A map of the north west parts of the United States of America, 1765
Description
This rare and unique map was produced by inventor and amateur mapmaker John Fitch, in an attempt to raise funds to support his newly invented steamboat. Fitch made and engraved the map himself, and printed it in Philadelphia on a cider press. Unfortunately for Fitch, the map never sold well, and the geography displayed on the map was well out-of-date by the time the Old Northwest was settled after being released from British and Native American control.
Dates
- 1765
Creator
- Fitch, John, 1743-1798 (Creator, Person)
Conditions Governing Access
This collection is open for research during scheduled appointments. Researchers must complete the Washington Library’s Special Collections and Archives Registration Form before access is provided. The library reserves the right to restrict access to certain items for preservation purposes.
Extent
1 Sheets : 1 map : hand colored ; 68 x 50 cm.
Language of Materials
English
Reference numbers
Client reference #140; WAG #289290
Provenance
Richard B. Arkway Inc., 16 December 1999.
Additional details
Scale [ca. 1:2,550,000]. Shows Great Lakes to North Carolina and the Mississippi River to the Allegany and part of Lake Ontario. Prime meridian: Philadelphia. Relief shown by landform drawing. Dedication to Thos. Hutchins Esqr. "The several divisions on the N.W. of the Ohio is the form which that Country is to be laid off into states according to the oridinance of Congress of May the 20th 1785." Includes notes.
Condition
Some spotting
Created/Published
[Place of publication not identified] : John Fitch, 1785
- Maps (documents) Subject Source: Art & Architecture Thesaurus
- Northwest, Old Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections at The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon Repository
PO Box 3600
Mount Vernon VA 22121
703-799-3600
