A New Map of the United States of America

Detailed atlas map highlighting America’s growth in the mid-19th century.

This fascinating map of the United States was compiled by J.H. Young and published in Philadelphia by Cowperthwait, Desilver, and Butler in 1853. It presents an extremely informative overview of America in the 1850s, during a period of transformative expansion, rapid industrialization, and growing divisional conflicts.

The transportation network of roads, canals, and railroads is shown, with proposed lines for the last category including three different transcontinental routes. These are described in further detail in a text box in the lower center. Other named paths include the Oregon Route, the Great Spanish Trail, and the Santa Fe Route, plus those taken by several explorers. Toponyms identify a variety of settlements (forts, trading posts, ranchos, etc.), geographic features, and Native American tribes. Important battlefields from the American Revolution, War of 1812, and Seminole Wars are commemorated with small flags. Topography is depicted with finely engraved hachure and elevation data is provided in a handful of cases.

The western United States reflects a short-lived border configuration, notably showing the newly created Washington Territory and a large Indian Territory. A disputed boundary with Mexico is shown in the New Mexico Territory, but the Gadsden Purchase has not yet been incorporated. Inset maps in the lower corners show Washington, D.C. (right) and the Gold Region of California (left).