"Carte du Mexique et des Etats Unis d'Amerique, Partie Meridionale…", Delisle/Dezauche

The title of this map contains a very early recognition of the newly formed United States, as 1783 is the earliest that the name appears on a printed map. This is the last issue of Delisle's map that was first issued in 1703 with the title Carte du Mexique et de la Floride. Delisle's map is regarded as the first map to correctly show the course of the lower Mississippi, to accurately place the Great Lakes, and to locate many English coastal settlements. Its longevity and numerous copies by other mapmakers attest to the importance of this engraving. Dezauche was Buache's son-in-law, and the successor to the Delisle business. He altered the original title on the map to include the words Etats Unis. He also added a legend and color-coding to show the colonial possessions of England, France, Spain and the extent of the United States.

References: Tooley (Amer) p.22 #53; cf Cumming (SE) #137; Martin (TX) p.92-3.

Condition: B+

Some minor paper repairs along centerfold at top, with a few minute worm holes only visible when held to light, and some light damp stains just entering map image at bottom. There are some worm tracks in bottom blank margin, two of which enter map border near centerfold, that have been professionally repaired with a minor amount of border in facsimile.