1896 "Territory of Arizona" Map, Published by the General Land Office

Presented is an attractive "Territory of Arizona” map, from the “Report of the Governor of Arizona to the Secretary of the Interior." First published in 1894, this 1896 edition was revised and reconstructed by R. H. Morton and published by the General Land Office, based on “official Records of the General Land Office and other sources under the supervision of Harry King, C.E.” The report gave extensive detail regarding the territory’s population, including Native Americans of Arizona, the agriculture, mining, taxation, banks, transportation, immigration and tourism, as well as the current challenges to the territory’s development. This beautifully colored and highly detailed map was bound in the back of the 142 page Report. The map was lettered by M. Hendges and R.M. Towson. 

The map is outlined by county in pink and detailed in black, with town names, roads, wagon roads, railroads, and mountains labeled. Intricate brown hachured mountain areas and the blue waterways combine to provide great visual impact. The map shows the extent of nine Indian reservations, outlined in green, and at least four military reservations, including Fort Apache, colored in solid red. The Grand Canyon is also shown and labeled as a Forest Reserve in pale pink. Any private land claims, confirmed and unconfirmed, are outlined in red, while townships not yet subdivided are identified with a circled cross. 

Arizona, formerly part of the Territory of New Mexico, was organized as a separate territory on February 24, 1863. The United States acquired the region under the terms of the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and the 1853 Gadsden Purchase. 

In the 1870s and 1880s, particularly after the arrival of the railroad in 1880, the population of the Arizona Territory expanded rapidly. With many Native American tribes relocated to reservations, white settlers drawn by the rich agricultural and mineral resources arrived in the region. Gold was discovered in 1863 near the first capital, Prescott. The 1877 discoveries of silver at Tombstone, near Tucson, and copper at Bisbee, also brought many settlers hoping to strike it rich. Many Mormon settlers moved south from Utah and Mexicans emigrated north. The flow of European emigrants also increased markedly thanks to the railroad. By the beginning of the 20th century, the population of the Arizona Territory exceeded 100,000. As the population grew, there was increasing sentiment for statehood, which was finally granted in 1912.

CONDITION:

Very good condition. Lithographed folding map, printed with original color. Map paper is lightly toned, color is strong and attractive. Fold lines, as issued. The map was removed from the original "Report of the Governor of Arizona to the Secretary of the Interior" booklet. Original booklet included. The booklet has red paper covers,142 pages with text and tables describing the territory including immigration, taxation, mining, banks, railroads, and much more. The booklet binding is tight and paper is clean, but the red paper covers have wear and lifting at the spine and a small chip at the right edge on the front cover. 

Framed dimensions: 28 3/4"H x 25"W x 1"D.

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.