Item number: MWE596
Genuine Antique Map
1840
Maker: Greenleaf
Rare antique map of the Midwest published in A New Universal Atlas Comprising Separate Maps of all the Principal Empires, Kingdoms, and States throughout the World and Forming a Distinct Atlas of the United States by Jeremiah Greenleaf, first edition, 1840. This highly-collectible map offers a fascinating look into the the development of the United States. It shows the Territories of Wisconsin and Iowa as they were being developed into counties and gridded into towns, as well as the areas of various Native American Indian peoples. This is the earliest state of this map- later versions include the names of the territories printed in the map, as well as other small changes, such as a note in the upper center that reads "Itasca Lake, Headwaters of the Mississippi" which is not present on this earlier edition. This map also shows Carver's Tract. Heirs of Jonathan Carver, who is known for his explorations in the area in the mid-1700s, contended that he had been granted 10,000 square miles of land by the local native peoples. This was highly contentious and he was accused of fraud. The descendants petitioned the U.S. Congress for legal rights to the land, but Congress determined in 1823 that the deed had never existed and all claims were fully dismissed by 1825. Regardless, unscrupulous descendants and agents continued to sell portions of "Carver's Grant" for decades and it was used for asserting US claims on the land. This map is in very good antique condition. It has some minor repairs in the upper margin, mild toning, and a few minor spots. It measures approx. 10.25 x 13 inches to the neatline.
Genuine Antique Map from 1840
Item Number: MWE596