San Francisco Pocket Map 

As surveyed by Henry S. Dexter, Dec. 1851. Inscribed on inside cover N. Miller, for Nathaniel Miller, California Pioneer who is the subject of the daguerreotypes in Lots 280-281, and the Committee of Vigilance certificate, Lot 282.

Pocket map in embossed leather-covered boards, approx. 4 x 6 in., with Map of San Francisco California in gilt on front. Map is 29 x 42 in. Title Map of the City of San Francisco with its Additions, Showing Two of the Routes for the Introduction of Water by the Mountain Lake Water Company. December 1851. At top are the profiles of the two proposed routes, elevations on map shown by hachures.

With the rapid growth of San Francisco after the discovery of gold, the city on the hill had no ready source of fresh water. By 1851, investors planned to dig a tunnel from Mountain Lake to the city to transport a supply of water (to be sold for profit). Several routes were proposed, and these two were the "front runners."

The company broke ground in 1853 to much fanfare. The supply of water would cure all of the nascent city's problems - fire, sanitation (and consequent public health), purifying the air (presumably with some fountains), settling the dust, and, "preserving life from flames and hearts from fears," as reported in the newspapers of the day (www.presidio.gov).

The company eventually went bankrupt, its tunnel only begun. The Presidio Trust has been trying to locate the entire structure. How far did they get before abandoning the tunnel? Historic records barely mention the project.

A rare map recording a little-known part of the Golden Gate city's history. 

Provenance: Descended Directly in the Family of Nathaniel Miller

Some toning, especially of outer folds. Some splits along those folds, but all paper seems to be present. Front board separated, but present.