Mississipi River, From Iberville to Yazous. (#9033)

Map Maker: Joseph Frederick Wallet Des Barres

Description:

Des Barres Chart of the Mississippi River is the largest printed map of the Mississippi River published in the 18th Century and almost certainly one o the most important.   The chart is extremely rare and is not present in most examples of the Atlantic Neptune. 

Des Barres chart tracks the course of the Mississippi beginning in the area of Vicksburg, Mississippi and proceeding south beyond Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  The map was issued during one of the most fascinating periods in the history of the South, during a period when the region to the east of the River was controlled by Great Britain, while New Orleans and the region to the west were under the control of Spain.  Much of the information used in Des Barres chart derives from Lt. John Ross' map of the river, based upon his expedition of 1765.

The map a tremendous amount of local information, especially along the eastern bank of the river. The map includes settlements, forts, creeks, cliffs and many property lots. The Village of Toniac Indians is located, along with the French Settlements of Point Conpee. Des Barres Atlantic Neptune is the most prolific of all 18th Century efforts to map the coastline of North America and a landmark in the history of American Cartography. 

Related Categories:
Maps of America
Maps of the American South
Maps of Southeast America
Maps of the United States

Condition Description: A few reinforcement and restoration along the margins, including two areas with some minor restorations, and a repaired tear in the lower right corner. A nice example in original wash color.

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