Thomson, John "Northern Provinces of the United States." With inset view of "The Great Falls of Niagara."

John Thomson. "Northern Provinces of the United States." With inset view of "The Great Falls of Niagara." From A New General Atlas.

Edinburgh: J. Thomson, 1817. 19 1/2 x 23 1/4. Engraving by Hewitt. Full original hand color. Full margins. Very good condition.

In the early nineteenth century, the British cartographic publishers were producing the finest maps in the world. John Thomson, working in Edinburgh, was one of the leading British cartographers and his maps are good evidence of the quality of work issued in Great Britain at the time. This striking map of the northeastern U.S. is an particularly good example of his work. It was issued at an interesting period in the history of the United States and touting the wonders of Niagara Falls.  While partially incorrect, the western portion of Maryland is included in Virginia, the information of settlements, rivers, mountains, and ethnological details is fascinating. Overall, a fine map of the American northeast.