Chapman’s Sectional Map of the State of Iowa
$500.00
First edition of Chapman’s map of Iowa.
Description
In the 1850’s, the railroad would forever change the landscape of Iowa by easily permitting movement of goods and people from east to west, ultimately linking up with the first Transcontinental Railroad at Council Bluffs. It can be said that point was “further down the line” for the state on this map, where the only completed railroad connected Davenport to Iowa City. Other proposed routes can be seen heading in nearly every direction, including as far west as Fort Des Moines and Fort Dodge, in the middle of the state.
Principal towns are identified, though many only reflect a local industry or a small cluster of rough houses that may not even be serviced by the common roads, which are also noted. A decorative chrysanthemum border completes the image.
Silas Chapman produced numerous important maps of Midwestern states between about 1850 and 1870. This example is self-published, but he would also partner with the firm of Dyer and Passmore, who would ultimate re-issue his maps into the 1880’s.
Map Details
Publication Date: 1856
Author: Silas Chapman
Sheet Width (in): 35.70
Sheet Height (in): 24.70
Condition: B
Condition Description: Moderate separation at several points along fold lines, but the image is almost entirely intact save a few fold intersections. The original hand color is somewhat faded, and there are a few points of foxing visible throughout the sheet. The map folds into its original brown cloth boards, which are rubbed but in good shape.
$500.00