This is the first volume of the first edition of Melish's Travels in the United States of America and includes the 2 folding maps as issued. Melish was the first American publisher to concentrate on cartographic and geographic publications. Born in Scotland, Melish emigrated to the United States intent on farming. After traveling some 2,400 miles throughout the northeast looking at land, he finally settled on Philadelphia in 1811. A year later, he published Travels which included his very first maps. He soon came to dominate the industry in this country, and had a huge impact on all subsequent American map-making.

The frontispiece is Melish's famous Map of the United States of America (17.4 x 13.0"), which was also likely the first engraved map by H.S. Tanner. Tanner also had a large impact on mapmaking, becoming one of the finest producers of 19th century maps and atlases. This map should not be confused with Melish's more common and nearly identical "United States of America Compiled from the latest & best Authorities" that was published in several editions between 1818 and 1822. Tanner's imprint was included in the first edition, but subsequently removed for later editions, making for easy identification. Cartographically, the map extends west to include both the state of Louisiana and Louisiana Territory. It provides a good view of the first 300 miles of the Missouri River based on information from the expeditions of Lewis & Clark, Pike, Humboldt and others. The early territories of Michigan, Illinois, Indiana are noted as well as an unnamed region that takes in the area that would become Wisconsin and Minnesota. A notation of Yazoo Speculation in the oversized Mississippi Territory refers to the Yazoo Land Fraud perpetrated in 1789-1796 when the region was part of Georgia. Includes good detail throughout the states with towns and villages, Indian place names, roads and trails, forts and watershed identified. Also included is a folding Chart of the Atlantic Ocean (10.6 x 8.6").

Octavo, hardbound in paper boards.

References: Howes #M-496; Sabin #47436; Streeter Sale #835; cf. Ristow p. 184.

Condition: B

The folding U.S. map has contemporary outline color with moderate offsetting and a repaired 4" binding tear at right. The small map of the Atlantic Ocean has light offsetting, a bit of staining, and a short binding tear at right. Text has deckled edges with light toning and an occasional spot of foxing. Covers are nearly detached and are worn and stained.