This interesting and expansive map is considered to be among the best maps of the upper Mississippi River published prior to Nicollet's landmark map of 1843. The map is centered primarily on Iowa, with part of Wisconsin and northern Illinois. It shows the Indian Districts, the Half-Breed Tract at the juncture of the Mississippi and Des Moines rivers, forts, and trading posts. The French and Indian names for many of the rivers are noted. Also shown are the lands ceded to the United States from various Indian tribes, Carver's Grant, and the town of Commerce, Illinois, which would be purchased by the Mormons a few years later and renamed Nauvoo.

The map was prepared by George William Featherstonhaugh, a British-American geologist and geographer, who was the first geologist hired by the U.S. government. Featherstonhaugh was charged with exploring a portion of the Louisiana Purchase between the Missouri and Red Rock Rivers. From 1835-37, Featherstonhaugh traveled by canoe along numerous rivers in the region, including the Fox River, Wisconsin River, Mississippi River, Minnesota River, St. Croix River, Tennessee River, and Ohio River. This map was published in Report of a Geological Reconnoissance Made in 1835, by the Way of Green Bay and the Wisconsin Territory, to the Coteau de Prairie..., which describes the second of Featherstonhaugh's extensive geological reconnaissances into the Midwest which, together with the first report, comprised the first Federal geological survey. Printed by Gales and Seaton. Two sheets joined and folding, as issued.

References: Claussen & Friis #94.

Condition: B+

On a bright sheet with a bit of foxing, light toning along a few folds, and a 3.5" edge tear at top left that has been closed on verso with archival tape.