This influential map of the United States was issued on four sheets and measures approximately 56 x 48" if joined. The map has a long history due to its popularity - it was first published in 1796 and went through at least eight other editions through 1819. The 1802 version is notable for being used by Lewis and Clark to plan their famous expedition. This is the fourth revised edition with "additions to 1802" and published in 1808. Stevens & Tree note that many new place names and rivers were added to the plates beginning with this edition.

Cartographically, the interior detail of the trans-Mississippi west was compiled largely from accounts supplied by Native Americans to Arrowsmith by the Hudson's Bay Company. The course of the Missouri River delineated on the map prompted Lewis and Clark to plot their course along the Missouri River, as it appeared to be the most direct route to the Pacific. In the south, Florida is divided between East and West, and Georgia's western border is on the Mississippi River. The map is filled with numerous notations describing the land and rivers, the location of Indian tribes, paths, rivers, and more. Decorated by a large engraved view of Niagara Falls inset with the title, along with a fascinating description of the Falls. Published by Aaron Arrowsmith at No. 10 Soho Square in London. Dissected and backed with linen.

References: Stevens & Tree #79(e).

Condition: B+

Nice impressions on clean sheets with only a few minor spots of foxing and faint text offsetting confined to the Atlantic Ocean. The applied color appears to be splotchy in places and mostly with the blues and greens including the Great Lakes, South Carolina and Tennessee. Dissected and backed with linen. The first image is a composite image - the map is in four separate sheets.