A detailed, field‑level look at the exploration that mapped a potential Pacific Railroad route across the American West, from the Kansas River to the Great Basin.
This edition compiles the expedition notes and topographic work conducted along the 38th and 39th parallels of North Latitude. It covers the journey from the Mississippi border to Sevier Lake and details the country’s terrain, climate, and railroad practicality as observed by Captain Gunnison and his team.
Readers will encounter the challenges and methods of 19th‑century exploration, including route selection, descriptions of river bottoms, passes, canyons, timber, water sources, and the engineering considerations that influenced early railroad planning.
- In‑depth coverage of the route from Fort Leavenworth toward the Smoky Hill and beyond toward Westport, Pawnee Fork, and Bent’s Fort.
- Observations on terrain, water availability, grass, timber, and the suitability of valleys and passes for rail lines.
- Explanations of the field methods, including odometry, barometric readings, and panoramic topographic sketches tied to maps.
- Geographic scope spanning the Great Plains, Sierra Madre approaches, Green and Grand rivers, and the San Luis valley region.
Ideal for readers interested in historical railroad surveys, early American exploration, and the practical considerations of moving a transcontinental route.