Map The Black Hills from a Reconnaissance by Captain William Ludlow 1874 Custer

Description: This early survey map of the Black Hills Region, undertaken by William Ludlow under the command of George Custer, is a crucial historical document that sheds light on the exploration and eventual exploitation of the region. This map holds significance not only for its role in the discovery of gold but also for its detailed documentation of the terrain, resources, and indigenous territories at the time.Commissioned in 1874, the survey was part of a larger expedition led by Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer into the Black Hills region of Dakota Territory. Despite being officially designated as American Indian Territory according to the 1868 Treaty of Laramie, rumors persisted about the presence of valuable gold deposits in the area. Custer's expedition, which included William Ludlow of the Army Corps of Engineers, aimed to investigate these rumors and assess the region's potential for mineral resources.Departing from Fort Lincoln on the Missouri River (near present-day Bismarck), Custer and his men journeyed westward, reaching the Powder River before proceeding into the Black Hills. Ludlow's survey map meticulously documented the expedition's route, including triangulation points, encampments, and detailed observations of the landscape. Ludlow's annotations provide valuable insights into the topography, vegetation, water sources, and soil conditions encountered during the survey.Among Ludlow's notations are descriptions of "high hills heavily timbered," areas with abundant water and grass, as well as regions characterized by "bad lands" and "loose dry clay." These observations offer a comprehensive understanding of the natural features and environmental conditions of the Black Hills region in the mid-19th century.The significance of Ludlow's survey map extends beyond its role in confirming the presence of gold in the Black Hills. It serves as a historical record of the landscape and resources of the region prior to the influx of settlers and the subsequent transformation brought about by the 1876 Black Hills Gold Rush. Additionally, the map provides valuable insights into the indigenous territories and ecosystems that existed before the onset of widespread mining and settlement.Overall, Ludlow's survey map of the Black Hills Region stands as a vital document in the history of exploration, resource exploitation, and territorial expansion in the American West. Its detailed observations and annotations offer a window into the past, illuminating the conditions and circumstances surrounding one of the most significant events in the region's history.Some splits along folding lines and some minor losses at intersection points.Sheet size 47 x 26.5", neatline 38 x 23.5"

Price: 125 USD

Location: Solana Beach, California

End Time: 2024-11-24T16:28:00.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD