Carte de la Louisiane et du Cours du Mississipi..

Beautiful example of Delisle’s foundational map of the colonial United States.

This seminal map of the United States was published in Paris by Guillaume Delisle, the Royal Geographer to the King of France, in 1718. Issued during a period of intense colonial competition, It incorporates much of the latest geographic data available to European cartographers. As a result, it is the first printed map to name Texas and one of the first accurate depictions of the Lower Mississippi, laying the groundwork for most serious subsequent cartographic efforts of the mid-18th century.

The image reflects the circumstances of growing strife across the continent. Numerous Native American tribes, seen variously as allies or enemies by the European powers, are labeled throughout. ‘Wandering Indians and Cannibals’ are observed along the Gulf Coast. ‘Disturbed’ and ‘Devastated Nations’ are noted with small symbols according to the key in the lower center. The catalysts for their spoliation – missions, forts, and towns – are also shown with considerable detail.

Political borders are also an important component of the map, likely causing considerable outrage among certain contemporary audiences. Florida is clearly included within the boundaries of French Louisiana, an affront to Spanish claims reinforced by de Soto’s exploration route across the area. British territory along the Atlantic coast is severely restricted, again in favor of the French; with Carolina noted as being named after the Valois King Charles IX! In reality, it was settled by the English and named after Charles II – a blatant bit of propaganda by the cartographer on behalf of his patron.

Sources: Schwartz/ Ehrenberg, pp. 140-41, Cumming # 170;