Venezuela, New Grenada & Ecuador
Philadelphia: H. N. Burroughs, 1846.
Map. Lithograph with original hand coloring. Image measures 12 3/8" x 15 1/8".
This map includes the modern-day countries of Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador, as well as part of Panama. A large inset in the lower right corner shows a "Plan of a Proposed Communication between the Atlantic & Pacific Oceans," that is, the Panama Canal Railway. Construction on the railway would begin in 1850, only a few years after this map's 1846 publication, spurred by increased traffic to California from the 1849 Gold Rush. Completed in 1855 and still functioning today, this railway was especially important to the construction of the Panama Canal in the early 20th century. The map's index includes capitals, cities, and towns. Political borders are dark pink, rivers are drawn, and relief is shown by hachures. The map appeared in Mitchell's first edition of his seminal New Universal Atlas. It is in very good condition.
Samuel Augustus Mitchell Sr. (1792-1868) was one of the leaders in American cartography of the 19th century and pioneered the conversion of engraved map plates to more affordable lithographic plates. His son, Samuel Augustus Mitchell Jr. continued his father's successful mapmaking and publishing business, and was one of the most prolific and renowned 19th century American publishers.
Binding: Unbound
Language: English
Price: $100.00
Item #310820