Mitchell, S. Augustus “A New Map of Illinois with its Proposed Canals, Roads & Distances."

S. Augustus Mitchell.  “A New Map of Illinois with its Proposed Canals, Roads & Distances."   From A New Universal Atlas. 

Philadelphia: S. Augustus Mitchell, 1848.  14 ¼ x 11 3/8.  Engraving.  Original hand-coloring.  Full margins.  With some manuscript notations on map.  Else, very good condition. 

For much of the middle part of the nineteenth century, Mitchell dominated American cartography in output and influence.  He is well known for his later lithographed maps, but his earlier efforts were excellent engraved maps, later reissued by Thomas, Cowperthwait & Co., amongst others.  Topographical information, including towns, rivers, roads, etc. is clearly shown, and the counties are shaded with contrasting pastel shades.  In the lower left corner is an inset of the “Lead Region” on the border between Illinois and Wisconsin.