Nebraska and Kansas

Rare first state of one of the earliest maps to show the results of The Kansas-Nebraska Act (1854).

This magnificent map of the central United States was published in New York by J.H. Colton & Company in 1854. Seen here in it’s scarce first edition, first state, the map is one of the earliest commercially printed publications to show the outcome of the Kansas-Nebraska Act and the Gadsden Purchase, both enacted the same year as printing.

A wonderfully detailed image provides a fascinating mid-19th-century overview of the Great Plains during a period of political turmoil and rapid development. The introduction of popular sovereignty when determining the expansion of slavery would lead to a period of localized violence known as ‘Bleeding Kansas’. One well-known example of the bloodshed took place near Pottawatomie Creek (visible in eastern Kansas), when abolitionist John Brown and a party of ‘Free-Soilers’ murdered five pro-slavery residents.

Railways and wagon roads (including the Oregon Trail), are boldly noted, though the former are presented in the same unbroken fashion whether they are completed or merely proposed. Settlements include both white towns and Native American villages, reflecting ongoing tensions during the tragic process of forced relocation to reservations. Two vignettes celebrate indigenous culture, while several others highlight local wildlife and an emigrant train. Topography is depicted in hachure and numerous prominent geographic features are labeled.

An inset map in the lower left shows the continental United States, Central America, and the Caribbean – perhaps speculating on future expansion after Manifest Destiny had been achieved. Adjacent is another inset map that shows the territory acquired from Mexico as part of the Gadsden Treaty. This strategic parcel of approximately 30,000 square miles was acquired for $10 million to resolve ongoing border issues and protect the preferred route of the proposed Southern Pacific Railroad.

This important map is uncommon in all formats, but exceedingly so in the first state. The second state (also dated 1854) ‘cleans up’ several features (as described by Rumsey) and is apparent for a reworked title and publisher’s imprint. Additional editions were printed in 1855, 1856, and 1857.

Sources: Rumsey 3873.001;Heaston 1; Streeter 3062; Karrow 12-0357.5