"United States of America", Melish, John

A great map by the important American cartographer John Melish. The map extends west to longitude 109°, 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 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 and the Southwest are an interesting hodgepodge of regions, including the Great American Desert, New Mexico, New Santander. In Texas there are a few place names including Ft. Matagorda, but Galveston is poorly located. The map was engraved by Benjamin Tanner. This map was published in both the Traveller's Directory through the United States and in A Complete Genealogical Historical Chronological & Geographical Atlas.

References: cf. Wheat (TMW) #327.

Condition: B+

Original color with light damp stains that just touch the border at top right and left.