A very attractive and detailed mid 19th century map of the United States of America which was ‘Published under the Superintendence of the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge’ (London: Baldwin & Craddock, 1834). The map shows the extent the United States had spread since independence with the lands east of the Mississippi now under its control. In the southern states, reference is made to the Chickasaws, Cherokees, Creeks (Muscogees) and Choctaws shortly before their forced removal to the Indian territory. To the west of Louisiana, the land which is now Texas is still part of Mexico. The map also includes, in the bottom right, profiles of the five major canals and, in the bottom left, a table of the 1830 census which poignantly lists both the free and slave populations of each state/territory.
‘The Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge’ (S.D.U.K.), founded in 1826, was a philanthropist organisation established with the purpose of supplying the public with accessible and affordable educational material, particularly in the form of maps. The 19th century had, as a result of both the agricultural and industrial revolution, seen an increase in population, urbanisation and literacy. These resulting changes had lead to concerns that the urban masses could be influenced by cheap, radical and seditious forms of literature, which in turn, would lead to major social unrest and possible revolution. The S.D.U.K. sort to remedy this problem with more beneficial forms of education. Despite producing many fine works/maps and inspiring an American movement of the same name, the S. D. U. K. was to enjoy only moderate success and folded in 1848; nevertheless, its maps were republished by varoius publishers into the 1880s.
- This is an original steel engraving with fine original hand colour.
- Printed area is approximately 32.4cms by 37.6cms.
- The map is in very good condition with decent margins.Click on image for a better view.
- Click on ‘Delivery Policy’ for postage costs.
- Guaranteed to be over 175 years old.
