Catalog Archive
Auction 100, Lot 131

"United States of America…", Melish, John

Subject: United States

Period: 1821 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
21.5 x 17 inches
54.6 x 43.2 cm
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A great map by the important American cartographer John Melish, engraved by Benjamin Tanner. The map extends west to Latitude 115 with the northern border of the United States extending into present-day Canada. It provides a detailed view of the Missouri River and the headwaters of the Columbia River, based on information from Lewis and Clark's expedition. To the south, it is one of the earliest maps to use Stephen H. Long's material and the name Long's Peak first appears on this map. The region east of the Rocky Mountains is labeled Great American Desert, derived from Long's important expedition. The new state of Missouri is shown with its straight western border. Michigan Territory includes the eastern part of present-day Wisconsin, which is still a part of North West Terry. The large Arkansas Territory takes in most of present-day Oklahoma. Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona are shown as possessions of Mexico, and that area is sparsely mapped.

References: Wheat #338

Condition: B

Light offsetting. Binder's trim in top margin, nearly to neatline. Tiny fold separation at top closed with archival tape.

Estimate: $1,000 - $1,200

Sold for: $800

Closed on 9/12/2002

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