(West) Map of the Western Territory &c.

Map of the Western Territory &c.

An early government report map, complete with its text, which is uncommon and a bit under appreciated. Not only does it distinguish the land tracts for each tribe, but it also shows a clear depiction of the Santa Fe trail, along with some of its landmarks and fresh water sources along the way. Cutting through several of the Indian tracts is a line running north to south stating “Western boundary of habitable Lands”.The coverage for the front range of Rockies is primitive, but does include general notations for the “Spanish Peaks” as well as the “Larimer Peaks” (Laramie) further north.

Includes Everett's report which accompanied 3 proposed bills (not present here) that: 1) provide for the organization of the Department of Indian Affairs; 2) regulate trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes and to preserve peace on the frontiers; and 3) provide for the establishment of the Western Territory and security and protection of the emigrant and other Indian tribes therein. Although the bill intending to establish the Western Territory failed, the map holds importance as representing the first government publication of its type to collectively show the boundaries of 27 of the various Indian lands and land cessions west of the Mississippi. The region would later be reduced in size to become Indian Territory. Named Indian lands and cessions include Choctaws, Seminoles, Creeks, Cherokees, Osages, Senecas and Shawnees, Pankeshaws and Kaskas, Ottowas, Peortas, Kansas, Delawares, Kickapoos, Pawness, Oteos, Potawatamies, Omahas, Sioux, Sacs, Foxes, Ioways, and Winnebagoes. The map extends from the western borders of Arkansas and Missouri, and central Iowa (not named) west to Santa Fe, Rocky Mountain Front Range, and Black Hills.

Condition is good with foxing in the disbound text of 130 pages. The map has foxing, mostly marginal, but some on the left and near the title. Image size is approximately 17.5 x 18 (inches)