1846 Vereinigte Staaten von Nordamerika
By: Carl Flemming
Date: 1846 (circa) Glogau, Germany
Dimensions: 21.5 x 27.25 inches (54.5 x 69.25 cm)
Comprised of 4 sheets joined together, this German lithograph map offers a wonderfully detailed depiction of the United States and the trans-Mississippi West, at the onset of the Mexican-American War and the early years of a massive wave of German immigration where more than a million Germans fled to the United States escaping economic hardship, political unrest caused by riots, rebellion and eventually a revolution in 1848.
The states and territories of the United States are named in a numbered key in the lower left with data given on size and population as per the 1840 census. Of note is that Texas, while show with without a defined western border separating it from Mexico, is listed as a state in the statistical key. The Oregon Territory border is shown as settled, while Alta, California and New Mexico are still shown as part of Mexico, giving an approximate date of 1846 for this map.
Rivers and mountains are shown with impressive detail, some of it accurate, some not accurate. For instance, in the Great Basin, a pair of lakes are shown emptying into the rivers (the "Timpanagoes" and "Buenaventura") are indicated, which flow all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Indian tribes are noted throughout and forts, such as Mandan, Union, Laramie, Vrains and Bents, are indicated. Overall, this is an impressive depiction of the United States just before the mid-19th century that would bring about transcontinental railroads that would forever shift the power and control of the land in favor of the United States.
Carl Flemming ran an important publishing house in Glogau, Germany and Berlin in the middle of the nineteenth century, issuing maps and atlases like this one. The Germans were very interested in America at this period, with large numbers having emigrated to Texas in the 1840's, and more taking opportunities of the land and employment in the Midwest and West. This map shows great details of rivers, towns, railroads and canals, all presented with typical German precision and clarity.
Condition: This map is in excellent condition with original outline color with full margins on all sides and no tears or pinholes.
Inventory: #12302
1932 S. Halsted St. #200 Chicago, IL 60608 (312) 496-3622