A. Map of the Southern Parts of the United States of America, by Abraham Bradley, (15.3 x 8.0"). First edition of this interesting map of the South during the tumultuous period following independence when the states and central government fought over control of the western land claims. Seven of the 13 original states had claims to areas in the West (those lands between the Appalachian Mountains and the Mississippi River). These so-called landed states had a great potential advantage over the six landless states. It was assumed that the future sale of western lands would enrich the landed states and possibly allow them to operate without any form of taxation. The landless states feared that they would lose residents and dwindle into insignificance. The matter was further complicated by the fact that the claims often overlapped one another, which pitted one state's interests against another. On this map the region of present-day Mississippi and Alabama is labeled Georgia Western Territory, with the coastal region named West Florida. A dotted line running north-south through present-day Georgia demarcates "All West of this line is claimed by the United States & also by Georgia." Another dotted line running east-west from the Chatahouchee R. to the Mississippi River is labeled, "The United States claim to this line." These overlapping claims were resolved when Spain gave up its claim to West Florida in 1795 and Georgia finally relinquished its claim in 1802 (the last of the landed states to surrender its claim).

B. A Correct Map of the Georgia Western Territory (6.1 x 7.2"). An interesting and historical map that covers the region that would become Mississippi and Alabama. There is good information on watersheds, and some topography is shown. Many rivers are named, but only four towns: New Orleans, Natches, Mobile, and Pensacola. Along the Mississippi River are lands of the Upper Mississippi Company and the Georgia Company, and to the east is the Tennessee Company. These lands were a part of the infamous Yazoo Land Fraud. In 1795 the governor of Georgia, George Mathews, signed a bill that agreed to sell almost 40 million acres to speculators in the Yazoo Land Act. This corrupt land deal led to the downfall of many popular politicians. President George Washington, speaking about Yazoo said, "These acts embrace an object of such magnitude and in their consequences may so deeply affect the peace and welfare of the United States..." Read more about this early scandal here.

References: Wheat & Brun #496 & #618.

Condition: A

Issued folding on clean sheets with some light offsetting.