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Young / Hinman & Dutton / Smith / 1838 / Observations on the Wisconsin Territory; Chiefly on that Part called "Wisconsin Land District." With a Map, Exhibiting the Settled Parts of the Territory, as Laid off in Counties by Act of the Legislature in 1837 [with:] Map of the Settled Part of Wisconsin Territory Compiled from the Latest Authorities (Safe 3, 105521) 12mo. Original smooth reddish cloth, early (very likely original) printed paper spine label [reading up:] "Wisconsin." Spine ends a bit frayed. Corners showing wear. Some tearing in spine cloth along outer front hinge, viii, 134 pages plus folding engraved map with nice original hand color. A touch of light foxing on text leaves. Map is clean and very nice indeed. Overall a very good copy in original state. With the Foundational Wisconsin Map. "The ten pages on 'Iowa Territory' is the first account of it under that designation" - Howes. First edition of William Randolph Smith's early account of Wisconsin Territory, including the beautiful hand-colored map. After a general overview of the Wisconsin Land District, with much first-hand information on the climate, natural resources, game, and agricultural possibilities, Smith devotes sections to particular towns and areas. The latter include Prairie Du Chien, The Military Road, The Four Lakes, The Burial Mounds, Helena, Mineral Point, Belmont, The Peketonica, Elk Grove, and Galena. After a brief description of Cassville, the author provides what may be the earliest published account of the Iowa Territory, based on a communication from P. H. Engle of Dubuque. "Based on personal investigation, aside from Lea's Notes, earliest extensive description of Wisconsin. The ten pages on "Iowa Territory" is the first account of it under that designation" - Howes. Early Map of Wisconsin This is an important early map of Wisconsin, published only two years after the territory was incorporated. The map centers on the areas now part of southwestern Wisconsin and eastern Iowa. In this area, the most populated at the time, we see many roads, towns, rivers, and even a proposed railroad from Milwaukee Bay to the Mississippi. An inset shows the greater Wisconsin Territory, extending as far as the Missouri and White Earth Rivers. The detail on the map extends into Missouri, Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois. Milwaukee, "Madison City," and Chicago are named. "Mennomonieville," "Navarin," and "Astor" all occupy the area now named Green Bay, with Fort Howard overlooking the Fox River. A short railroad is proposed here as well, connecting Winnebago Lake to La Fontaine. The inset shows Carver's Tract. Many Indian tribes are named in the inset map including the Dakota, Iowas, Chippeways, and the "New York Indians." This latter was a term for the Native Americans who had been forced westwards during the 1820s after being pushed out of their ancestral lands. This describes tribes such as the Oneida, Stockbridge, Munsee, and Brothertown. An area along the Iowa River is labeled "Neutral Ground," which appears to be acting as a buffer between white settlers and the lands of the Sioux tribes. Later neutral grounds served as buffers between Native American tribes. Wisconsin's Early Days The Wisconsin Territory was founded in 1836 from the soon-to-be-former Michigan Territory. The backdrop of the Toledo War (fought between Michigan and Ohio, with one casualty) had delayed the incorporation of the territory, which was supposed to have been founded in 1835. Frequent changes in leadership and delays from Congress led to confusion in the early days of the territory. By 1837, confusion subsided, and Michigan had been granted statehood. This left Wisconsin with a huge tract of land, encompassing all of Minnesota and Iowa, as well as parts of North and Sou. Seller Inventory # 105521
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