1805 Cary Map of the Great Lakes and Western Territory (Kentucy, Virginia, Ohio, etc..)

Published by John Cary in 1805, this is one of the most interesting and attractive maps of the American Frontier and the Great Lakes to emerge in the first years of the 19th century. Covers from Lakes Superior south along the Mississippi River as far as Kentucky and Tennessee. Extends eastward to include the Western Territory, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ontario, and parts of New York, North Carolina and Maryland. This wonderful map was produced during a period of rapid westward expansion toward the Mississippi River and attempts address a general fascination with this largely unexplored territory. One of this map's most compelling features is the massive 'Western Territory' encompassing all of modern day Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois and parts of Minnesota. Offers copious notations and comments throughout, most of which are extremely interesting. A note in Kentucky, for example, referencing the frontiersman Daniel Boon, reads 'Kentucky, this Colony was first discovered by J. Macbride & others in the Year 1754. Col. D. Boon explored it in 1769 & with his family & five other began the first settlement in 1773.' Also indicates the 'Indian Boundary Line' through modern day Ohio and Indiana under the 1795 treaty of General Wayne. Notes the Illinois Company's claims near St. Louis. Offers considerable commentary on various portages, rapids, waterfalls, and other obstacles to river navigation. Shows the locations of various American Indian tribes, the 'Buffalo Plains,' fishing grounds, hunting territory, and explorer's routes. This is also one of the last maps to show the mythical 'Ile Philippeaux' in Lake Superior. All-in-all a fascinating map of American at the first stages of the westward expansion and an important piece for most American post-Revolutionary period map collections. Prepared in 1805 by John Cary for issue in his magnificent 1808 New Universal Atlas.

Cartographer

John Cary (1754 - August 1835) was a London based cartographer active in the early part of the 19th century. Ronald Vere Tooley, the prominent English map historian, writes of Cary, "As an engraver he was elegant and exact with fine clear lettering and great delicacy of touch." Cary began his work as an engraver, cartographer, and globe maker in 1776 with his New and Correct English Atlas. This important atlas represented a new phase in cartography where accuracy and detail rose in prominence over the decorative embellishments of the 18th century. This change was indicative of the times when travel and commerce were expanding globally as never before. Cary's mastery of both engraving and cartography resulted in a series of seminal works that redefined mapmaking in the early 19th century. His stupendous Cary's New Universal Atlas, published in 1808, set the standard for all cartographers who followed. Cary reissued this seminal atlas in 1811, 1819, 1824, 1828, 1833, 1836 and 1844. Cary also did considerable work on the English Ordinance Survey prior to 1805. His cartographic work, of where there are more than 600 maps known, particularly inspired the Edinburgh school of cartography as represented by John Pinkerton and John Thomson. In America, Cary's work was used as the basis for Tanner's important New American Atlas. Cary's last published atlas appeared posthumously in 1844, however, by 1850 Cary's work was being carried on by his sons and other well-known cartographers including James Wyld, John Tallis & Company, and Crutchley.   Further Details...

Source

Cary, John, Cary's New Universal Atlas, containing distinct maps of all the principal states and kingdoms throughout the World. From the latest and best authorities extant. London: Printed for J. Cary, Engraver and Map-seller, No. 181, near Norfolk Street, Strand, 1808.    

Condition

Very good condition. Original centerfold exhibits minor recto fading and verso reinforcement. Blank on verso..

References

Rumsey 1657.058. Checklist of printed maps of the Middle West to 1900, 1-0787. Phillips, P. L., A List of Maps of America in the American Library of Congress, p. 875. Sames, J.W. Index of Kentucky & Virginia Maps 1562 to 1900, p. 115. Phillips (Atlases) 714-56. New York Public Library, Map Division, 433914.