Very fine example of the General Land Office map of the United States published just after the end of the Civil War in 1866.

The General Land Office maps served multiple purposes. The G.L.O was an independent agency which administered the public lands of the United States. Founded specifically for this purpose in 1812, its functions included surveying, sales, policing and general management. The Office went through several permutations and mergers until 1946, when it changed its name to the Bureau of Land Management which is still responsible for the public lands in the United States to the present day.

The G.L.O. published maps of individual states on an almost annual basis, showing the extent of newly available lands for sale or homesteading as well as boundary adjustments, mineral discoveries and political changes. This general map issued in 1866 is of particular interest as it is the first map of this series published after the American Civil War; it shows the new configuration of the western states, such as the creation of Nevada and Montana. The borders of Montana and Dakota in particular would be subject to much adjustment in later years. It is also the first map of this series which stretches from the northeast coast to the west coast. Previously, these maps did not feature the east coast.

Of even greater interest, particularly due to the demographic gap left by the War, the map lays great emphasis on the mineral wealth of the country, particularly gold and silver in the western states, although copper, coal, quicksilver, tin and oil are also featured. The key to the location of these is on the lower centre left. These maps were often part of the reference libraries of foreign embassies and consulates where staff would encourage immigration into the United States.

This specific example has been laid on linen and is particularly finely coloured, suggesting that it was used for some sort promotional purpose, possibly as part of an ambassadorial library or as a retail sample. Original colour. Laid on linen. [USA9801]