Catalog Archive
Auction 137, Lot 358

"Plat of the Seven Ranges of Townships Being Part of the Territory of the United States N. W. of the River Ohio…", Hutchins, Thomas (Capt.)

Subject: Ohio

Period: 1814 (published)

Publication: Mathew Carey's General Atlas

Color: Black & White

Size:
23.5 x 13 inches
59.7 x 33 cm
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An important early map of Ohio completed under the direction of Thomas Hutchins, who was the first and only official Geographer to the United States. In accordance with the Ordinance of 1785, Hutchins conducted the first survey that divided public land into Ranges and Townships, standards of land measurement that subsequently became very common. However, it was not until 1815 that the township plat, a "planimetric base map that laid down legal subdivisions in each township" assumed its modern form. This government land division approach became the standard throughout the Midwest, South, and West in the 19th century. This map is one of the first of its kind.

References: Phillips (A) 722-28; cf Wheat & Brun 677.

Condition: B

Strong impression with some light scattered foxing and staining, along with some faint offsetting.

Estimate: $500 - $650

Sold for: $350

Closed on 9/14/2011

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