Lot 14810: Carey & Lea - Arkansas Territory. 35

This hand-colored map engraving was part of the atlas titled A Complete Historical, Chronological, and Geographical American Atlas, being A Guide to the History of North and South America, and the West Indies: Exhibiting an Accurate Account of the Discovery, Settlement, and Progress of their Various Kingdoms, States, Provinces, &c. together with the Wars, Celebrated Battles, and Remarkable Events, to the Year 1822. The work was published in Philadelphia by Henry Charles Carey & Isaac Lea in 1822. The engravings were completed by Fielding Lucas.

The atlas covered the areas of North America, Central America, South America and the West Indies. Each map is surrounded by text documenting the history, climate, population of that area. It is considered an indispensable American atlas and represented the beginning of the hand-colored commercial atlas business in the United States. It was particularly noted for its early maps of the states and territories of the United States. Of particular note was Stephen H. Long's map of Arkansa(s) (the American West) as it showed the trans-Mississippi West and the lands of the Louisana Purchase.

This isn important map of the trans-Mississippi West. It charts the first occurrence in American cartography in which Arkansas is shown as a separate territory from Missouri and Louisiana. It also charts Major Stephen Long's 1819-1820 Western expedition. The Platte & Red Rivers and country between are shown as well as the western drainage of the Mississippi River. The detailing of the Platte River area would facilitate the huge migration of settlers, Mormons, and gold seekers. It also the first time to show the area west of Arkansas named the "Great Desert" which was thought as a good barrier from foreign territories. Long noted "The Great Desert is frequented by roving bands of Indians who have no fixed places of residence but roam from place to place in quest of game." Also of note is the "Great Spanish Road", which would become the Santa Fe Trail.

~ 21 3/4" by 17 1/2"

Originally Hand-colored Engravings

1822

Overall Good. There is a light pencil line from Kansas City to Captain Bells Expedition path. There is some minor separation at the upper fold to just above the nomenclature. There are a few light fox marks or smudges to the edges. There is a closed, repaired tear at the lower edge measuring ~ 1 1/2 inches outside of the image area. There may be a few minor imperfections, toning, or offset to be expected with age. Please review the image carefully for condition and contact us with any questions.

A Complete Historical, Chronological, and Geographical American Atlas, being A Guide to the History of North and South America, and the West Indies: Exhibiting an Accurate Account of the Discovery, Settlement, and Progress of their Various Kingdoms, States, Provinces, &c. together with the Wars, Celebrated Battles, and Remarkable Events, to the Year 1822.