Date:

1853–55

Maker:

Gustavus Sohon, [1825–1903] "for U.S.P.R.R. Survey"

Short Title:

Main Chain of the Rocky Mountains, As Seen From the East

Size:

Approximately 9 1/4 x 22 inches as a complete piece.

Description:

This multi–fold lithograph– colored map presents a visual representation of the Main Chain of the Rocky Mountains, As Seen From the East, – Extending From a Point North of the Marias Pass to Near the Little Blackfoot Pass. Included in the scene is a wagon train on the far left, and left centre, a lone hunter, with horse nearby, shooting at a herd of deer. Map is in English. Titles with lines direct the viewer attention to “Dearborn River,” “Cadotte’s Pass” and “Marias Pass.” Map orientation indicates top border facing North. Longitudinal and Latitudinal lines are not given. No Compass Rose or Scale is provided..

Full Title:

U.S. P. R. R. (Pacific Rail Road) EXP. & SURVEYS – 47th & 49th Parallels. General Report – Plate LII. Main Chain of the Rocky Mountains, As Seen From the East, – Extending From a Point North of the Marias Pass to Near the Little Blackfoot Pass. STANLEY, Del. After Sohon. Sarony, Major & Knapp, Liths. 449 Broadway, N.Y.

Source:

“House of Representatives. 36th Congress, 1st Session. Ex. Doc. No. 56. Reports of Explorations and Surveys, to Ascertain The Most Practicable and Economical Route For a Railroad From the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean. Made Under the Directions of the Secretary of War, in 1853–5, According to Acts of Congress of March 3, 1853, May 31, 1854, And August 5, 1854. Volume XII. Book I. Washington: Thomas H. Ford, Printer 1860.” As a result of the 1849 “Gold Rush,” and California receiving its statehood the following year, Congress commissioned Jefferson Davis, then Secretary of the War Department, to organize the Pacific Rail Road Exploration, for the purpose of finding the rail best routes from the Eastern US to California. Isaac Ingalls Stevens (1818–1862) was Governor of Washington Territory when Davis commissioned this work from him. Having graduated first in his class from the U.S. Military Academy, Stevens went on to receive field promotions during the Mexican War, and later, after his term as Governor, returned to military duty during the Civil War. George B. McClellan, who would later become commander of the Union Armies during the Civil War, led a portion of this exploration. Also involved in this expedition was Capt. John Mullan (1830–1909), who surveyed and created the famous, “Mullan Road,” which was significant in helping to populate the Northwest. Both Generals Sheridan and Sherman inspected this route and officially remarked on the quality of its, “inception” and “execution.” The artist, Gustavus Sohon, (1825–1903), was born in Tilsit, East Prussia, and came to America at the age of 17. After working as a bookbinder, he enlisted in the United States Army in 1852. During his five years as a soldier he served as artist and interpreter on several Western–exploring expeditions. He established a photographic studio in San Francisco from 1863–1865 and thereafter returned to Washington where he operated a show business. John Mix STANLEY, (1814–1872), was Stevens’ Chief Artist on the exploration. What makes this lithograph so unique in Stevens report is that it offers three possible passages through the front range of the Rockies, facing West.

References:

Tooley’s Dictionary of Mapmakers Revised Edition Vol. (A – D), p.147, Vol. (E – J), pp. 11, 345, Vol. (K – P), p.205, Vol. (Q – Z), p. 379; De Ford, Ronald K. New Mexico Geological Society; Joseph Mussulman, 11/2003, Discovering Lewis and Clark; Washington State Historical Society, 2005.0.21.44.