The United States and Great Britain established in 1818 joint claim over the Oregon Territory - the region north of Spanish controlled Upper California up to the southern boundary of Russia's Alaska Territory at North latitude 54°40'. By the late 1830's this arrangement was beginning to fall apart. In the 1840's the expansionist Democrats, including their 1844 presidential candidate, James Polk, claimed the entire region for the United States. Their expansionist desires were expressed by Polk's famous campaign slogan, "Fifty-four Forty or Fight!" The slogan also became a rally cry for Americans desiring to settle the territory. Following Polk's election, the dispute was resolved by the 1846 Treaty of Oregon, which struck a compromise that fixed the U.S./Canadian boundary at 49º North.

Very nicely engraved and detailed map covering from Virginia to the District of Main, which reflects the British view of the border. The name Indiana appears in present-day West Virginia and the Connecticut Reserve appears in the Cayahoga valley. The Township of the Six Nations is shown north of Lake Erie in a Great Track of Woodland. Extends to provide good detail on the course of the St. Lawrence and Utawas Rivers. Large engraved view of Niagara Falls is at top center. Engraved by Hewitt.

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Condition: B+

With very wide margins and original color. Some light scattered toning or foxing visible in blank areas, one stain area at bottom from flower pressing. Centerfold reinforced on verso.