Description:

AN ANTIQUE MAP, CHAS. W. PRESSLER'S TRAVELER'S MAP OF THE STATE OF TEXAS, NEW YORK,
lithograph on paper with hand coloring, originally published 1867, "Compiled from the records of the General Land Office, the maps of the Coast Survey, the reports of the Boundary Commission and various other Military surveys and reconnaissances by Chas. W. Pressler," the map retailed by, "Levinson Perkins & Co., No. 80 Beaver Street, New York," in the lower right margin, "Entered According to the Act of Congress in the year 1868 by Chas. W. Pressler in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States Court for the Southern District of New York.," with inset view, "Map of the Western Part of Texas," and "Map of the Northern Part of Texas," including topographical elevation shown in hachures, showing the State Capitol, County Seats, Villages & Post Offices, railroads, common roads, and bayous, lighthouses, trading posts, military forts, Indian territory, the "Immigrant's Road to California," noted with water sources for travelers, and occupied Comanche and Kiowa lands; 39" x 37 1/2", framed 49 3/4" x 47 3/4".

  • Provenance: Note: The American and Texan landscape teemed with uncertain energy in 1862. The North and South were in the midst of the American Civil War, and in September of the same year President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. Charles W. Pressler, immigrated to Texas in 1846, establishing himself as a surveyor first with Jacob De Cordova. Pressler lead surveying expeditions for the active surveyor; later establishing a career with the General Land Office of the State of Texas in 1850, serving as Principal Draftsman from 1858-1865. It is during this time that Pressler and colleagues were commissioned to produce the present map. Argued as, "Unquestionably the finest map of Texas of its period," this map improved the State of Texas and the United States' understanding of Texas' geography. Parts of West Texas were still uncharted at this time in history. The map shows the actual and proposed network of railroad lines throughout Texas, indicating population and inhabited areas of the largely undeveloped West Texas territory. The map also details post offices, trails, and roads giving the viewer insight into land travel throughout the State of Texas during the mid 19th century. Outside of man-made transportation routes, the single most detailed part of this map is the extensive system of waterways that surround and run through Texas. The information regarding early colonies, at once, gives the viewer a deep history of the overall cultivation of the State. Indigenous territories are found near the Red River. The map was so well informed and drafted that not only the State of Texas, but also the United States Federal government consulted this map, and later editions, when resolving land disputes in the 19th century. An incredibly rare printing, this map captures the unsettled Texas landscape during the upheaval of the American Civil War.
  • Condition: With support matrix at back, with repairs, inpainting and lettering, watercolor probably not original and with enhancement during restoration, creases, stains, losses. Matting conceals edges.

    Statements by Simpson Galleries regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Simpson Galleries. All lots offered are sold "AS IS."

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