work behind this map was completed by a party under the command of Robert E. Lee. It was drafted by M. C. Meigs, and Henry Kayser. The engraving and printing was accomplished by W. J. Stone of Washington, D.C. It was published a Senate report for the 25th Congress, 2nd Secession, 1837.

Condition: This map is in A condition with some foxing which does not impair the image.

Inventory #11235

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