Catalog Archive
Auction 122, Lot 178

"The United States of North America: with the British Territories and Those of Spain, according to the Treaty of 1784", Faden, William

Subject: Eastern United States

Period: 1796 (dated)

Publication: General Atlas

Color: Hand Color

Size:
24.7 x 20.7 inches
62.7 x 52.6 cm
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This is a later edition of one of the first English maps to display the boundaries of the newly recognized United States. The short-lived state of Franklinia is located in eastern Tennessee, noted as the New State of Franklin. Franklin was formed in the western part of North Carolina in 1784, by a group of "westerners" who felt cut-off from state government by the Appalachian Mountains. John Sevier was appointed as governor and they maintained a legislature for several years. Due to some fascinating political intrigue, Franklinia or Franklin was never recognized by Congress and eventually the region was re-annexed by North Carolina and finally became a part of Tennessee. This is one of the only maps we have seen with both Franklinia and the Tannesee Government designated. The old Spanish settlement of New Iberia is located west of the Mississippi. Several Bounty Land Grants are depicted in the Western Territory and Indiana is shown in the northwest corner of Virginia. The boundary of North Carolina extends as far as the South Sea by the Charter of Charles II, with a further notation maintaining North Carolina's right to the navigation of the Mississippi River. Indian tribes, fortifications and early settlements are noted throughout this detailed map. This sixth and final state of the map adds an interesting notation that all lands not settled by Europeans "should belong to the Aborigines." A finely engraved pictorial cartouche shows traders shipping goods.

References: Tooley (America) p.100, #80f; McCorkle, #796.7; Baynton-Williams (TMC) 72, #7, p. 16.

Condition: B+

Strong impression on sturdy paper with original color and a horizontal fold at top as issued. Couple of short, repaired tears in the narrow original margin at left, one just into the map. A little faint toning, still a nice example.

Estimate: $2,000 - $2,500

Sold for: $3,250

Closed on 12/5/2007

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