Delaware from the Best Authorities

The first American printed map of the first state to ratify the Constitution.

This important map of Delaware was originally issued in 1795 as part of the first atlas published in the newly independent United States of America. As the first to ratify the Constitution, the Blue Hen State holds a special point of pride in American history.

The image includes the Delaware Bay and River up to the (then) national capital of Philadelphia. A rudimentary network of roads is depicted, along with major geographic features, local settlements, and navigational hazards. Notable locations of interest include the Cypress Swamp, industries along Deep Creek, a large oyster bed, and the Cape Henlopen lighthouse.

The sheet was engraved by William Barker for inclusion in Carey’s American Edition of Guthrie’s Geography Improved, published by Matthew Carey in Philadelphia in 1795. The map was re-issued, unchanged, as part of Carey’s General Atlas the following year (and in several subsequent editions).