This is the second plate of one of the most interesting maps of the Great Lakes depicting frontier forts, missions, and fur trade routes. It covers the region from James Bay south to show Ft. St. Louis, and from Lake Ontario through the Great Plains. It contains numerous Indian tribe names and forts including Detroit, St. Louis, Toronto and Chicagou. Lake Superior contains Isle Royale, as well as the phantom islands of St. Anne, Maurepas and Ponchartrain, which were reported by the Jesuit explorer Charlevoix. The Keweenaw Peninsula is noted as Pt. de Kiaonan. The source of the Mississippi is noted as inconue or unknown.

Rigobert Bonne was an important French cartographer of the late 18th century. In 1773 he succeeded Jacques Bellin as the royal cartographer in the office of the Hydrographer at the Depot de la Marine. Working in his official capacity, Bonne compiled some of the most detailed and accurate maps of the period.

References: Kershaw #974; Sellers and Van Ee #173.

Condition: A

A crisp impression with a hint of toning.