Mathew Carey was a seminal figure in early American publishing; establishing the first publishing firm to specialize in cartography and issuing the first atlas devoted exclusively to American maps. He set up an elaborate cottage system of craftsmen for compiling, engraving, printing, and coloring maps. This practice was emulated by later American cartographic publishers such as John Melish and Henry S. Tanner. The American Atlas concept was also adopted by other publishers in both the United States and Europe.

This map comes from Carey's famous General Atlas and depicts the region from the Great Salt Lake (Lake Timpanogos) south through Mexico to Nicaragua. Much of New Mexico and Colorado is depicted along with portions of Texas. There is good detail of the topography of the region, river systems and coastline. An inset at top right depicts southern Central America.

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Condition: B

A good impression with a tiny 0.5" tear adjacent to the fold near Culiacan closed on verso with archival tape. A short centerfold separation at left has been closed on verso with non-archival materials, causing a few small stains.