Central
Pacific Railroad Photographic
History Museum
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Pacific Railroad Surveys, c. 1855
John Mix Stanley — Engravings
of Scenery
The Pacific
Railroad Surveys included extensive investigation of wildlife along
the routes studied. Color Lithographs by John Mix Stanley 1814-1872
from sketches by R.H. Kernfrom reproduced from the 12 volume survey
report of proposed routes for the Pacific Railroad have incredible
detail and beauty. Stone lithograph printed in 4 colors. Paper size
8 1/2 X 11 inches. Lithographed by Hoen & Co. Baltimore 1855.
"Reports of Explorations and surveys to ascertain the
most practicable and economical route for a railroad from the Mississippi
River to the Pacific Ocean."
By the mid-nineteenth century the United States turned
its attention to improving communications with those who occupied the vast
amount of western land it had recently acquired. Transportation was vital
to this end and a transcontinental railroad was proposed. Several routes
were proposed, each with great financial gains to be enjoyed by the cities
along them. Influential figures in the government were all determined that
the areas they represented should be the primary beneficiaries of project.
Four different lines were proposed: One along the Buffalo Trail, running
from St. Louis along the 38th parallel to San Francisco. Another, which
would link the South with the Southwest and California. A third, extending
from the Great Lakes to Puget Sound. And finally as a compromise, a line
following the 35th parallel from Fort Smith, Arkansas to Los Angles, tying
in with existing rail lines that linked the north and south cities was
also suggested . To determine which was best, in 1853 the United States
government commissioned officials to survey land for a transcontinental
railroad. All of survey leaders were convinced that the path that their
team followed would be the optimal route for railroad. Congress deadlocked
over the issue and it was not until 1862 that it passed the Pacific Railway
Act, authorizing the Union Pacific Company and the Central Pacific Company
to begin construction. When completed in 1869, the route selected did not
directly correspond with any of the original four that were proposed. The
account of the surveys was published under the full title of Reports of
Explorations and Surveys, to Ascertain the Most Practicable and Economical
Rout for a Railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean, published
between (1855-1861). This substantial work contained prints based on the
pictures by almost a dozen artists. Their primary objective was to show
the terrain with consideration for any obstacles that would impede the
laying of track. Also included in the more than seven hundred plates were
depictions of Native Americans, wildlife, and Los Angles and San Diego
in their nascent stages. The project was well received by the government
and the public and did much to shape popular notion of the west.
[Click on each picture to bring up the next.]
View of the Ordinary
Lateral Ravines on Grand River .
Sangre de Cristo Pass, from near
the summit, looking down Gunnison's Creek .
Fort Massachusetts at the foot of the
Sierra Blanca; Valley of San Luis .
Sangre de Cristo pass looking towards
San Luis Valley .
Rock Hills between Green and White
Rivers. Octr. 3rd Wahscatch Mountains in the distance.
Coo-Che-To-Pa Pass, view looking
up Sahwatch Creek .
Head of the First Canyon of Grand River.
below the mouth of Coo-che-te-pa Creek.
Summit of the nearest ridges south
of Grand River.
View of the Roan or Book Mountains.
At the Spanish trail ford of the Green River, Oct 1st.
View showing the formation of the
Canyon of Grand River near the mouth of Lake Fork.
Introduction and Images Courtesy Haley
& Steele.
Caution:
Acknowledgements, links, etc. are not merchant endorsements.
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