Laurie Engraved Map of The US (Fredonia)

Fredonia, or the United States of North America. Richard Holmes Laurie (c. 1755-1836). Engraved Map. London: 1830 (1833). 26 x 38 inches visible, 43 x 52 inches framed. Rare map of the United States, one of the most accurate from the 1830's. The map follows Lewis & Clark and has data from Long, and Warren Heckrotte notes that the geography west of the Rocky Mountains derives from J. Arrowsmith and Humboldt. Wheat states "Long's 'Great Desert' is prominently displayed, with nearby the 'Big Horn or Long's Highest Peak,' while Escalante's route is carefully marked." This map bears a legend explaining the origin of the word "Fredonia" to designate the United States of North America, "hence Fredonian or Frede, a native of, and Fredish, of or belonging to the same territory." Wheat wryly notes that "this curious suggestion did not take, and all we Fredish men should be duly thankful."