MELISH, John (1771-1822) Map of the United States with the contiguous British and Spanish Possessions...1816

MELISH, John (1771-1822)Map of the United States with the contiguous British and Spanish Possessions Complied from the latest & best AuthoritiesCopper plate engraving with original hand colorPhiladelphia: James Finlayson, June 16th, 181643 ¼ x 56 ¾ inch sheet   The second most important map in American history, juxtaposing for the first time the discoveries of Lewis and Clark, Zebulon Pike, Thomas Long, Thomas Nuttal and Andrew Ellicott.  The first and most famous cartographic expression of “manifest destiny,” the map was a tempting invitation to Texas and a threat to Mexico.  One of the most studied maps in America; research is available on request. This landmark wall map, by John Melish, is highly coveted by collectors, as it is the first map to show the United States potentially stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific, giving visual expression to the idea of “Manifest Destiny.” In the early 19th century, many Americans felt it was their mission to expand the borders of the U