Historical Map of the Old Northwest Territory

Vibrant reproduction of a prewar map of the Northwest Territory.

This 1987 reprint of a 1937 original details the historical development of the Northwest Territory after the Ordinance of 1987. It was re-issued to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the legislation by the Northwest Ordinance and US Constitution Bi-Centennial Committee. Artwork was originally created by Fred Rentschler under the employ of the Federal Art Project, Works Progress Administration.

The image is full of wonderful detail related to the history and development of the region known as the Northwest Territory, which would ultimately contain the area of six states: Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Inset diagrams detail the progression of statehood for these six, as well as Thomas Jefferson’s separate model for creating 15 states along the Meridian of the Falls of Ohio (including the names of 9 proposed states, Sylvania, Michigania, Assenisipia, Illinois, Polypotania, Cheronessus, Metropotamia, Saratoga and Peilsipia).

Further insets show the land cessations of states and Indian tribes that comprised the territory. Scattered throughout the map are illustrated vignettes and text boxes detailing notable events, locations and Indian tribes. On the verso is a transcription of the text from the Ordinance of 1787, the landmark legislation that paved the path for westward expansion, excluded slavery from the new territory, and emphasized public education.