Map of routes by militar detachments in spring of 1855 from SLC to SF. 4 different routes were examined by Cap.t Ingalls, Col. Stepto, Lt Mowry. Printed by Akerman NY. Detail has the appearance of being extensive, but is lacking in a number of places particularly Tahoe, the map shows relative topography that was known at the time. The Sierra Nevada are marked as an imposing mountain range, separating California from the east. The north/south-oriented chains of the Basin and Range are marked carefully, with topographic detail extending to the Wasatch range. The [x=#8220/]Columbia[x=#8221/] [Snake] River can be seen just north of Utah and the Great Salt Lake. Early cities marked throughout California include San Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Jose, and San Francisco. Mining towns are marked at the western foot of the Sierra, some of them unmarked. This was a case where the government, more particularly, the US Army was a little late to the party. They sent out explorer groups lead by three different officers, Steptoe, Ingalls and Mowry to find easier routes for those emigrants coming to California for gold and other riches of life in the West. Problem is, by the time they were able to find or make easier routes, hundreds of thousands made their own trails and the map proved useless. This wonderful piece of map art is framed and measures 28[x=#8221/]x 24[x=#8221/] and is in wonderful condition, save for some fold creasing. House executive Doc. 11th session, 34th congress. Please see photos for more details. California