Explorations in the Dacota Country, in the year 1855
Cartographer:
Warren, Gouverneur Kemble
Date of Creation:
1856
A graduate of West Point, in 1850 Warren was brevetted a second lieutenant in the Corps of Topographical Engineers. His first assignment was as assistant to Captain A. A. Humphreys on the survey of the Mississippi Delta. In 1854, he was assigned to prepare a large-scale map of the region between the Mississippi and the Rocky Mountains for the purpose of determining four possible railroad routes to link the Mississippi terminals with the Pacific Coast. He was promoted to second lieutenant, 1 September 1854. Seven months later he was assigned as chief topographical engineer to the Sioux Expedition of 1855 in the Nebraska Territory. Warren was the topographical engineer of “the 'Sioux Expedition' under the command of General William S. Harney, was organized in 1855 to chastise the Sioux for the killing of Lt. John L. Grattan and his command of twenty-nine men in the summer of 1853" (Wagner-Camp). With a geological report by F. V. Hayden, “better known to the Indians from an earlier exploration as "Man Who Picks Up Stones Running" for his peculiar habit of gathering rock samples alone in hostile country (they thought he was crazy)” (Eliane and Jon Dotson, Old World Auctions). Following this expedition “Warren conducted reconnaissances of the Dakota Territory and Nebraska Territory to map these regions. His map of the territory west of the Mississippi was completed in 1858 and, according to his biographer, Emerson Taylor, was “all through the period of the West’s exploration and early development, consulted as the best and most reliable authority”” (D. Scott Hartwig for ANB).
The maps are:
‘Sketch of the Blue Water Creek, embracing the field of action of the force...’. This small map shows the region near present-day Ash Hollow, the site of one of the first major battles in the Indian Wars. It shows the camp of theBrule band of the Ogallala Sioux, led by Chief Little Thunder, and their flight from the army of 600 soldiers led by Col. William. S. Harney. Detailed movements are shown for the infantry and cavalry.
‘Section of Map Compiled in P.R.R. Office with additions designed to illustrate Lt. Warrens Report...’ (of the country between Platte & Missouri Rivers, west to Rocky Mountains). A reduced version of the above map that extends further north to the Canadian border showing Governor Stevens' route among others.
‘Reconnaissances in the Dacota Country by G.K. Warren... made while attached to the Staff of Bvt. Brigr. Genl. Harney, Commander of the Sioux Expedition in 1855’. This large map was printed on two sheets and joined. It covers the region from Omaha north to Fort Ridgley (MN) and west to Fort Laramie (WY). Shows the path of Warren's exploration throughout the region with encampment dates noted. Also depicts previous explorers routes including Long, Fremont, Stansbury and Nicollet. Presents good detail of topography, the river systems, and thelocation of numerous Indian tribes and reserves.