1814 Thomson Map of Texas, Mexico & Louisiana
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Description: This hand colored map, along with Pinkerton’s similar map, is most likely the most important large format English map of the American Southwest to be produced in the 19th century. Depicts Mexico from the Yucatan north to what would become the Republic of Texas, the Louisiana Territory, and what would eventually be the U.S. States of New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, California, Nevada, Utah, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Colorado. This map is based largely on the explorations of Humboldt, Long and Pike. The name Texas appears on this map only as the name of a settlement on the Colorado River. There are curiously two Great Salt lakes and an unknown river connecting them. The Louisiana region is especially well notated with numerous annotations regarding the Indian tribes inhabiting the region. Dated: "Drawn and Engraved for Thomsons New General Atlas 1814." This map is an essential addition to any serious Texas, Trans-Mississippi, or Southwest collection
Date: 1814 (dated)
References: None found.
Cartographer: John Thomson was one of the leading masters of the Edinburgh school of cartography which flourished from roughly 1800 to 1830. Thomson & his contemporaries (Pinkerton & Cary) redefined European cartography by abandoning typical 18th century decorative elements such as elaborate title cartouches and fantastic beasts in favor of detail and accuracy. Thomson's principle works include the "Thomson's New General Atlas" published from 1814 to 1827 and his "Atlas of Scotland". The "Atlas of Scotland", a work of groundbreaking detail and dedication would eventually bankrupt the Thomson firm in 1830. Today Thomson maps are becoming increasingly rare as they are highly admired for their monumental size, vivid hand coloration, and superb detail. Click here for a list of rare maps from John Thomson.
Size: Printed area measures 25 x 20 inches (63.5 x 50.8 centimeters)
Condition: Fine or Perfect condition. Wide clean margins. Original platemark visible. Bank on verso.
Code: SpanishNorthAmer-t-1814 (Necessary for phone inquiries: 646-320-8650)
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