Illinois, Indiana No: 6

Article description

Lithograph, original color in outline by Smith, J. Calvin, published 1855-60 by Theodor Fischer, Kassel. Image size: 370 by 470mm (14 by 18 inches). From Smith's multi-sheet Special-Karte — one of the most detailed and accurate mid-19th-century maps of the United States. John Calvin (J. Calvin) Smith (c.1809–1890) was an American surveyor, geographer, and engraver active in New York City from the 1840s. Working with partners including George Sherman (under the Sherman & Smith imprint, 1840–1853) and later in association with J.H. Colton, Smith produced some of the most accurate and widely used general-purpose maps of the United States of his era. His maps appeared in government publications, military surveys, and commercial atlases, and his multi-sheet Special-Karte der Vereinigten Staaten (published in a German-language edition) brought American cartographic standards to European audiences. Despite his prolific output and importance to American cartographic history, much of Smith's personal biography remains obscure. This antique map of Illinois, Indiana No: 6 was published in 1855-60 by Theodor Fischer, Kassel (370 by 470mm (14 by 18 inches).). It is printed as a lithograph, original color in outline. The map documents the region with careful attention to rivers, settlements, roads, and political boundaries, reflecting the geographical knowledge available at the time of publication and offering an invaluable primary source for historians and collectors of North American antique cartography. In excellent condition.

Smith, J. Calvin – Illinois, Indiana No: 6 · Antique Map, Lithograph · 370 x 470mm · Theodor Fischer, Kassel 1855-60