This significant map of eastern North America focuses on the region of North America with strong French influence. It is most notable for its depiction of the river and lake routes into the interior and of the Great Lakes region, particularly the delineation of Lakes Superior, Michigan and Huron, which are called "remarkable improvements upon the Sanson maps" by Karpinski. Even with these improvements, the lack of accuracy is very evident; the lakes are enlarged and exaggerated, Hudson Bay is too far to the east and the Mississippi River too far to the west with its mouth in what is present-day Texas. This example is the second state (Burden) with the imprint of A.v. Someren, Amsterdam.

Louis de Hennepin, a Franciscan missionary, accompanied LaSalle in the explorations of the Upper Mississippi. After LaSalle returned for additional supplies, Hennepin and his party were captured by Sioux Indians. While traveling with the Indians, Hennepin discovered the falls where Minneapolis now stands and named them St. Anthony Falls, in honor of his patron saint. Rescued in 1681 by Sieur du Luth (Duluth), Hennepin returned to Europe where he published accounts of his journey with some embellishments, including a claim that he preceded LaSalle to the upper Mississippi.

References: Burden #739; McCorkle #697.3; Karpinski, pp. 118-123.

Condition: A

This beautiful example is boldly engraved with a very dark, early impression. The map is fine except for a professional repair on verso to tear entering map at upper right.