New Sectional Map of Kansas Compiled from the U.S. Surveys.

REAM, Robert L (1809-1885).

Published by New York: G. W. and C. B. Colton, 1865.

About this Item

Two sheets, not joined, folding lithographed map (28 4/8 x 26 and 28 4/8 x 21 inches) with original hand-colour in full, inset map lower left of "Routes from Chicago and St. Louis to Kansas", showing Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, and Illinois (some short separations at folds, one or two spots). Original dark brown cloth, gilt (spine worn with loss at head, small abrasions to front cover). Issued at a time of relative peace in Kansas, and intended as an enticement to emigrants. This map is one intended to lay out for emigrants the potential of Kansas. When the Territory was first established in 1854, many of the settlers who moved there were either pro-slavery or abolitionists, leading to constant conflict that was only resolved when Kansas was admitted to the Union as a free state in 1861. Emigration was understandably slow during the Civil War (1861-1865), but once that was settled Kansas experience a huge surge in population, which can be seen on this map particularly in the eastern half of the state. The map extends west to present-day Salina, Kansas, and shows roads, railroads, waterways, settlements, and Native American lands (Cherokee, Osage). The Union Pacific Railroad extends only as far as Lawrence. The inset map shows a large number of railroads reaching west toward the state, although only two reach it. Surveyor Robert L. Ream was for a time Chief Clerk in the Kansas Surveyor General's Office. Ream was originally from Pennsylvania, and is principally remembered as the father of sculptor Vinnie Ream (Notable American Women, III, pp. 122-123). When her father was involved in making real estate maps, Vinnie assisted with her artistic talents. Not in Phillips, who lists an 1857 sectional map of Kansas by Colton, although it is considerably smaller than the present example. According to Phillips, Ream also compiled the Sectional Map of Nebraska Territory issued in 1857 by E. Mendenhall in Cincinnati (Dorothy Sloan).

Seller Inventory # 72map80

Bibliographic Details

• Title: New Sectional Map of Kansas Compiled from the U.S. Surveys.
• Publisher: New York: G. W. and C. B. Colton, 1865.
• Binding: Hardcover
• Seller catalogs:
  • Pocket Map
  • Western Americana
  • Kansas