Western Railroad Service Engravings (8)

Western Railroad Service Engravings (8)
Around 1850 Congress approved financing for five military expeditions across the western half of the U.S. to determine future railroad routes and make contact with the various Indian tribes. These expeditions were launched between 1853-55 and were known as the "Transcontinental Railroad Surveys". After their completion, a large 13 volume set of books were published for Congress and the public describing these expeditions. The books included prints made by artists who accompanied the guides, surveyors, cartographers, geologists, and zoologists who participated. The prints offered here are from the expedition led by Army Engineer Isaac Stevens (also appointed first Governor of Washington Territory and killed in action as a Union General during the Civil War). Steven's expedition started in St. Paul, MN and traveled across present day Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington, surveying the most northern route. Historical information for each individual are available from the gallery. Stanley, Engraver Sarony, Major + Hnapp lithographs NY. Includes: Approach to Cadotte Pass; Near Mouse River; Milk River - Bear's Paw Mountain in the Distance; Milk River - Near Junction of Missouri (River); Bois de Sioux River; White Bear Lake; Milk River and Panther Mountain; and Pike Lake.