Eastern Hemisphere [and] Western Hemisphere [and] The World

Mapping the global political transformations of the early 1820s.

This interesting trio of antique hand colored maps was originally published in 1824 as part of Anthony Finley’s New General Atlas (first edition!). The images present Western global perspectives during a period of tremendous change – newly independent Spanish America, growing European colonialism in Asia, Russia spanning two continents, and the far-flung Ottoman Empire are all visualized. Toponyms identify a fascinating mix of cities, regions, and geographic features. Importantly, the label for the United States stretches from coast to coast – a visual representation of Manifest Destiny.