Kitchin, Thomas “Map of the United States in North America with the British, French and Spanish Dominions adjoining, according to the Treaty of 1783”

Thomas Kitchin.   “Map of the United States in North America with the British, French and Spanish Dominions adjoining, according to the Treaty of 1783". 

London: Thomas Cadell, 1783.  First state with Cadell imprint in bottom margin.  16 1/8 x 19 3/4.  Engraving.  Outline hand color.  With folds as issued.  Portion of map expertly filled and inpainted to right of cartouche. Map expertly rejoined along vertical center fold with rice paper with small loss of map filled along center fold to left of letter “D” in Canada.  Else, good condition. 

A finely engraved map of the United States as set up by the Treaty of Paris that ended the American Revolution.  One of the earliest maps one can attain that names the United States of America.  Drawn by Thomas Kitchin, one of the leading British cartographers of the late eighteenth century, the map presents copious detail of orography, rivers, towns, and political borders.  Also indicated are forts and Indian tribes throughout as well as the Spanish, French and British territories surrounding the nascent nation.  Prior to the war, the British had mapped the entire eastern part of North America and this map well documents that impressive cartographic achievement.