This significant map of eastern North America focuses on the region of French influence in North America. It is most notable for its depiction of the river and lake routes into the interior and the Great Lakes region, particularly the delineation of Lakes Superior, Michigan and Huron, which are a marked improvement over Sanson's maps. 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 third state according to Burden, published by Pierre Van der Aa.

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: B

A crisp impression, issued folding and now flattened. There is a long tear extending from the left edge of the sheet nearly to Montreal that has been expertly repaired. A binding trim at left has been replaced, with a minor amount of neatline replaced in facsimile, and the bottom margin has been extended to accommodate framing.