WASHINGTON, D.C. – ARNOLD, E.G. Topographical Map of the Original District of Columbia and Environs: Showing the Fortifications Around the City of Washington. New York: G. Woolworth Colton, 1862.

Extremely rare and large map of Washington, D.C., confiscated within days of publication by the U.S. War Department. This highly detailed map was produced by G.E. Arnold, a civil engineer, in New York. He depicts the original 10-mile square of D.C. as laid out by Peter L’Enfant and surveyed by Andrew Ellicott, and also includes the city of Alexandria. “The seven wards within D.C. are color coded, and [Arnold] showed all railroad lines and regional roads entering the city. In a chart at the lower left, Arnold lists the populations of Washington, Georgetown, and Alexandria by decade from 1800-1860. He also broke down the population into ‘white,’ ‘free colored,’ and ‘slave.’

To Union Military authorities, the Arnold map was important for three reasons: it showed the topography of the area, all the roads leading into the city, and the location of the then 51 forts protecting the city. Arnold published this three-foot-square folding map without the knowledge or consent of the government. Two days after Arnold placed copies of his map in Washington bookstores and retail shops, the War Department seized most copies in stock to prevent the vital military intelligence from reaching Confederate forces. The War Department obtained the names of many purchasers of the map and seized their copies from their homes. The War Department also confiscated the copper plate in New York from which the map was printed” (Goode). James Goode, “Civil War Washington." In: Washington History, Vol 15:1 (2003), p. 77; Phillips 1023.

Hand-colored engraved map, 790 x 865mm sight size (mild toning at previous folds). Archivally matted, framed and glazed to 44 x 48 inches. Provenance: C.F. Schwab (period inkstamp on verso is visible on recto).