Copperplate engraving, with original outline hand color. Thomas Hutchins (1730-1789) was the first and only official Geographer to the United States, who in accordance with the Ordinance of 1785 conducted the first survey that divided public land into townships and ranges, standards of land measurement with subsequently became very common. While the Hutchins' map is copyrighted 30 September, 1796, it was not until 1815 that the township plat, a "planimetric base map that laid down legal subdivisions in each township" assumed its modern form. According to Schwartz & Ehrenberg, even then the task of regulating the standard of land measurement underwent many changes. Rightly famous for being the first of its kind.

References: Phillips (A) 722-28; cf Wheat & Brun 677.

Condition: B

Lightly toned with a little offsetting and a small area of surface soiling.