This map is expertly drawn and features the region that stretches from the Mississippi Valley upwards towards the Appalachian Mountains. This map was drawn right around the time of the American Revolution by French mapmaker Rigoberto Bonne. Bonne was a noted cartographer of his day in that his works begin to detour from the traditional cartography we see in past french maps. Ornate borders and compass roses are all but abandoned in exchange for a more detailed, and historically accurate work.

As a result, the map coloring is excellent and the detail is exquisite. Several different Indian tribes are noted as they would have been important to the fur trade industry. Early french explorers are credited with establishing a strong trading rapport with the Indians.

Beaver fur was exchanged for other goods and it became the new currency in time. It also gave the native Americans great political influence in the developing new world.

Also, since this is a French rendition, French forts are prominently noted as well. This was of great use to other french explorers who might use the map for navigation and trade. Clear, reliable information was always an asset in a land filled with exploratory possibilities and change. the French had the best relationship with the native Americans leading up to the Revolutionary war. Several other fine details and points of interest are noted as well. This map would have served as a key navigational guide for any explorer. As such, most of the time these maps were well protected and kept secret from other exploration caravans.

One final note of interest. You might also be struck by the small size of our country as well. It is always fascinating to see our nation expanded through cartography. Every 10 to 20 years new territories were added that would later become states as our quest for westward expansion and expiration grew.

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