Available for purchase is a RARE and historically important railroad map.  It was issued by John Hayward in January 1828 and represents one of the first railroad maps printed in the United States.  This topographic strip map illustrates two alternative routes for a horse-powered railway between Boston, Massachusetts and Providence, Rhode Island.  The southern route begins in South Boston and passes through Milton, Sharon, and Attleborough, to the end of the India Bridge in Providence.  The northern route begins near the house of Madam Swan and heads south near Purgatory Meadows, Walpole, and Pawtucket to the Blackstone Canal in Providence.  The southern route was ultimately selected and became the current New Haven Railroad.

This map was originally part of a publication titled "Report of the Board of Commissioners, of Internal Improvement in Relation to the Examination of Sundry Routes for a Railway from Boston to Providence With a Memoir of the Survey", published in Boston in 1828 and printed by Dutton & Wentworth.  The 72-page report is by Josiah J. Fiske, Chairman of the Board of Internal Improvement to Levi Lincoln, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  Only 1,500 copies of the report were printed, very few of which have survived.  Of the few examples I've seen pictured online, almost all are in museum collections.

This early railroad map was printed in 3 joined together by the publisher into a strip that measures approximately 42 1/2" long and 8 3/8" tall.  I purchased this map at a recent estate sale that had many rare books and historical documents.  This is an original 1828 map and not a reprint.  Please feel free to check my positive feedback and buy with confidence from a trusted seller.

Condition of this historically important railroad map is VERY GOOD.  There is one old tape repair along the top margin and a few small edge chips.  The map has some age toning and burn of the printed image onto the unprinted areas resulting from contact during folding.  Overall, this collectible map looks great and displays well.  It would make a fine addition to any collection.  Please take a close look at the many photos I've provided and judge condition for yourself.  I'm confident you'll be very pleased with this purchase.

If you collect historical maps or documents, especially those related to railroads, don't miss your opportunity to purchase this offering.  My Buy It Now price of only $659 WITH FREE SHIPPING to any U.S. destination is a real bargain.  The only other copy of this map currently for sale has an asking price of $1,500.  So, buy this map now before someone else beats you to the deal!

While you're here, please check out my other auction listings by clicking on the link below.  Whenever possible, I'll be happy to reduce shipping for combined purchases.

See my other listings for more great items!