Impressive map of North America showing the strides made in mapping the interior during the first half of the 18th century. The map shows considerable interior detail, including mountains, rivers, cities, missions, forts, and tribal territories. As usual for French maps, the British colonies are shown with narrow borders squeezed along the eastern seaboard. Northern California is designated New Albion. To the northeast of California is Quivira, a legendary kingdom of gold and silver that appeared in maps of North America as late as the 19th Century. . The Robert de Vaugondy family’s commitment to maps that were both beautiful and useful is underscored by an attractive etched cartouche. This is the first of five states of this map, dated between 1750 and 1783, published in the very popular Atlas Universel.

Pedley, #448. State 1.