This collection contains materials from John B. Vliet and his cartography work in
Wisconsin. The majority of the collection is comprised of maps created by Vliet.
They are quarter section maps of various townships and ranges in Wisconsin. Also
included is a single letter written by Vliet to his brother Jasper in 1853, which is
probably around the time when the maps were drawn. In the letter, he describes the
maps and presents them to Jasper. The collection also contains detailed descriptions
of lines for the La Crosse and Milwaukee Railroad Company, specifically the Iron
Ridge line. However, the bottom half of the last page is torn off. There is also a
brief historical note concerning the “Red Bridge”, the first bridge across the
Milwaukee River, built in 1840. A 1837 survey of the west side of the river in
Milwaukee by Garret Vliet is included as well. This drawing may by a copy by an
unknown person at an unknown date.
