Mitchell’s National Map of the United States

Scarce pocket map variant of Mitchell’s important overview of an expanding America.

In 1843, Samuel Augustus Mitchell published the first of his ‘National Maps’ of the United States – large and informative representations of the rapidly growing nation. He issued them annually until 1850 (except 1849), providing a detailed catalog of America’s maturation during the mid-19th century. This is the (first edition) pocket map variant, comprised of two large folding sheets in their original clasped covers.

The right page presents an attractive steel engraved map of the United States east of the Indian Territory. While the national boundaries technically extended to the Pacific thanks to the Webster-Ashburton Treaty of 1842, Mitchell chose to limit the scope to the settled areas of the country. He also includes portions of the independent Republic of Texas, linked to the U.S. via the carefully depicted road network. Distances between points are noted in miles, offering helpful information for the prospective traveler. A table in the lower right lists the population for the counties in each state and territory using census data from 1840.

The left sheet continues with the statistical information, offering details on demographic changes, industrial production, infrastructure, and geographic features. The center table is surrounded by thirty-two inset plans of the vicinity of important urban centers and state capitals. Each carefully notes the incoming transportation routes and adjacent settlements.

The map was drawn by J.H. Young and engraved by J.H. Brightly. Published in Philadelphia by Samuel Augustus Mitchell in 1843. 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. This attention to detail, combined with his tremendous publication output, made him one of the most influential cartographic firms of the era

Sources: David Rumsey Map Collection; Ristow, p. 310; Karrow 1-1533;