Gray’s Atlas Map of Minnesota

Scarce map of Minnesota published in 1873.

Railroads were the primary avenue by which people and goods were transported across America during the last quarter of the 19th century. This map, published by Frank Gray in 1873, captures the relationship admirably fifteen years after Minnesota was admitted to the Union.

The boldly depicted rail lines are closely affiliated with settlement concentration, surveyed townships, and developed county boundaries concentrated in the southern half of the state. Distances between points are noted along each individually labeled line.

Of particular interest is the Northern Pacific, bisecting the image horizontally between Duluth (west) and Fargo (east). Construction on the transcontinental route began three years prior to publication, but it wouldn’t fully reach across the country to Puget Sound until 1883.

Vibrant pastel colors, applied by hand, outline the various counties and an inset map of northeastern tip can be seen in the upper right corner.