North America Sheet X Parts of Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, and Arkansas

The Mississippi River Valley from Kaskaskia to Villemont during the 1830s.

This fascinating steel-engraved map covers portions of eight modern-day states – Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Kentucky, Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama. It provides an engaging overview of the region during the early 1830s, with a variety of toponyms identifying early settlements, Native American villages, natural resources, geographic features, and more. A network of wagon roads and Indian trails connect various towns, but the image predates any railroads in operation.

The map was drawn by Henry Tanner, engraved by J. & C. Walker and published around 1835 in London by the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge (S.D.U.K.).

Founded in 1827 by Lord Russel and Henry Brougham, the S.D.U.K. was formed to help the working man educate himself. With the concept that ‘Knowledge is Power’ behind it, the organization issued scientific works, an encyclopedia, an atlas, and other educational materials in relatively inexpensive formats. For instance, the atlas was initially published in parts – approximately two maps each month – with prices around a shilling for black and white copies.

S.D.U.K. maps were neatly engraved on steel and often updated with the latest available geographic information, allowing the working class to stay updated on international affairs. As such, they also provide some of the most detailed snapshots from areas across the globe during the mid-19th century. For more information on S.D.U.K. maps, check out my blog post here.