David Hugh Burr (American, 1803-1875), "The North-West-Coast of North America and Adjacent Territories." A black and white engraving, ca. 1840. As noted at the lower center, "Compiled from the best authorities under the direction of Robert Greenhow to accompany his Memoir on the Northwest Coast. Published by order of the Senate of the United States. Drawn by David H. Burr." (Washington, D.C.: Blair and Rives, 1840). At the lower left is a rendering of (as noted), "a medal struck at Boston in 1787 on occasion of the departure of the vessels COLUMBIA and WASHINGTON for the Northwest Coast of America, taken from one of the original medals, deposited by the HON. C. Cushing, in the library of the Department of State of the United States." Above the medal is a large inset: "The North Pacific Ocean and the adjacent Coasts and Islands." Size: 21.5" W x 16" H (54.6 cm x 40.6 cm) at the neat line; 32.125" W x 26.625" H (81.6 cm x 67.6 cm) including frame.

In 1840, when this map was created, Great Britain and the United States were embroiled in debate about the borders in the Pacific Northwest. Robert Greenhow, translator and librarian to the Department of State, upon the urgent request of the Secretary of State and the Chairman of the Committee on the Oregon Territory, compiled a book on the geography, history, and politics of the Northwest to help the parties arrive at a resolution. Burr’s map accompanied the book delivered to the Senate as a report in January and February of 1840. The map presents the western half of the US from the Great Lakes and the Gulf of Mexico to the California coast. The large inset depicts the Pacific Rim. The map contains fascinating misinformation, as for example Burr’s placement of a great east-west range of "Snowy Mountains" from the Mendocino coast to the Great Salt Lake. Present-day Shasta is labeled "Mt. Jackson." A remarkable and very important map for anyone intrigued by American expansion into Northwest coastal territory.

David H. Burr was widely regarded as among the most important American cartographers. Having studied cartography under Simeon DeWitt in New York, his first atlas was an Atlas of New York State; interestingly, this was the second state atlas to be issued in the US. In the 1830s, he was a topographer for the United States Post Office, producing highly sought after and very rare, large format state maps. Later that decade, he was appointed Geographer of the House of Representatives. Burr's maps displayed a sophisticated engraving style and beautiful wash colors.

Published in "Memoir, Historical and Political on the Northwest Coast of North America" by Robert Greenhow.

Provenance: private Colorado, USA collection

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#134554

Map is in very good condition with a strong impression, slight toning commensurate with age. Creases as this was a folded map. This framing has been executed to full museum standards using the highest quality frames and mats. It also incorporates a very high level of craftsmanship with exceptional design choices.