| Links to the Sections Listed
Below |
|
| Original
Historical Maps |
These historical maps
were prepared in the time period 1735-1890. They represent very useful information
for locating and plotting historical Trails. |
| Annotated
Historical Maps |
This historical maps have been annotated
to help the reader to better locate geographical landmarks. |
| Research
Maps (Russell) |
These are research maps, prepared by
Steve F. Russell, that are modern representations of various sections of
the original historical maps, or sections thereof. |
| Historical
Trail Research Reports |
|
| GPS Waypoint Databases |
These databases contain comma-delimited and .gpx files
containing the erosion trace of the trails and important geographic landmarks. |
| Historical
Documents |
Historical books, journals, and diaries
that have aided in the research of the locations of historical trails and
wagon roads. |
MAP 1849A: Map of the Emigrant Road from Independence, Missouri to Saint (San) Francisco, California, by T. H Jefferson, Entered according to an act of congress, 1849, by T. H. Jefferson, in the clerks office of the district court of the southern district of New York. 1849 (JPG Format). This map is in four parts and represents the emigrant road from Independence, Missouri by the South Pass of the Rocky Mountains to California. The Author was one of a party of emigrants who travelled the road with waggons in 1846. All streams of water and springs upon the road are delineated, also daIly distances, courses, and camps made by the party. Jefferson prepared four detailed maps of the route he followed to California in 1849. All four maps are combined into one in this map. This is one of the best maps of the "California Trail" that were made in this time period. The map contains a notation for each campsite date. I highly recommend this set of maps for readers doing serious trail research. [81.2 MB download] {California Emigrant Road, Independence to San Francisco (Jefferson) 1849.jpg}
MAP 1849B: Map of the Emigrant Road from Independence, Missouri to Saint (San) Francisco, California, by T. H Jefferson, 1849 (PDF Format). This PDF format of the Jefferson map(s) provides an index of geographic points along the trail. [29.3 MB download] {California Emigrant Road, Independence to San Francisco (Jefferson) 1849.pdf}
MAP 1859A: Old Territory and Military Department of New Mexico, compiled in the Bureau of Topographical Engineers of the War Department, chiefly for military purposes, under the authority of Secretary of War, 1859 (partially revised and corrected to 1867) (JPG Format). A table of principal latitudes & longitudes, astronomicaly determined, is included on the map. The map extends from approximately 103 to 117 degrees longitude, and from approximately 31 to 38 degrees latitude. The map covers the states of New Mexico and Arizona, southern portions of Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and California; and extreme northern parts of Mexico. The western border is the Colorado River. The eastern border is Rio Pecos and the eastern New Mexico border. An extensive paragraph of authorities and references is included on the map. [51.1 MB download] {New Mexico Territory (AZ,NM), Military Map 1859;1867.jpg}
MAP 1860A: Map of the Territory and Military Department of Utah, Bureau of Topographical Engineers, War Department, under the authority of the, Honorable J. B. Floyd, Secretary of War, 1860 . This map covers a large area of the western United States. On the east, the boundary is Colorado. On the west, the boundary is California. On the north, is Washington and Oregon. On the south is New Mexico. For a brief time, this area was called the Territory of Utah. For a map drawn in 1860, it is quite remarkable for its detail and accuracy. Trails and roads of explorers, miners, and emigrants are included. This map is a great resource for research on the 1860 transportation routes of the west. [74.5 MB download] {1860 Map Utah Military Spanish-California Trails.jpg}
MAP 1861A: Map showing the several Mail Routes through the Indian Country, from 1850 to 1861, and Indian Depredations committed upon Mail Trails 1861. This map is of significant historical value because it shows the First, Second, and Third Chorpenning's Stage and Mail Routes. George Chorpenning was a pioneer in opening stage and mail routes from Salt Lake City, to destinations in California. [11.8 MB download] {Chorpenning Mail Route Map (modern, unsourced.jpg}
MAP 1865A: Map
of the Territory of Montana, with portions of the adjoining territories.
Showing the Gulch or Placer Diggings actually worked, the Districts where
Quartz (Gold and Silver) Lodes have been Discovered to January 1st, 1865.
Drawn by W. W. de Lacy, for the use of The First Legislature of Montana 1865.
This is one of the most detailed maps of early Montana that can be found.
There is some geographic distortion and minor labeling problems, but it
is a good resource for historical work. Keep in mind that this is a "promotional"
map intended to encourage people to emigrate to Montana. The information
on gold and silver mines may be somewhat fanciful. [44.6 MB download]
{1865 DeLacy, Map of Montana Territory.jpg}
MAP 1888A: Map of Fort Fetterman (Wyoming) Military Reservation and Surrounding Area 1888. General Land Office survey quality, showing the Fort grounds, the Fremont, Elkhorn and Missouri Valley Railroad, and the bridge across the North Platte River (Bozeman Trail) [0.56 MB download] {Fort Fetterman Military Reservation.pdf}
