Ferdinand Vandeveer Hayden (1829–1887)
Southern Central Colorado and Part of New Mexico
From Department of the Interior, United States Geological and Geographical Surveys of the Territories Atlas, Washington, D.C., 1881
Lithographed map
Sheet size: 37.5 x 26.5 inches
This detailed map, produced under the direction of Ferdinand Vandeveer Hayden, presents an extensive survey of southern central Colorado and portions of New Mexico, reflecting the meticulous cartographic efforts of the U.S. Geological and Geographical Surveys of the Territories. Compiled in 1881, it captures the region’s topographical features with precision, showcasing mountain ranges, river systems, and key settlements of the period. Hayden’s surveys, conducted under the auspices of the Department of the Interior, played a pivotal role in the scientific documentation and exploration of the American West, contributing to the understanding of its geology and geography.
At the time of this map’s publication, the geopolitical landscape of the American West was shaped by the final phases of Native American resistance to U.S. expansion, the consolidation of state and territorial boundaries, and the increasing economic significance of the region. The 1880s marked the decline of the frontier, with railroads, mining, and settlement driving rapid transformation. The U.S. government had recently subdued the last major Native American uprisings, such as the Great Sioux War (1876–77), and policies like the Dawes Act (1887) would soon accelerate the dissolution of tribal landholdings. Colorado had achieved statehood in 1876, reinforcing its strategic importance, while New Mexico remained a territory, with statehood over two decades away.
The map exemplifies the advanced cartographic techniques of the late 19th century, integrating both topographical detail and geological insights crucial for westward expansion and resource assessment. A significant document in the history of American exploration, it remains an invaluable reference for scholars and collectors interested in the development of Colorado and New Mexico. Elegantly presented, this example is well-suited for display in collections focusing on Western exploration, Native American history, and 19th-century American cartography.
