Rare Old Map of Louisiana Purchase in North America by Cary, 1806: Incomplete Alaska & Canada Coastline
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Need delivery to different addresses? Contact us before ordering.The Collector’s Offer
Choose two eligible works and receive 20% off both. Choose three and the lowest-priced one is complimentary, a maximum saving of 33%.
Mix and match eligible standard maps and fine-art prints. No code is required; the offer is applied automatically at checkout.
Standard made-to-order configurations are included. Bespoke sizes, personalised designs and commissioned work are excluded.
Need delivery to different addresses? Contact us before ordering.
Restored from the original 1806 map and printed to museum-grade archival standards. Read the story behind this map
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Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of early 19th-century North America with "A New Map of North America From The Latest Authorities"...
Continue readingImmerse yourself in the rich tapestry of early 19th-century North America with "A New Map of North America From The Latest Authorities" by the esteemed cartographer John Cary, published in 1806. This map, a marvel of precision and detail, arrives at a pivotal moment in history, on the cusp of the publication of the first official account and map of Lewis & Clark's expedition. Cary, renowned for his meticulous work, presents a continent on the brink of exploration and transformation. The map's title itself hints at the ambition to consolidate the most current knowledge of the era, offering a snapshot of a world about to be redrawn by the hands of explorers, settlers, and nations.
John Cary, an English cartographer known for his accuracy and detail, has masterfully captured the geographical knowledge of North America just before the monumental Lewis & Clark expedition. The map showcases the large, partially defined area known as Louisiana, providing a unique depiction of the territory shortly after the Louisiana Purchase. This acquisition doubled the size of the United States, and Cary's map invites us to ponder the vast, uncharted lands that lay waiting for exploration and settlement. His work is a testament to the cartographic skills of the time, revealing not only the known cities and settlements but also the speculative geography that characterized the era's maps.
The map is rich with geographical features, including the intricate river systems that were crucial for the exploration and development of the continent. From the majestic Rocky Mountains to the extensive coastlines along the Atlantic and Pacific, Cary's map delineates the natural contours that would guide the footsteps of pioneers and adventurers. The depiction of the river systems above the Pawnee Villages on the Missouri River, informed by Arrowsmith's map, highlights the quest for a passage across the Rockies to the Pacific. This level of detail provides a fascinating glimpse into the challenges faced by explorers and the importance of rivers in the nation's expansion.
Beyond its geographical significance, the map is a cultural and political document, capturing the complex tapestry of territories, settlements, and indigenous lands. It portrays the Spanish land grants in California, the British territories in Canada, and the detailed representation of Native American tribes, offering a snapshot of the diverse peoples who called North America home. The map's depiction of borders and boundaries reflects the fluid nature of territorial claims and the geopolitical tensions of the time. Cary's work serves as a reminder of the continent's contested and multifaceted history, inviting viewers to reflect on the stories and struggles embedded within these lines on paper.
Finally, "A New Map of North America From The Latest Authorities" is not only a historical artifact but also a work of art. Hand-colored and engraved with a decorative border, it exemplifies the craftsmanship of early 19th-century mapmaking. The inclusion of a table of distances and the careful attention to design elements make this map a valuable item for collectors and enthusiasts alike. John Cary's map is a bridge between the known and the unknown, a document that captures the spirit of exploration and the endless possibilities that lay beyond the frontier. It invites us to explore, to dream, and to marvel at the world as it was known to our ancestors, on the eve of great discoveries.
Cities and towns on this map
- York (Toronto)
- Quebec
- Montreal
- Halifax
- Saint John
- Fredericton
- Charlottetown
- St. John's
- Louisbourg
- Philadelphia
- New York City
- Boston
- Charleston
- Baltimore
- Savannah
- New Orleans
- Washington, D.C.
- Richmond
- Norfolk
- Wilmington
- New Haven
- Portland
- Portsmouth
- Salem
- Newburyport
- Gloucester
- Marblehead
- Lynn
- Charlestown
- Cambridge
- Roxbury
- Dorchester
- Brooklyn
- Albany
- Schenectady
- Troy
- Utica
- Syracuse
- Rochester
- Buffalo
- Niagara Falls
- Detroit
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Cincinnati
- Louisville
- Nashville
- St. Louis
- Memphis
- Natchez
- Mobile
- Pensacola
- Tallahassee
- Augusta
- Milledgeville
- Columbia
- Raleigh
- Fayetteville
- New Bern
- Edenton
- Elizabeth City
- Washington
- Baltimore
- Annapolis
- Frederick
- Hagerstown
- Cumberland
- Winchester
- Staunton
- Charlottesville
- Lynchburg
- Danville
- Richmond
- Petersburg
- Norfolk
- Portsmouth
- Suffolk
- Alexandria
- Leesburg
- Warrenton
- Culpeper
- Orange
- Charlottesville
- Staunton
- Harrisonburg
- Winchester
- Romney
- Moorefield
- Clarksburg
- Weston
- Philippi
- Beverly
- Buckhannon
- Sutton
- Weston
- Clarksburg
- Fairmont
- Morgantown
- Kingwood
- Grafton
- Philippi
- Beverly
- Elkins
- Huttonsville
- Huntersville
- Lewisburg
- White Sulphur Springs
- Union
- Monroe
- Princeton
- Bluefield
- Welch
- Williamson
- Matewan
- Logan
- Madison
- Charleston
- Huntington
- Parkersburg
- Marietta
- Belpre
- Pomeroy
- Gallipolis
- Point Pleasant
- Ravenswood
- Spencer
- Ripley
- Grantsville
- Calhoun
- Glenville
- Weston
- Sutton
- Flatwoods
- Webster Springs
- Cowen
- Richwood
- Summersville
- Hinton
- Alderson
- Ronceverte
Notable Features & Landmarks
- Arctic Ocean
- Atlantic Ocean
- Gulf of Mexico
- Hudson Bay
- Pacific Ocean
- International boundaries
- State and provincial boundaries
- Appalachian Mountains
- Rocky Mountains
- Northwest Passage
- Hudson's Bay Company territory
- Spanish Florida
- Louisiana Territory
- Oregon Country
- Santa Fe de Nuevo México
Historical and design context
- Published on the eve of the publication of the first official account and map of Lewis & Clark's expedition from the Missouri River to the mouth of the Columbia River.
- The large partially defined area shown as Louisiana is a representation of Louisiana shortly after the Louisiana Purchase.
- Excellent detail along the NW Coast of America.
- The treatment of California, Oregon, and Utah shows a marvelous picture of the relative void of reliable information in the interior parts of the West on the eve of the official reports of Humboldt, Pike, and Lewis & Clark.
- Classic depiction of Mexico and Upper California on the eve of Mexico's independence from Spain.
- Excellent detail in Canada, especially the unsettled western portions, east of the Rocky Mountains.
- One of the last commercial maps of the period not to provide exaggerated and unknown regions with bold (and inaccurate) claims.
- Fascinating northern coastline for Alaska and Canada along the Northwest Passage.
- Reflects the state of geographical knowledge of North America on the eve of the Lewis & Clark expedition.
- One of the last maps to depict the Louisiana Territory as a single political entity.
- Shows the Spanish land grants in California and the British territories in Canada.
- Provides a detailed look at the Native American tribes of the time.
- Hand-colored, engraved, decorative border, includes a table of distances.
Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.
This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.
This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 90in (230cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.
Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 16in (40cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.
The model in the listing images is holding the 16x16in (40x40cm) version of this map.
The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.
If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.
Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.
This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.
This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.
This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.
For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.
Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of early 19th-century North America with "A New Map of North America From The Latest Authorities" by the esteemed cartographer John Cary, published in 1806. This map, a marvel of precision and detail, arrives at a pivotal moment in history, on the cusp of the publication of the first official account and map of Lewis & Clark's expedition. Cary, renowned for his meticulous work, presents a continent on the brink of exploration and transformation. The map's title itself hints at the ambition to consolidate the most current knowledge of the era, offering a snapshot of a world about to be redrawn by the hands of explorers, settlers, and nations.
John Cary, an English cartographer known for his accuracy and detail, has masterfully captured the geographical knowledge of North America just before the monumental Lewis & Clark expedition. The map showcases the large, partially defined area known as Louisiana, providing a unique depiction of the territory shortly after the Louisiana Purchase. This acquisition doubled the size of the United States, and Cary's map invites us to ponder the vast, uncharted lands that lay waiting for exploration and settlement. His work is a testament to the cartographic skills of the time, revealing not only the known cities and settlements but also the speculative geography that characterized the era's maps.
The map is rich with geographical features, including the intricate river systems that were crucial for the exploration and development of the continent. From the majestic Rocky Mountains to the extensive coastlines along the Atlantic and Pacific, Cary's map delineates the natural contours that would guide the footsteps of pioneers and adventurers. The depiction of the river systems above the Pawnee Villages on the Missouri River, informed by Arrowsmith's map, highlights the quest for a passage across the Rockies to the Pacific. This level of detail provides a fascinating glimpse into the challenges faced by explorers and the importance of rivers in the nation's expansion.
Beyond its geographical significance, the map is a cultural and political document, capturing the complex tapestry of territories, settlements, and indigenous lands. It portrays the Spanish land grants in California, the British territories in Canada, and the detailed representation of Native American tribes, offering a snapshot of the diverse peoples who called North America home. The map's depiction of borders and boundaries reflects the fluid nature of territorial claims and the geopolitical tensions of the time. Cary's work serves as a reminder of the continent's contested and multifaceted history, inviting viewers to reflect on the stories and struggles embedded within these lines on paper.
Finally, "A New Map of North America From The Latest Authorities" is not only a historical artifact but also a work of art. Hand-colored and engraved with a decorative border, it exemplifies the craftsmanship of early 19th-century mapmaking. The inclusion of a table of distances and the careful attention to design elements make this map a valuable item for collectors and enthusiasts alike. John Cary's map is a bridge between the known and the unknown, a document that captures the spirit of exploration and the endless possibilities that lay beyond the frontier. It invites us to explore, to dream, and to marvel at the world as it was known to our ancestors, on the eve of great discoveries.
Cities and towns on this map
- York (Toronto)
- Quebec
- Montreal
- Halifax
- Saint John
- Fredericton
- Charlottetown
- St. John's
- Louisbourg
- Philadelphia
- New York City
- Boston
- Charleston
- Baltimore
- Savannah
- New Orleans
- Washington, D.C.
- Richmond
- Norfolk
- Wilmington
- New Haven
- Portland
- Portsmouth
- Salem
- Newburyport
- Gloucester
- Marblehead
- Lynn
- Charlestown
- Cambridge
- Roxbury
- Dorchester
- Brooklyn
- Albany
- Schenectady
- Troy
- Utica
- Syracuse
- Rochester
- Buffalo
- Niagara Falls
- Detroit
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Cincinnati
- Louisville
- Nashville
- St. Louis
- Memphis
- Natchez
- Mobile
- Pensacola
- Tallahassee
- Augusta
- Milledgeville
- Columbia
- Raleigh
- Fayetteville
- New Bern
- Edenton
- Elizabeth City
- Washington
- Baltimore
- Annapolis
- Frederick
- Hagerstown
- Cumberland
- Winchester
- Staunton
- Charlottesville
- Lynchburg
- Danville
- Richmond
- Petersburg
- Norfolk
- Portsmouth
- Suffolk
- Alexandria
- Leesburg
- Warrenton
- Culpeper
- Orange
- Charlottesville
- Staunton
- Harrisonburg
- Winchester
- Romney
- Moorefield
- Clarksburg
- Weston
- Philippi
- Beverly
- Buckhannon
- Sutton
- Weston
- Clarksburg
- Fairmont
- Morgantown
- Kingwood
- Grafton
- Philippi
- Beverly
- Elkins
- Huttonsville
- Huntersville
- Lewisburg
- White Sulphur Springs
- Union
- Monroe
- Princeton
- Bluefield
- Welch
- Williamson
- Matewan
- Logan
- Madison
- Charleston
- Huntington
- Parkersburg
- Marietta
- Belpre
- Pomeroy
- Gallipolis
- Point Pleasant
- Ravenswood
- Spencer
- Ripley
- Grantsville
- Calhoun
- Glenville
- Weston
- Sutton
- Flatwoods
- Webster Springs
- Cowen
- Richwood
- Summersville
- Hinton
- Alderson
- Ronceverte
Notable Features & Landmarks
- Arctic Ocean
- Atlantic Ocean
- Gulf of Mexico
- Hudson Bay
- Pacific Ocean
- International boundaries
- State and provincial boundaries
- Appalachian Mountains
- Rocky Mountains
- Northwest Passage
- Hudson's Bay Company territory
- Spanish Florida
- Louisiana Territory
- Oregon Country
- Santa Fe de Nuevo México
Historical and design context
- Published on the eve of the publication of the first official account and map of Lewis & Clark's expedition from the Missouri River to the mouth of the Columbia River.
- The large partially defined area shown as Louisiana is a representation of Louisiana shortly after the Louisiana Purchase.
- Excellent detail along the NW Coast of America.
- The treatment of California, Oregon, and Utah shows a marvelous picture of the relative void of reliable information in the interior parts of the West on the eve of the official reports of Humboldt, Pike, and Lewis & Clark.
- Classic depiction of Mexico and Upper California on the eve of Mexico's independence from Spain.
- Excellent detail in Canada, especially the unsettled western portions, east of the Rocky Mountains.
- One of the last commercial maps of the period not to provide exaggerated and unknown regions with bold (and inaccurate) claims.
- Fascinating northern coastline for Alaska and Canada along the Northwest Passage.
- Reflects the state of geographical knowledge of North America on the eve of the Lewis & Clark expedition.
- One of the last maps to depict the Louisiana Territory as a single political entity.
- Shows the Spanish land grants in California and the British territories in Canada.
- Provides a detailed look at the Native American tribes of the time.
- Hand-colored, engraved, decorative border, includes a table of distances.
Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.
This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.
This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 90in (230cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.
Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 16in (40cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.
The model in the listing images is holding the 16x16in (40x40cm) version of this map.
The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.
If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.
Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.
This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.
This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.
This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.
For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.
Many of our maps and art prints are chosen as thoughtful gifts for homes, offices, studies and meaningful places.
Choose a framed option for the easiest ready-to-hang gift, or choose an unframed print if the recipient may prefer to select their own frame.
We make orders locally in 23 countries around the world, so gifts can often be produced close to the recipient. This helps them arrive faster, travel more safely, and avoid customs or import duty surprises.
- We can deliver directly to the recipient
- Framed pieces arrive ready to hang
- Unframed prints are carefully packed in a strong protective tube
- Almost every order is made locally, for faster, safer gifting
- 90-day returns give the recipient time to decide
If you are not sure what to choose, please contact us. We can help you pick the right map, size, finish or delivery option.
Most orders are made locally and delivered in around 2–3 working days, depending on the product, size and destination.
We print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world, so your order is usually made close to you or your recipient. That means faster delivery, less time in transit, and no customs or import duty surprises.
Personalised and customised pieces usually take an extra 1–2 working days, because we prepare your design and send it to you for approval before printing.
Very large framed orders can take a little longer, as they need extra care in production and delivery.
Every order is carefully packaged: unframed prints are sent in a strong protective tube, while framed pieces are securely packed with protective materials around the frame.
If you need your order by a particular date, please contact us before ordering. We’ll check the best production route and delivery option for your location.
Express delivery is available at checkout for most countries. Next-day delivery is available in the UK, US, Singapore and the UAE.
Your order is covered by our 90-day returns policy and 10-year guarantee.
Our standard frame is a gallery-style black ash hardwood frame, with a simple, modern look. It is approximately 20mm (0.8in) wide. You can also view some lovely customer photos of framed maps and art.
We use super-clear acrylic glazing, also known as Perspex or Acrylite, instead of traditional glass. It is lighter, safer, and has lower reflectivity, giving the artwork a clearer, cleaner appearance.
Six standard frame colours are available at no extra cost: black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white, and antique gold. Custom framing and mounting/matting is also available for customers looking for something more specific.
Most maps, art prints, and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced wooden box frame, and then float the piece within a wooden outer frame. The finished result is beautifully presented, with no glazing between you and the artwork.
All frames are supplied ready to hang, with either string or brackets fitted to the back. Very large frames will include heavy-duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
We can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag, and other materials.
If you would prefer to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read our size guide before ordering.
Every Unique Maps piece begins with an authentic cartographic source or an original design from our London studio.
For our historic maps, we source rare originals from libraries, archives, auction houses and private collections around the world. We carefully restore each map for print—repairing age-related damage, balancing colour and improving clarity while preserving its original detail, texture and character.
Once restored, the map is prepared for your chosen size and finish. Your piece is then printed and, where selected, framed close to its delivery destination.
Our map prints use acid-free 200gsm archival matte paper and fade-resistant pigment inks, creating a rich, non-glossy finish designed to last. Framed maps use crystal-clear optical acrylic and arrive ready to hang.
Canvas, cotton-rag and other specialist presentations are also available. Learn more about our materials and finishes.
Personalising your map
You can add a short title or dedication, mark one meaningful place, or request one considered visual detail. For personalised designs, we send a proof before printing and you can request changes before approval.
For more complex bespoke commissions, contact our design team.
Original or Aged
Choose Original for true-to-source colour, or Aged for a warmer, richer antique character created with our specialist ageing process. See examples of our Aged maps.
If you are not happy with your order for any reason, contact me and I'll get it fixed ASAP, free of charge. Please see my returns and refund policy for more information.
I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 5,000 real 5-star reviews. My work has been featured in interior design magazines, on the BBC, and on the walls of dozens of 5-star hotels.
I use a unique process to restore maps and artwork that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps and illustrations can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore them. As a result, I guarantee my maps and art prints are a cut above the rest. I stand by my products and will always make sure you're 100% happy with what you receive.
Almost all of my maps and art prints look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.
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