Crossing Mountains and Ridges
The border region connecting Hunan, Sichuan, and Guizhou Provinces—comprising Yongsui, Qianzhou, Fenghuang, Yongshun, and Baojing (the last two of which belong to the Xiangxi region)—is known for its rugged mountains and crisscrossing rivers. Historically home to ethnic minorities such as the Miao and Tujia People, the region’s relationship with the central authority was managed through direct control of chieftains. During the Wanli era of the Ming dynasty (1573-1620), walls were constructed to isolate the threat of the “wild” Miao people from Han people (including assimilated Miao people). By the Qing dynasty, many of the walls had fallen into disrepair, and the government shifted its strategy from building walls to integrating these areas through administrative reforms, especially under Emperor Yongzheng (1679-1735). However, such a measure was largely ineffective, leading to renewed conflicts. Thus, after the Qianlong and Jiaqing eras, the walls were rebuilt and floodgate forts, military watchtowers, military posts, sentry posts, checkpoints were added. The displayed “Complete Map of the Blockhouses in Qianzhou, Yongsui, and Baojing Counties” starts from the military post of Yongsui (present-day Huayuan County) and continues east to Baojing County and south to Qianzhou, concluding at Wanxi Floodgate. It mainly features Qing military camps and floodgate systems including cities, military watchtowers, military posts, floodgates, and camps. In addition, the roads, depicted in yellow solid lines with short black horizontal lines winding through rugged mountains, are also quite eye-catching. Given that the map includes the Wanyan Creek Floodgate and the Yake Floodgate established during the Tongzhi era (1862-1874), the map unlikely predates this period.
