- Title: Map of the United States with the contiguous British & Spanish Possessions Compiled from the latest & best Authorities
- Author: John Melish
- Date: 1816
- Condition: See description
- Inches: 57 x 34 3/4 [Image]
- Centimeters: 144.78 x 88.26 [Image]
- Product ID: 308305
The Most Iconic and Important American Map of the 19th Century
First Edition, Final State (Ristow)
It is no overstatement to characterize John Melish's 1816 Map of the United States as the groundbreaking and influential work in American cartography to date. Melish's map was the first to definitively show the United States extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific, effectively visualizing the concept of Manifest Destiny before it became a widespread ideology. The map was so influential that it played a role in boundary disputes and treaties throughout much of the 19th century, making it one of the most important and influential maps of America published in that era.
This map is a monumental cartographic work, showcasing the nation's territorial aspirations and emerging geographical knowledge of the early 19th century. The map incorporates the latest information from renowned explorers as well as fur traders and trappers, and Native Americans. The map provides a detailed representation of the known (and unknown) geography of the United States, including relief shown pictorially. The map also includes an inset of the West Indies. Prime meridians set to both London and Washington. The map's historical significance transcends cartography, laying visual claim as being one of the most iconographic American creations of the early 19th century. Melish's map faithfully recorded the changing geography of the U.S., reflecting various boundary disputes, treaties, and explorations that extended both the geographical territory and knowledge of the young nation.
The map's role in shaping American expansionist ambitions, as it boldly proclaimed these aspirations before events on the ground made such goals possible, is remarkable. Depicted here for the first time is the continental United States just a decade after the Lewis and Clark expedition (May 14, 1804 – Sep 23, 1806), and only two years since the Lewis and Clark map was published (Philadelphia, 1816). The knowledge obtained from that expedition is shown in detail that sharply contrasts the vast unexplored lands of present day California, Nevada, Utah, and Oregon, which was at the time Spanish Territory. Also detailed within the map are the notes and discoveries of Zebulon Pike's expedition to the Rockies (1806 - 1807). Alexander von Humboldt’s mapping in present day Texas and south of that locale was also reflected on the Melish map.
At the time of printing, America was on the move west, though the progress of civilization was bound to the waterways of the Great Lakes, and the Ohio and Mississippi River. Illinois and Michigan are shown as territories. Other noteworthy territories include Mississippi, which in this map includes present day Alabama, and the Missouri Territory that not only encompasses much of the western portion of America, but extends north into present day Canada, and the Northwest Territory that spans from present day northern Illinois up through Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Minnesota and part of what is now North Dakota.
While the 1755 Mitchell map of North America was instrumental in distinguishing geo-political borders of the 18th century and beyond, (most notably for its use during the 1763 and 1783 Treaties of Paris) a similar comparison can be made for the Melish map and its importance throughout the 19th century. The map used for the Adams-Onís Treaty was Melish's Map of the United States, published in Philadelphia and improved to the first of January 1818. This map played a crucial role in defining the boundary between the United States and Spanish territory. The treaty text specifically referenced Melish's Map, stating that the boundary line was to be "as laid down in Melishe's (sic) Map of the United States, published at Philadelphia, improved to the first of January 1818". This map was chosen as the official reference for establishing the new borders between the two nations.
As previously noted, the map was also utilized as a visual embodiment of Manifest Destiny. Shortly after the publication of this map, the Anglo-American Convention of 1818 extended the U.S.-Canadian border westwards along the 49th parallel from the Lake of the Woods to the Rocky Mountains. Within the same treaty, the British and Americans agreed to jointly occupy the Oregon Country that at the time extended North of the 49th parallel into present day British Columbia. This treaty essentially guaranteed the United States a continuous stretch of land from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean.
The map went through multiple states or editions, with scholars identifying at least 25 different versions between 1816 and 1823. Like most maps of this era, it was printed on copper plates – six plates were used. The plates were actually fairly easy to burnish and re-engrave (for the experts of the day), making changes to the map a relatively easy mechanical task. The difficult element lay in validating and synthesizing new information from dozens of sources. The effort expended to continuously update and republish the map speaks to Melish’s insistence on incorporating the latest information. This copy, as usual, dissected and laid to linen for ease of use and preservation.
The map is a dynamic representation of America's expanding knowledge and territory, with each edition incorporated new geographical information as it became available. On December 31, 1816, Thomas Jefferson wrote from his retirement at Monticello to “Mr. Mellish” (sic), praising the map for its handsome execution and “well chosen scale”, saying that it gave a “luminous view of the comparative possessions of different powers in our America”, and offering certain suggestions, particularly respecting the true boundaries of Louisiana that Jefferson had purchased from France for the United States. He deemed latitude 49 the northern boundary (by treaty), and he thought the Rio Bravo (Rio Grande) the correct western boundary – which would have brought all of Texas and much of New Mexico within the purchased territory. He admitted that Louisiana did not extend beyond the Rockies, but felt that Astor’s settlement near the mouth of the Columbia River should carry American sovereignty to “all its waters”.
Note on Date and Edition
This example of the map is the final state of the first edition, Ristow’s sixth (Martins fifth [actually sixth]) state, with numerous new place names and name changes in southern Indiana.
Background on Cartographer
John Melish (June 13, 1771 – December 30, 1822) was a Scottish-born cartographer who became one of the most prominent mapmakers in early 19th century America. Born in Scotland, Melish initially worked in the textile trade before emigrating to the United States in 1811. Upon settling in Philadelphia, Melish established the first map publishing company in the United States. He quickly gained recognition for his cartographic skills, producing some of the earliest and most accurate maps of the young nation. His works were highly regarded, with even President Thomas Jefferson taking note and sharing Melish's maps with associates in Europe. Melish's most significant contribution to American cartography was this Map of the United States with the Contiguous British and Spanish Possessions.
Throughout his career, Melish published several important works, including Travels through the United States of America (1812) and A Geographical Description of the United States (1816). His maps were known for their accuracy and attention to detail, often incorporating the latest geographical information available. Despite his relatively short cartographic career lasting only a decade, John Melish left an indelible mark on American mapmaking. He died on December 30, 1822, in Philadelphia, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important cartographers of his time
Condition
Untouched map in found condition with vibrant contemporary color. Scattered occasional foxing and stains, a few very small scuff marks. One dissected panel with marginal chipping. The slightest bit of worming in Mississippi Territory. Dissected and laid to contemporary cartographic linen, linen quite sound with a few small losses, green sedge border with loss. A brilliant survivor presented in custom archival framing.
References
Wheat 322, Ristow A la Carte, pp. 162-173, Rumsey 5168.000.