1756, KARTE VON LUISIANA (Map of Louisiana)

Maps1756 Bellin Map of Louisiana Territory

1756 [1744] “KARTE VON LUISIANA, DEM LAUFE DES MISSISSIPI UND DEN BENACHBARTEN LAENDERN, Durch N. Bellin,” [Map of Louisiana], Choice Extremely Fine.
Uncolored copper engraved map, 15.5” x 22”, created in 1744 but actually published in 1756. The noted 18th century French cartographer Nicolas Bellin based his map on Delisle's of 1718, showing the same basic outline and topography, but including the latest available information from Charlevoix and others. In all, the map covers the region from the West through “Neu Mexico” up North through the Great Lakes, South to the Gulf of Mexico, and East from the Atlantic seaboard to the Rocky Mountains, with text in German or Dutch. The map is important in part for showing areas claimed by the French, including their forts and settlements, just prior to the outbreak of the French and Indian War. The lower right margin has been trimmed, and there is a small 1/2” margin tear along the right edge but the map itself is unaffected.