1877 Hayden Colorado Drainage Map ~ Fold-Out War Dept H.Ex.Doc 66 ~ Variant For Sale

Item Description:Title: Drainage Map of ColoradoAuthor/Survey: Department of the Interior / U.S. Geological and Geographical Survey of the Territories (F.V. Hayden, In Charge)Date: Compiled March 1877 (Published 1878)Dimensions: Approx. 19 x 23 inches (Sheet size)Provenance: Originally issued in House Executive Document No. 66 (45th Congress, 2d Session): Lines of Communication Between Colorado and New Mexico.
Historical Overview:Well preserved, 19th-century map showcasing the river drainage systems, early counties, mining camps, and developing railroad routes of Colorado. This specific 19 x 23-inch sheet is the scarce folding variant prepared by the War Department/Government Printing Office (GPO) using F.V. Hayden\'s landmark March 1877 topographical surveys. Issued to accompany the critical 1878 military report investigating strategic transportation lines between Colorado and New Mexico during the height of the San Juan mining boom. Features primary triangulation and topography by pioneering surveyors J.T. Gardner, A.D. Wilson, and Henry Gannett. Beautifully captures the rugged terrain of the Rockies, mapping out active toll roads, vital waterways (printed in crisp blue ink), and early railroad lines.
The map is in very nice condition. It has become separated from the original report binding but remains in clean, collector-grade condition. The paper is bright with excellent structural integrity. The fold lines remain remarkably crisp with no significant splits or separation at the intersections, which is highly unusual for a government-issued folding map of this age. Margins are clean with minimal handling wear.
What is Included:• The original 1877/1878 folding map sheet.• The trailing pages (Pages 33 through 38) from the original Lines of Communication between Colorado and New Mexico Congressional report, providing excellent historical context and ironclad provenance for the piece.
This is a fantastic, authentic piece of Western Americana, perfect for framing or specialized collection. Please see the detailed high-resolution photographs to inspect the clean fold lines and excellent color quality.
314 Our 27th year on