This map provides a detailed view of the forks of the Missouri and Ohio Rivers along the Mississippi and adjacent areas. While the map is filled with Indian villages, it shows very little European settlement other than a couple of French forts and Dr. Thomas Walker's settlement. Dr. Walker, surveyor for the Ohio and Loyal Land Companies, led a small group into the area in 1750 and established a supply post in the area of present-day Barbourville, Kentucky. This is one sheet of Zatta's version of John Mitchell's epic map. The whole map, titled "Le Colonie Unite dell' America Settentrle," was published as a set of twelve individual maps. Each sheet stands on its own and has full borders.

In the January 1999 issue on MapForum.com, Ashley Baynton-Williams discussed and listed the earliest maps to reflect the use of the name "Untied States" on a map. He concluded that "the first printed map devoted to the thirteen states, and to use a name distinguishing them from their previous status of British Colonies was published neither by an Englishman, Frenchman, or American, but by an Italian, Antonio Zatta. His map Le Colonie Unite Dell' America Settentr.le... was published in 1778, in his Storia Dell' America Settentrional, and then re-issued in the Atlante Novissimo (1778-1785). While (in relative terms) a common map, I do not know that anyone has previously remarked on the significance of the title."

This example is accompanied by a copy of the map printed on a transparency sheet.

References: Portinaro & Knirsch #150; Sellers and Van Ee #163; Shirley (BL Atlases) T.ZAT-1a, Vol. 4 #34.

Condition: A

A crisp impression with contemporary color on a bright sheet with the watermark of three crescent moons. There is a hint of toning along the centerfold and light dampstains in the top corners of the sheet.