A. A Correct Map of the Georgia Western Territory, by Jedidiah Morse, from Morse's American Gazetteer, circa 1797, black & white (6.0 x 7.2"). An interesting and historical map that covers the region that would become Mississippi and Alabama. There is good information on the watershed and some topography is shown. Many rivers are named, but only four towns: New Orleans, Natches, Mobile and Pensacola. Along the Mississippi River are lands of the Upper Mississippi Company and the Georgia Company, and to the east is the Tennessee Company. These lands were a part of the infamous Yazoo Land Fraud. In 1795 the governor of Georgia, George Mathews, signed a bill that agreed to sell almost 40 million acres to speculators in the Yazoo Land Act. This corrupt land deal led to the downfall of many popular politicians. President George Washington, speaking about Yazoo said "These acts embrace an object of such magnitude and in their consequences may so deeply affect the peace and welfare of the United States..." Read more about this early scandal here. Condition: Issued folding with faint toning and one short fold separation confined to the blank margin. (B+)

B. Map of the Grants of the Georgia Western Territory,by T. Sinclair, circa 1860, hand color (5.8 x 7.0"). This map, published in the middle of the 19th century, is based on the first map and displays the four Companies noted in Morse's map. Condition: (A+)

References: Wheat & Brun #618.

Condition:

See descriptions above.