Map of the Fort Dodge and a part of the Sioux City and Osage Land Districts Iowa 1858

Redefining the lands around the (former) frontier outpost of Fort Dodge.

This incredibly rare promotional map covers several counties in north-central Iowa that had recently been opened and made widely available for settlement. The abandonment of Fort Dodge by the Army in 1853 paved the way for a small settlement centered around gypsum processing (see the Cardiff Giant for a fun story). A General Land Office opened there in 1856 and numerous railroads were planned for operation across the region (often with their corresponding land grants for sale). Several of these lines can be seen throughout the image, though so far as I can tell none of them were actually in operation at the time of publication! Bodies of water, lowlands, and scattered rural settlements are also emphasized throughout the map, giving the impression of an active and economically vibrant region connected by a robust network of wagon trails.

The map was drawn by Egbert Bagg, a local Justice of the Peace (and land agent). Published in 1858 by Bruce & Son, fellow land agents in Fort Dodge. Interestingly, the map was printed in New York by Slote & James. I’ve been unable to find any other examples of this map in available market records or online databases, including WorldCat. Eggbert was also involved with the publication of a similar map of the Fort Dodge Land District in 1857 and he appears to have been on of several former residents of New York who sought to promote Iowa’s frontier.

Sources: David Rumsey Map Collection; Barry Ruderman Rare Maps; WorldCat;