1860 map of California with a large bird’s-eye-view of post Gold Rush San Francisco.
Map of the State of California. Compiled from the most recent surveys and explorations…
Out of stock
Description
This mysterious work features an unconventional map of the state of California shown horizontally with east at the top, an inset map of the Bay Area and Gold region with the same orientation, as well as a view of San Francisco, titled “Panorama Of San Francisco and Contra Costa.”
The well-detailed view, which looks eastward to the bay from an elevated point on Nob Hill, reveals from the fine churches and estimable commercial and municipal buildings how quickly the city developed in the years after the Gold Rush. The view depicts a bustling maritime commercial city. Several famous historical landmarks are easily identified, including the semaphore signal tower on Telegraph Hill, St. Mary’s Cathedral on the corner of California and Dupont St. (today’s Grant St.), the Marine Hospital at Rincon Point, as well as the Selby Shot Tower, a symbol of San Francisco’s growing skyline and industry.
The map of California depicts the early county structure of the state. There is no Mono County, as Fresno County extends to the eastern border; Mono County was formed in 1861 from parts of Calaveras, Fresno, and Mariposa counties. Other examples at the southern end of the state include no Riverside or Imperial Counties, with San Bernardino and San Counties extending to the eastern border.
Two prominent railroad lines are shown on the California map and Bay Area inset: San Francisco to San Jose and Benicia to Marysville. Curiously, the Davis to Sacramento branch is not depicted.
Several mining camps and towns are named in the gold region. Lake Tahoe is still called “Bigler L.” The name wasn’t changed until 1862. In Marin County, Sausalito is still spelled ‘Saucelito.’
The name “Taylor” appears just below the lower right corner of the drawing of San Francisco, presumably the view engraver/maker.
Very scarce–only five copies listed in OCLC/WorldCat, and extremely rare on the market.
Cartographer(s):
The map is oddly signed by a single name–Vincent; we haven’t been able to determine who this is or even if it is first or surname.
Condition Description
Worn - a few minor splits and fold reinforcements, and some light stains.
References
Streeter 2857; Wheat (25 Calif Maps) #23.
Rumsey 1124.000.