Catalog Archive
Auction 196, Lot 100

"A General Map of North America Drawn from the Best Surveys", Russell, John C.

Subject: North America

Period: 1794 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
18.6 x 14.5 inches
47.2 x 36.8 cm
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John Russell introduced an entirely new feature to the topography of North America with this map by showing a long range of Stony Mountains in the west. At the northern tip of the mountain range are Mountains with bright stones with the discoveries of Hearne and Mackenzie shown in the Arctic. A large lake occupies the space where the Great Salt Lake actually lies, and the headwaters of the Colorado, Rio Grande, and Missouri rivers appear in close proximity to each other. Juan de Fonca's Inlet appears in the general vicinity of Seattle and there is no Vancouver Island. The United States are confined east of the Mississippi where 15 states are identified. Maine is not named and is given a very squat shape. Russell's map was copied by Reid the following year and influenced several other mapmakers of the period.

References: Wheat (TMW) #228.

Condition: B+

A crisp impression with light offsetting and a few spots of foxing. Issued folding with a short archivally repaired binding tear in the right blank margin.

Estimate: $300 - $375

Sold for: $600

Closed on 2/7/2024

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