Mitchell, S. Augustus "North America"

S. Augustus Mitchell (1790-1868). Plate 2.  “North America.”  From  A New Universal Atlas… 

Philadelphia: Cowperthwait, Desilver & Butler, 1854.  15 ½  x 12 7/8.  Lithographic transfer from engraved plate.  Full original hand coloring.  Else, very good condition. 

A beautifully crafted map from the mid-nineteenth century, published by Thomas, Cowperthwait & Co.  This firm took over the publication of S. Augustus Mitchell’s important Universal Atlas in 1850, and they continued to produce up-dated maps that were amongst the best issued in the period until 1855.  The map is filled with myriad topographical details, including rivers, towns, lakes and political borders.  The Thomas, Cowperthwait & Co. maps are especially known for their depiction of the transportation routes of the states, and this map is no exception.  The transportation infrastructure was extremely important at this period of increased immigration and travel.