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John Melish’s map of Pennsylvania represents a pivotal moment in early American cartography, serving as a model for state-sponsored mapping efforts and exemplifying the growing importance of precision in geographic representation at the beginning of the 19th century. Superseding Reading Howell's maps, which had served Pennsylvanian citizens for three decades, Melish’s map was the product of comprehensive surveys mandated by the Pennsylvania state legislature, coupled with official guidance and financial backing. This level of support distinguished Melish’s project from most other state maps, which typically relied on less formal resources and often lacked sufficient accuracy and detail.

As an accomplished mapmaker and publisher, Melish brought a wealth of experience to the endeavor, drawing upon his prior work, including his seminal Map of the United States (first published in 1816). In this work, Melish had acknowledged the utility of state maps derived from actual surveys, expressing a vision that would later influence the Pennsylvania map project. His dedication to the concept of state-financed, officially produced maps was instrumental in securing legislative support for the project. In 1814, Pennsylvania legislator Isaac Weaver introduced a resolution aimed at creating a new, authoritative map of the state. Melish’s expertise was soon solicited, leading him to collaborate closely with state officials and legislators on the project’s development.

Melish’s advocacy for a state-controlled approach to mapping was encapsulated in his remarks within his Geographical Description of the United States, where he emphasized the inadequacy of commercially produced maps, which were often generalized and drawn from diverse, sometimes inconsistent sources. He argued that state maps should be “subject to the control of no individual whatever,” advocating for their creation as a public good managed and maintained by state authorities to ensure accuracy and reliability over time. Pennsylvania officials found his arguments compelling, and by March 1816, the legislature had passed An Act Directing the Formation of a Map of Pennsylvania. This law mandated a systematic approach to county surveys, specifying a scale of two and a half miles to an inch and detailing the inclusion of both physical and cultural features.

The map itself, engraved by Benjamin Tanner, one of the premier American engravers of the period, embodies Melish’s commitment to precision. Tanner’s skillful rendering of topographical and infrastructural details – including roads, rivers, and township boundaries – imbued the map with an aesthetic clarity and technical accuracy that far surpassed previous efforts. Melish’s map was thus a significant cartographic achievement and a practical tool for Pennsylvania’s citizens and government, providing a reliable reference for travel, development, and governance.

Melish’s Map of Pennsylvania set a new benchmark in state-sponsored cartography, influencing future maps both within and beyond Pennsylvania. By combining rigorous survey data, state resources, and skilled craftsmanship, it demonstrated the potential of official maps to serve as accurate, comprehensive records of a state’s geography and infrastructure. Melish’s work ultimately inspired other states to embark on similar projects, establishing a foundation for the development of systematic, state-sponsored cartography in the United States.

For an excellent treatment of the Melish Pennsylvania map in the broader context of early state mapping, see Walter Ristow's American Maps and Mapmakers, pages 110-115.