1827 Finely Map of North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia

Scarce map of southeast predating Indian Removal Act.

A finely executed 1827 map of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia published by Anthony Finley. The map predates the Indian Removal Act of 1830, and so Creek, Seminole, and Cherokee lands in western Georgia and northern Florida Features population statistics by state from the census of 1820.

Publication History and Census

Finley engraved and published this map for his New American Atlas, first published in 1826, although some of the plates are dated as early as 1824. The map was engraved in 1826 and appeared in both the 1826, and with minor changes, the 1827 editions of the atlas. The present map is the 2nd edition from the 1827 atlas. In addition to atlas form, Finley also sold this map in pocket map format. In 1831, he sold the plates to Samuel Augustus Mitchell, who updated the borders and used them to produce both separate issue pocket maps and his own version of the New American Atlas.

Cartographer

Anthony Finley (August 25, 1784 - June 9, 1836) was an American book and map publisher based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Finley was born in Philadelphia in 1784. He opened a bookshop and publishing house at the Northeast corner of Fourth and Chestnut Street, Philadelphia in 1809. His earliest known catalog, listing botanical, medical and other scientific works, appeared in 1811. His first maps, engraved for Daniel Edward Clarke’s Travels in Various Countries of Europe, Asia, and Africa also appear in 1811. His first atlas, the Atlas Classica, was published in 1818. He soon thereafter published the more significant A New American Atlas and the New General Atlas…, both going through several editions from 1824 to 1834. Although most of Finley's cartographic material was borrowed from European sources, his atlases were much admired and favorably reviewed. In addition to his work as a printer, Finley ran unsuccessfully on the 1818 Democratic ticket for Philadelphia Common Council. He was a founding officer of the Philadelphia Apprentices’ Library, and a member of both the American Sunday-School Union and the Franklin Institute. He was also an ardent supporter of the American Colonization Society, an organization dedication to returning free people of color to Africa - which led to the founding of Liberia. Much of his wealth was dedicated to supporting this cause. Finley was active as a publisher until his 1836 death, apparently of a 'lingering illness.' Shortly thereafter advertisements began appearing for his map business and plates, most of which were acquired by Samuel Augustus Mitchell.   Further Details...

Source

Finley, Anthony, New American Atlas, (Philadelphia: Finely) 1827.    

Condition

Very good. Minor centerfold wear and toning.

References

Rumsey 0278.008.