Rare, large format (16” x 20”) atlas map of the United States by Matthew Carey. The map is undated, but a previous owner scrawled in ink pen at the bottom “taken from atlas published by M. Carey & Son Philadelphia year 1818”. This is corroborated by the presence of Alabama as a territory, as it achieved statehood in 1819. The map features the fledgling United States handcolored in outline. Of particular interest are the territories of the West in odd configuration. Illinois’ eastern border is far west of Lake Michigan, although Chicago is present and in the correct location on Lake Michigan’s shoreline (in the Northwest Territory, which is present day Wisconsin). In the North, the source of the Mississippi is incorrectly listed as Turtle Lake, to the West is a large swath of land labeled simply “unexplored country”, and many “Indian villages” are named along the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers.

Condition report: the map has browned significantly over the years, but the toning is pleasant and adds character. It has wrinkling throughout, as well, but not distracting. It is printed on supple paper and is very solid. As mentioned above, a previous owner scrawled along the bottom in ink. While I was able to scrape the layer of ink off, it is still noticeable (although much less so). This could easily be trimmed off, as the bottom margin is large, but I didn’t have the heart to do so as it was written inside the bottom plate mark. It could be easily matted over if framed, and is a great candidate for display! A rare map in any condition and a must have for any collector of antique maps of the United States!

I have listed several other early US maps, so be sure to check them out!