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Antique Maps of Kentucky

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Russell Kentucky and Tennessee
John Russell. "Map of the State of Kentucky; with the Adjoining Territories. By J. Russell. 1794." From William Winterbotham's View of the American United States. London: H.D. Symonds, 1794. 14 3/4 x 17 1/2. Engraving. With folds as issued. Very good condition.

This is one of the earliest and best maps of the trans-Appalachian frontier. The map depicts the entire state of Kentucky and most of Tennessee east of the Tennessee River, as well as the very northern part of Georgia. It was issued two years after statehood for Kentucky--here shown with ten counties--and two years before Tennessee--labeled "South Western Territory," though also "Tennessee Government"--became a state. The map was drawn by John Russell of London, and it appeared in William Winterbotham's volume about the United States issued in 1795. Russell shows quite up-to-date information about the region. Not much orography is depicted, but the river system is well portrayed, especially in comparison to the John Filson map of but a decade earlier. Of particular note is the information on the myriad frontier settlements, forts, and trails. The trails, or "traces," are shown criss-crossing both Kentucky and Tennessee, and towns such as Lexington, Louisville, Nashville, Knoxville, "Boonsborough," "Bairds Town," Danville, Clarksville, and others are denoted. Of interest are the depictions of the planned, but never built, utopian settlements of Lystra, Ohiopionmingo, Somerset, and Franklinville. Property and political boundaries are also well shown, including a number of grants to individuals, settlement company's lands, and the North Carolina military reserve in northern Tennessee. Other information depicted includes Indian settlements, mills, fords, and salt licks. The map is neatly and clearly engraved, making its fascinating information easily accessible. Overall, this is a most desirable eighteenth century document of the trans-Appalachian region $1,650



Two maps of never-built Kentucky towns by John Reid. From William Winterbotham's View of the United States. New York, 1796. Engravings by Benjamin Tanner. 7 x 5. Very good condition.

A pari of interesting maps of towns that was never built in the present-day state of Kentucky. Lystra--to be located in Nelson (later Grayson) County, on a branch of the Rolling Fork of Salt River--and Franklinville--to be located in Mason County beside the North Fork of the Kentucky River--were formed on paper in 1794 by a group of London speculators. The towns were to be built on plans drafted by a London engineer. These reflected the aspirations of the time in the classical precision and regularity of their plans. Each town had squares developed about a central park and there were to be a college, a church, a theater, and a town hall. Ref.: Clark, Historic Maps of Kentucky, p. 64.



Melish Kentucky
"Kentucky." From Travels through the United States, in the years 1806 & 1807, and 1809, 1810 & 1811. Philadelphia: J. Melish, 1815. 7 1/4 x 14. Engraving by J. Vallance. Original outline color. With repaired separation along one fold. With narrow margins, as issued; trimmed into neatline at right and repaired in facsimile. A few very light spots. Otherwise, very good condition and very good appearance.

This map of Kentucky is from John Melish's Travels through the United States. The geographic information was gathered by Melish on his 1811 trip down the Ohio River by boat and then overland from Louisville to Frankfort and Lexington. The picture of Kentucky is accurate in some places, but also lacking in others. The disputed southern boundary with Tennessee does not indicate its exact longitude and it doesn't show the two jogs in the actual line. Melish did locate Forts Massac, Wilkinson and Jefferson, as well as most of the major rivers and creeks. As noted in Thomas D. Clark's Historic Maps of Kentucky (p. 72), "Since John Melish was particularly interested in enticing immigrants to move to America to take advantage of abundant cheap lands, he gave attention to the location of streams. These are remarkable well placed, and in most cases their courses are shown with some accuracy." Roads are also noted, including the great Wilderness Road. This map is from the 1815 edition of the work, which added information on the counties in the state and hand color to delineate them. $975



Carey Kentucky
Mathew Carey after Elihu Barker. "Kentuckey." From American Pocket Atlas. Philadelphia: M. Carey, 1813. 5 7/8 x 7 5/8. Engraving by W. Barker. Some darkening at edges and short repaired tear in upper left. Overall, very good condition. Cf: Wheat & Brun: 644.

An excellent map of Kentucky from Carey's American Pocket Atlas. The map was originally issued in 1796, and was one of the first printed maps of the state. It was reduced from Carey's 1794 map which was based on the surveys of Elihu Barker. Unlike many other cartographers of the day, Carey updated his maps in subsequent versions, and this 1813 example from the Pocket Atlas is very up-to-date. The map was engraved by Will Barker, apparently one of Elihu's sons, and Will copied his father's map almost exactly, though leaving out some detail. The 1796 edition showed much detail or roads, towns, lakes, mountains, and the extensive network of rivers. The later editions of the map added considerable new information, including the many new roads built throughout the state in the early 19th century. Overall, an excellent American map showing the country's western frontier at the beginning of the nineteenth century. $325



Fielding Lucas, Jr. "Kentucky." Philadelphia: H.C. Carey & I. Lea, 1822. 11 1/4 x 18 1/2 (map); 16 1/4 x 20 3/4 (full sheet). Engraving by Young & Delleker. Full original hand color. Very good condition.

In 1822, Henry Charles Carey and Isaac Lea published their A Complete Historical, Chronological, and Geographical American Atlas. Covering North America, Central America, South America and the West Indies, the atlas is particularly known for its excellent early maps of the states and territories of the United States. This map of Kentucky was drawn by Fielding Lucas, an important Baltimore cartographer. The impressively extensive road system is shown with good detail, with distances between the scattered towns indicated. The river system and mountains are well delineated, and the counties are colored with bright washes. Interestingly, Pilot Knob, a known landmark, is shown in two spots, both northeast and southwest of 'Bowlingreen.' As with most of the maps in the Carey & Lea atlas, this map includes surrounding text giving a brief description of the history and geography of the region depicted. Overall, a nice verbal and graphic picture of Kentucky. $650



Fielding Lucas, Jr.. "Kentucky." Philadelphia: H.C. Carey & I. Lea, 1827. 11 1/4 x 18 1/2 (map); 16 1/4 x 20 3/4 (full sheet). Engraving by Young & Delleker. Full original hand color. Very good condition.

A later edition of the Carey & Lea map, with the counties updated. $650



Finley Kentucky
Anthony Finley. "Kentucky." From A New General Atlas. Engraving by Young & Delliker. Philadelphia: A. Finley, 1827. 8 3/4 x 11 1/4. Original hand coloring. Very good condition.

Beginning in the early 1820's, Anthony Finley produced a series of fine atlases in the then leading American cartographic center, Philadelphia. Finley's work is a good example of the quality that American publishers were beginning to obtain. Each map is elegantly presented, with crisp and clear engraving and very attractive pastel hand shading. Topographical and political information is copious, including counties, towns, rivers, roads and so on. Finley was very concerned to depict as up-to-date information as was possible, and thus his maps present an accurate picture of the world in the early decades of the nineteenth century. This is the first state of Finley's map of Kentucky, without information on the surrounding regions. $275



Jean Alexandre C. Buchon after Carey & Lea. "Kentucky." Paris: J. Carez, 1825. 11 1/8 x 18 (map); 17 7/8 x 24 1/4 (full sheet). Engraving. Full original hand color. Very good condition.

Three years after Carey & Lea issued their American Atlas, Jean Buchon issued his revised, French edition of the atlas, Atlas Geographique des deux Ameriques. Following the earlier format with maps surrounded by the text, Buchon's maps are fascinating Franco-American documents, presenting a comprehensive statement of the French understanding of what was still considered the 'New World.' The maps have excellent detail, and the text is filled with information on the climate, economy, topography, government, and so forth. This striking map of Kentucky is a good example of the quality of maps in this atlas. $275



Kentucky
Henry S. Tanner. "A New Map of Kentucky with its Roads & Distances from place to place along the Stage & Steam Boat Routes." From H.S. Tanner's Universal Atlas. Philadelphia: Carey & Hart, [1839]-42/43. 11 1/4 x 13 1/4. Engraving by W. Brose. Full original hand coloring. Very good condition.

A crisp, superior map of Kentucky by the great American cartographer, Henry Schenck Tanner. In 1816, Henry, his brother Benjamin, John Vallance and Francis Kearny formed an engraving firm in Philadelphia. Having had experience at map engraving through his work with John Melish, Tanner conceived of the idea of compiling and publishing an American Atlas, which was begun in 1819 by Tanner, Vallance, Kearny & Co.. Soon Tanner took over the project on his own, and thus began his career as cartographic publisher. The American Atlas was a huge success, and this inspired Tanner to produce his Universal Atlas, of more manageable size. This atlas contained excellent maps of each state, focusing on the transportation network, including roads, railroads and canals. All details are clearly presented, and these include towns, rivers, mountains, political boundaries and the transportation information. In 1845, Carey & Hart issued an edition of the atlas, and the maps were later purchased by S. Augustus Mitchell, and then Thomas, Cowperthwait & Co.. Maps from the early Tanner/Carey & Hart edition are quite rare. This map of Kentucky is typical of the Tanner maps, and it shows the state at an interesting stage of its history. Included are regional insets of areas around Louisville, Lexington and Maysville. $375



Goodrich Kentucky
Thomas G. Bradford. "Kentucky." From Samuel G. Goodrich's A General Atlas of the World. Boston: C.D. Strong, 1841. 11 3/8 x 14 1/4. Engraving by G.W. Boynton. Original hand color. Very good condition.

A finely engraved map by Thomas G. Bradford, a Boston map publisher, showing Kentucky at the beginning of the fourth decade of the nineteenth century. The map was original drawn and issued by Thomas Bradford in 1838. This example was published in a version of Bradford's atlas produced by Samuel Goodrich three years later. Detail is very good, showing rivers, towns, counties, and some orography. At this early stage in the development of the state, only one railroad is shown, running from Lexington, through Frankfort, to Louisville. Another line is depicted running from Indianapolis to the Ohio River. The whole is attractively presented with original hand coloring, and precise engraving. $425



Bradford Kentucky
Thomas G. Bradford. "Kentucky." From A Universal Illustrated Atlas. Boston: Chares D. Strong., [1838]-1842. 11 3/8 x 14 1/4. Engraving by G.W. Boynton. Original hand color. Very good condition.

A finely engraved map by Thomas G. Bradford, a Boston map publisher, showing Kentucky in the third decade of the nineteenth century. Throughout the early period of the century, Kentucky continually added counties, as its population expanded and developed around the state. This map is very up-to-date in showing this political development. Though the two counties created in 1837-Caroll and Trimble-do not appear, Carter County, created that same year, is shown. Detail is very good, showing rivers, towns, counties, roads, and some orography. The whole is attractively presented with original hand coloring, and precise engraving. $425



Tanner Kentucky
Henry S. Tanner. "A New Map of Kentucky with its Roads & Distances from place to place along the Stage & Steam Boat Routes." From H.S. Tanner's New Universal Atlas. Philadelphia: Carey & Hart, [1839]-42/43. 11 1/4 x 13 1/4. Engraving by W. Brose. Full original hand coloring. A few light marginal spots. Very good condition.

A crisp, superior map of Kentucky by the great American cartographer, Henry Schenck Tanner. In 1816, Henry, his brother Benjamin, John Vallance and Francis Kearny formed an engraving firm in Philadelphia. Having had experience at map engraving through his work with John Melish, Tanner conceived of the idea of compiling and publishing an American Atlas, which was begun in 1819 by Tanner, Vallance, Kearny & Co.. Soon Tanner took over the project on his own, and thus began his career as cartographic publisher. The American Atlas was a huge success, and this inspired Tanner to produce his Universal Atlas, of more manageable size. This atlas contained excellent maps of each state, focusing on the transportation network, including roads, railroads and canals. All details are clearly presented, and these include towns, rivers, mountains, political boundaries and the transportation information. In 1845, Carey & Hart issued an edition of the atlas, and the maps were later purchased by S. Augustus Mitchell, and then Thomas, Cowperthwait & Co.. Maps from the early Tanner/Carey & Hart edition are quite rare. This map of Kentucky is typical of the Tanner maps, and it shows the state at an interesting stage of its history. Included are regional insets of areas around Louisville, Lexington and Maysville. An excellent map of the state. $375



Henry S. Tanner. "A New Map of Kentucky with its Roads & Distances from place to place along the Stage & Steam Boat Routes." From Tanner's Universal Atlas. Philadelphia: S. Augustus Mitchell, [1839]-1846. 11 1/8 x 13 1/2. Lithographic transfer from engraved map. Original hand coloring. Very good condition.

A superior, detailed map of Kentucky by the great American cartographer, Henry Schenck Tanner. In 1816, Henry, his brother Benjamin, John Vallance and Francis Kearny formed an engraving firm in Philadelphia. Having had experience at map engraving through his work with John Melish, Tanner conceived of the idea of compiling and publishing an American Atlas, which was begun in 1819 by Tanner, Vallance, Kearny & Co. Soon Tanner took over the project on his own, and thus began his career as cartographic publisher. The American Atlas was a huge success, and this inspired Tanner to produce his Universal Atlas, of more manageable size.

In 1846, S. Augustus Mitchell, a fellow Philadelphia publisher, got the rights to this atlas. Mitchell had lithographic transfers made of the engraved maps and issued his version of Tanner's Universal Atlas. The maps are essentially unchanged, including the original copyright dates, except for their being lithographs and having a modified border. This map of Kentucky is typical of the maps, and it shows the state at an interesting stage of its history. A table at the top lists the steamboat routes from Louisville to Pittsburgh and from Louisville to New Orleans; an important bit of information in this period of increased immigration and travel in the American mid-west. Also included are regional insets of areas around Louisville, Lexington and Maysville. An excellent map of the state. $325



Frank A. Gray. "Gray's New Map of Kentucky and Tennessee." Philadelphia: O.W. Gray & Son, 1881. 15 3/4 x 25 3/4. Lithograph. Original color. Very good condition.

A nicely detailed map of the states by the Philadelphia firm of O.W. Gray and Son. The firm began its publishing around mid-century and published regional and U.S. atlases up to the 1880s. The map contains excellent topographical information and good detail on the towns, counties, amd roads in the states. Of particular note is the extensive network of railroads depicted throughout. This theme is reemphasized in an inset map in the top left of an "Outline Map…Illustrating the System of Railroads." Two other inset maps are included, one with a hypsometric depiction of the states and the other showing the density of population. $150



Arbuckle Kentucky
"Kentucky." New York: Arbuckle Bros. Coffee Company, ca. 1890. Ca. 3 x 5. Chromolithograph by Donaldson Brothers. Very good condition.

A delightful map issued about 1890 by the Arbuckle Bros. Coffee Company. This firm was founded by John and Charles Arbuckle of Pittsburgh, PA. They developed a machine to weigh, fill, seal and label coffee in paper packages, which allowed them to become the largest importer and seller of coffee in the world. Their most famous promotional program involved the issuing of several series of small, colorful trading cards, one of which was included in every package of Arbuckle's Coffee. These series included cards with sports, food, historic scenes, and-one of the most popular-maps. The latter cards included not only a map, but also small illustrations "which portrays the peculiarities of the industry, scenery, etc." of the region depicted. This map of Kentucky is a wonderful example, including an illustration of a thoroughbred in the Blue Grass region and a whisky still. $65




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