Map of the United States and Territories

The United States in 1872.

The wonderful overview of the United States in 1872 was engraved by W. Williams and published in Philadelphia by Samuel Augustus Mitchell. Mitchell was one of the most prominent American mapmakers of the 19th century and initially got involved with cartography as a school teacher who was frustrated with the quality of available maps. He collaborated with skilled engravers and produced high-quality maps and atlases that contained the most up-to-date information available. Mitchell’s son (of the same name) would take over the business after his death in 1860 and continue the tremendous output.

His attention to detail is evident within the image, which provides an engaging snapshot of America’s transportation network just a few years after the conclusion of the Civil War. Railroads, the primary catalyst for expansion, are shown crisscrossing the map, anchored by the Transcontinental Route completed three years prior to publication. Proposed routes for the Northern and Southern Pacific are also indicated. Other prominent avenues of transportation, such as the Oregon Trail and Wagon Road to Salt Lake City, are also noted.

Toponyms identify a fascinating variety of settlements, geographic features, Native American tribes, forts, and other locations of interest. Topography is depicted hachure and numerous mountain peaks, passes, buttes, and ranges are named. Also of interest is the inset map of Newfoundland in the lower right.