Topographical Map of… Isthmus of Darien. Proposed Panama Canal 1852 (1854)

CAPTION PRINTED BELOW PICTURE: 'Atlantic & Pacific Junction - Topographical Map of a portion of the Isthmus of Darien, in site of proposed inter-oceanic navigation - August 1852'

An 1852 map illustrating an early proposal for a transoceanic canal route by Lionel Gisborne, a British civil engineer and surveyor instrumental in the initial exploration of interoceanic canal possibilities across Central America. Commissioned by the British government to investigate viable crossings of the Isthmus of Darién, Gisborne conducted a detailed survey of the Savannah–Lara–Calidonia route, shown here, producing one of the earliest comprehensive engineering assessments of the corridor. His findings—accompanied by maps, profiles, and reports—were submitted to both British and American authorities, contributing significantly to the early discourse on canal feasibility. He briefly collaborated with American engineer John C. Trautwine, who later offered a more skeptical evaluation of the route's practicality, however this map's publication to accompany and illustrate the US President's message to Congress suggests that the route was being considered seriously by the US Government at the time. The proposed canal would have begun at Calidonia Bay on the Pacific coast, ascended the Calidonia River, crossed via the Lara River, and descended along the Savannah River to the Caribbean Sea. Although shorter and more direct than the rival Atrato or Nicaraguan proposals under consideration at the time, the route was ultimately rejected due to steep elevation changes and the extreme challenges posed by the rugged, rain-soaked, and disease-ridden terrain of the Darién Gap.

DATE PRINTED: 1852 (1854)    

IMAGE SIZE: Approx 37.5 x 51.0cm, 14.75 x 20 inches (Large); Please note that this is a folding map.

TYPE: Antique survey map

CONDITION: Good; suitable for framing. The map was published without a lower right margin, which has been restored with skight loss of the printed border. Toning along folds. Please check the scan for any blemishes prior to making your purchase. Please contact us if you would like to arrange to view this map. Virtually all antiquarian maps and prints are subject to some normal aging due to use and time which is not obtrusive unless otherwise stated. We offer a no questions asked return policy.

AUTHENTICITY: This is an authentic historic print, published at the date stated above. It is not a modern copy.

VERSO: There is nothing printed on the reverse side, which is plain

FOLDING: This is a folding print.

ARTIST/CARTOGRAPHER/ENGRAVER: Lionel Gisborne

PROVENANCE: "Message from the President of the United States to the two Houses of Congress at the commencement of the second session of the Thirty-Third Congress", December 4, 1854. Senate. 33d Congress, 2d Session. Ex. Doc. No. 1. Part III. Illustrations belonging to reports accompanying the message. Washington: A. O. P. Nicholson, Printer. 1854.