1813 The State of New Hampshire. Compiled Chiefly from Actual Surveys
By: Samuel Lewis & Matthew Carey
Date: 1813 (published) Philadelphia
Dimensions: 17.75 x 11 inches (45 x 28 cm)
Based mostly on actual surveys, this is one of the finest cartographic pictures available of New Hampshire prior to 1800. Less than ten maps of New Hampshire were made prior to 19th century and this is one of the most influential. This map was prepared by Samuel Lewis for Mathew Carey's General Atlas, Improved And Enlarged; Being A Collection Of Maps Of The World And Quarters, Their Principal Empires, Kingdoms...
The map provides excellent detail throughout the state including rivers, lakes and some topography, towns and roads. The state is divided into just five counties, Cheshire, Hillsborough, Rockingham, Strafford, and Grafton, compared to the ten counties that make up the state today. Just to the right of the state is a wonderful notation regarding the White Mountains that reads "The White Hills appear many leagues off at Sea like White Clouds just rising above the Horizon." Another notation worthy of attention appears in the very top corner of the state. It reads "Indian Carrying place" and refers to a location on the Connecticut River where the Indians could easily carry (of portage) their canoes across land.
Matthew Carey was the first major American publisher of maps and atlases, and his atlas of 1795 is one of the landmarks of early American cartography because it contained some of the first printed maps of many states. Carey, an Irish immigrant, established the first specialized cartographic publishing firm. He set up an elaborate cottage system of craftsmen for engraving, printing and coloring his maps utilizing the best independent artists directed to a common end. Important then, not only for the excellent maps he produced, but in his setting the pattern for early American map publishing, to be followed by the likes of John Melish and Henry S. Tanner.
Samuel Lewis was a celebrated draftsmen, penman, cartographer and geographer who had previously published both independently and jointly with the English publisher Aaron Arrowsmith. He was one of the great citizens of Philadelphia and founder of the present-day firm of Lea & Febiger still located on Washington Square. His maps through Carey's intercession had great impact.
Condition: This map is in A condition with original outline color over a strong impression on clean paper with full margins on all sides.
Inventory #12294
1200 W. 35th Street #425 Chicago, IL 60609 | P: (312) 496 - 3622