Washington Map with Antique Railroads and Indian Reservations and Counties, 1888

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Antique Map of Washington – Railroads, Counties & Indian Reservations, 1888 This original engraved map shows the Territory of Washington … Read more Antique Map of Washington – Railroads, Counties & Indian Reservations, 1888 This original engraved map shows the Territory of Washington in 1888, a historically important moment just one year before it achieved statehood in 1889. Produced by Rand, McNally & Co. in Chicago for their 'Improved Indexed Business Atlas and Shippers Guide', the map presents a detailed snapshot of the Pacific Northwest in the late 19th century, highlighting railroads, counties, settlements, and Native American reservations. The map is rich in geographic and cultural detail. Railroads are marked in red and blue, including the Northern Pacific line crossing the state through Spokane, Yakima, and Tacoma, and other regional lines that connected towns to major ports. These railroads were crucial for linking Washington’s lumber, coal, and agricultural industries with markets across the United States. Important towns and cities such as Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia (the capital), Spokane Falls, and Walla Walla are clearly labeled, alongside smaller frontier communities that would later grow into significant population centers. Equally notable are the Native American reservations prominently marked, including the Yakima Indian Reservation, Colville Indian Reservation, and smaller tribal lands, which reflect the contested history of settlement and displacement in the region. The map also delineates natural features such as the Cascade Range, Mount Rainier (then often called Mount Tacoma), the Columbia River, Puget Sound, and the Pacific coast, providing a sense of the dramatic landscapes that shaped Washington’s development. Vancouver Island and British Columbia are shown at the northern border, emphasizing the importance of cross-border trade and relations with Canada. See less