2001.9.1

The cover of this small publication is of textured brown leather, printed in metallic gold "Williams' Traveller's Guide through the United States and Canada"along with an architectural scene. The full title is: "The Traveller's and Tourist's Guide through the United States of America, Canada, etc. containing the routes of travel by Railroad, Steamboat, Stage and Canal; together with descriptions of, and routes to, the principal places of fashionable and healthful resort; with other valuable information. Accompanied by an entirely new and authentic Map of the United States, including California, Oregon, etc., and a map of the Island of Cuba." By W. Williams, Philadelphia: Lippincott, Grambo & Co., 1854. The map of the United States and Cuba is located in the back of the book; it folds out, and is 30.125 inches wide by 25.125 inches high. Each geographic area has a colored outline. There is marbled end paper opposite the map. The book features all sorts of information about stage coach routes, caravan routes, etc. For example, page 177 has "Routes to Oregon, California, New Mexico, and Utah." Starting at St, Louis, Mo. it is 291 miles to Independence, Mo. (and 2446 miles from Oregon). The information continues giving the distance to the next major city/landmark/etc. as well as the distance to Oregon. In addition to the charts of distances, there are written narratives. For example, on page is "New York to California, via the Isthmus of Panama, in cluding information on the price of of passage from New York to Chagres, by steamship, "varies from $50 to $150, according to accommodations." The land route of 50 miles "including 150 pounds of baggage, about $10; from Panama to San Francisco, from $150 to $300. Steamers run between San Francisco and Oregon." "The route by the way of Cape Horn occupies about five months, the distance being 17,000 miles. This price varies from $100 to $300, according to accommodations on board. Passage may be procured at any of the pricipal sea-ports."

Used: tourist | Traveller | United States of America | Canada | Cuba | California