Northern Region Between the Atlantic and Pacific Showing the Chain of Lakes &c.

Exploring alternate methods for transcontinental navigation.

This uncommon persuasive map was designed by the New York State Surveyor Van Rensselaer Richmond and his deputy, S.H. Sweet, and published in 1868 by the Argus Company of Albany. The image highlights the huge network of rivers and lakes across the upper United States and southern Canada – ostensibly a transportation alternative to the Northern Pacific Railway shown just south of the boundary line. A table titled ‘Lake Navigation’ in the lower left lists the 2,100+ miles of navigable waterways – an optimistic list, to say the least.

The theoretical waterborne route would have been undoubtedly beneficial to New York, whose Erie Canal is prominently shown connecting the Great Lakes to the Hudson River and New York City. A large shaded coal field can be prominently seen east of the Canadian Rockies, likely as a source of potential additional revenue, and numerous forts reflect the presence of military security. The map fails to take into consideration the hundreds of miles of canals, numerous dams and locks, and constant maintenance required to keep such a route operational year-round.

Richmond is credited with numerous maps over the course of his 3+ decade career as a canal and railroad engineer. This particular example was not listed in WorldCat as of May 2025, though one auction record has been found from 2012 that indicates the sheet may have been issued as part of a set.