This is the fifth state of a large map of North America demonstrating the changing cartography of the continent at the turn of the eighteenth century. The first four states of the map appeared between 1695-1713, and showed California as an island and a strip of Terre de Jesso shown in the Pacific immediately west of northern California. In the fourth state, the Mississippi River was added, although too far to the west with its mouth in present-day Texas. The two western Great Lakes, which were open-ended in the previous states, were closed in the fourth state. In addition, the route of the Rio del Norte was corrected to flow into the Gulf of Mexico, instead of the Gulf of California. In the fifth state, dated 1719, much of the cartography was updated, and although California now appears more like a peninsula, the question of its insularity remains due to a gap at the head of the Mare Vermejo and a missing northern coastline. The seventh and final state in 1783 clearly showed California as a peninsula, with the northwest coast of the U.S. also delineated.

Other interesting features of this map include a mythical lake in present-day Georgia, and the naming of the northern colonies of Mariland, Pensilvanie and Nuov. York. The French claim in the southeast is named Caroline. The lion's share of today's United States is divided between Louisiane and Nouveau Mexique. There are scores of place names, forts and Indian tribes. A lovely title cartouche by C. Simonneau with Native Americans and tropical birds appears at upper left, balanced by the distance scale cartouche on the right. Engraved by Louis Cordier.

References: Burden #709; McCorkle #695.4; McLaughlin #101.

Condition: B

Heavy, watermarked paper with some faint spots in upper half and two light creases that just enter map border at bottom. Some minor insect damage in upper-right corner has been professionally repaired with minute loss of neatline. Backed with Japanese tissue.