John Melish's Map of the United States

John Melish. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA COMPILED FROM THE LATEST & BEST AUTHORITIES. Philadelphia: John Melish, 1822. Map dated 1820 with "Entered according to Act of Congress 10th. July 1818. and Published by John Melish PHILADELPHIA. Improved to 1822" stated in lower margin. Engraved by Samuel Harrison. The map presents the United States from the eastern seaboard, west to include "Missouri Territory" with the note "Clarks Canoes / stop 3,000 / miles from the / Mississippi" at the far left edge of the map, and south down to Mexico, including Texas; with the title partially in script below a vignette of an eagle and shield; presented matted and in gilt wooden frame.

Sight size 15 7/8 x 19 3/8 in.; Frame dimensions 20 3/4 x 24 in.

John Melish (1771-1822) was a mapmaker from Scotland who eventually settled in the United States and became well-known for his early maps of the United States.

Originally published in a book with associated fold lines and offsetting; some areas of separation at folds, a few chips and small tears mostly at margins, and one 4 3/4-in. tear; a couple of damp stains, the left margin trimmed, and light toning with uneven browning and discoloration; tape along upper margin; map attached to mat with tape at upper margin, not laid down.