This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/18/2025
[RAILROAD SURVEYS]. 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 Secretary of War, in 1853-4… Washington: Beverley Tucker, George W. Bowman, Thomas Ford, 1855-61. 4tos. Profusely illustrated with maps, engravings, color plates. 12 volumes bound in 13 as issued, including the map volume (volume 11). Uniformly bound in contemporary half dark green morocco over green boards, spines ruled and lettered in gilt in compartments, five raised bands, marbled endleaves (volume 11 bound to style in modern half black morocco over cloth boards). Some general wear, soiling, scuffing, some volumes with newspaper clippings affixed to prelims, texts foxed, some dampstaining, soiling, some wear to the numerous folding maps. Still, a very good set, rarely found complete. Mixed Senate and House of Representatives issues. FIRST EDITIONS. Wheeler map present in volume 11. Volume 5 contains the first illustrations of Los Angeles and San Diego. This exhaustive survey encompassed studies of indigenous peoples, plants, minerals, animals, and topographical characteristics encountered along the way from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Coast. "A monumental collection of scientific information, geographical, zoological, botanical, geological, of the still mysterious American West"--Wagner-Camp, page 462.