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.

Early nineteenth century map of the state of Virginia colorfully delineated into counties. There is good detail of topography, settlements and roads. The western part of the state is relatively unsettled. A few counties, such as Albemarle, are not labeled. Carey's General Atlas of 1814 was the first atlas made in the United States to employ hand coloring as a standard on the maps.

References: Phillips (A) #1371.

Condition: B+

Original outline color with light color offsetting and a few extraneous horizontal creases. Several small edge tears and a short centerfold separation all confined to the blank margins have all been closed on verso with archival tape.