Barnard, Major J.G.
The Isthmus of Tehuantepec: being the results of a survey for a railroad to connect the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, made by the Scientific Commission...
New York; D. Appleton & Company: 1852. The rapid growth of California and Oregon in the mid 19th century gave new impetus to the search for a fast way to freight goods and people from the East coast to the West coast and back. The rising popularity of the railroad opened up one possibility, and the quest to link East and West via a short railroad somewhere in Central America was on. The Isthmus of Tehuantepec, the shortest route between East and West in Mexico, was explored by Major Barnard's party as one possible route. There were others, each with their own adherents. Honduras became an attractive option as the political situation in Mexico deteriorated, and the Panama railroad was begun in 1850 and finished in 1855. The text to this study is augmented with wonderful colored plates showing scenery and natives. Hardcover. 6"x9.25", 295 pages, plus 14 colored lithographic plates, 1 folding map, 1 folding chart and a plate showing a geological section. Recently rebound in new marbled boards and cloth, with a leather spine label; covers lightly soiled; contents with minor browning and scattered spotting, but overall a very nice copy.
$500.00
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