Catalog Archive
Auction 110, Lot 146

"Carte que les Gnacsitares ont Dessine sur ... Carte de la Riviere Longue et de quelques Autres qui se Dechargent dans le Grand Fleuve Missisipi …", Lahontan, Louis Armand

Subject: Colonial Midwest

Period: 1703 (circa)

Publication: Nouveaux Voyages de M. le Baron de Lahontan dans l'Amerique Septentrionale

Color: Black & White

Size:
26.2 x 11 inches
66.5 x 27.9 cm
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This is one of the most influential, and fanciful, maps in American cartographic history. It purports to show the Riviere Longue flowing from the western mountains, home to the Gnacsitares Indians, and connecting to the Mississippi River. On the western side of the mountains is another river, presumably flowing into the Pacific. Lahontan's concept was copied by virtually all 18th century cartographers including Moll, Senex, Popple, and Delisle, thus perpetuating the myth. The map also includes balloon-shaped Lakes Superior and Michigan. This is the scarce first state without a longitudinal scale at the top.

References: Kershaw #298; Verner & Stuart Stubbs #20;Lemmon, Magil & Wiese (LA) #14.

Condition: B

Lower left corner or map has been professionally replaced with facsimile of border and latitudinal scale and a couple of mountains. Light toning along fold with faint offsetting.

Estimate: $700 - $800

Sold for: $700

Closed on 3/2/2005

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