Central and Western United State showing the range and cattle ranch areas of the western United States together with the rail network supporting this industry.
This important map was part of a report authored by the respected government employee Joseph Nimmo and forms part of a work for the Senate outlining the internal commerce of the United States. Apart from a schematic area showing the cattle ranges and ranch areas of the western United States, the report also marks the Fort Griffin-Dodge City cattle trail, originating in Bandera Texas and travelling north to Ogalalla where it splits to parallel the Union Pacific Railroad east and west reaching Pine Bluffs to the west and Omaha, Nebraska to the east.
An further branch of this trail is being proposed which turns west and north just south of Dodge City and travels all the way to Canada. The report is suggesting that the government purchase land for this alternate route for this trail which would avoid individual ranch owners and range drivers having to negotiate through ways on privately owned land.
This map was never produced commercially, as it was part of a government report, making it an unusual and fascinating piece of western history.
The map was lithographed by the famous firm of Julius Bien and Co. whose name is present on the lower centre.
Original colour. [USA9477]