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The First American Geographical Chart
This geographical chart, titled A Geographical Chart of the American Federal Republic; or, A Comprehensive View of the Most Interesting Particulars Relative to the Geography, etc. of the United States of North America, was published in Hartford, Vermont, by James Strong and in Walpole, New Hampshire, in 1805 by Thomas & Nichols.
This chart provides a detailed description of the states and territories of the United States. The regions covered include the United States, the District of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Ohio, the Indiana Territory (noting that Indiana became a state in 1816), the Illinois Territory, the Michigan Territory, Maryland, the District of Columbia (referred to as Columbia), Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Mississippi.
For each state or territory, the chart systematically presents information on its length and breadth (in miles), latitude and longitude, boundaries, divisions (number of counties and towns), notable mountains (or the lack thereof, as in Delaware), principal rivers, manufactured goods, mineral resources, major towns, chief town populations, predominant religious denominations, representation in Congress (number of representatives and senators), banking institutions, and general observations. Interestingly, while representatives are listed for Mississippi (which would not achieve statehood until 1817), no representation is noted for Indiana, which had already become a state in 1816.
Each state entry meticulously defines its geographical limits using natural landmarks, adjacent states, and prominent water bodies. For instance, Vermont’s boundaries are described relative to the province of Lower Canada, New Hampshire, and the Connecticut River, offering precise spatial context. Prominent natural features such as mountains and rivers are highlighted in each state, reflecting the topography of the early republic.
Major towns and cities are listed with their geographic coordinates and distances from Washington, D.C., reflecting the growing importance of centralized governance and transportation networks. For instance, Boston, Massachusetts, is described as 436 miles northeast of the capital, emphasizing its prominence in the New England region. Population statistics from the 1800 census are included alongside the number of representatives in Congress, illustrating the evolving political landscape of the nation.
Economic activity is another key focus of the chart, with entries on each state’s agricultural products, mineral wealth, and manufacturing output. For example, Virginia is noted for its tobacco and wheat production, while Pennsylvania is recognized for its iron and coal industries. This data provides insight into the regional economies that underpinned the early republic’s growth and development.
Additionally, the chart offers a unique glimpse into the cultural and financial infrastructure of the period by including information on dominant religious denominations and banking institutions. Religious diversity is noted for each state, with denominations such as Congregationalists, Presbyterians, and Baptists frequently mentioned. Banks, such as the United States Bank at Philadelphia and its branches, are identified, underscoring the importance of financial institutions in the early economy.
Published at the turn of the 19th century, this chart reflects the United States’ early efforts at territorial expansion and national organization following independence. It captures a young nation grappling with growth, political representation, and economic integration. As a product of early American printing, it highlights the role of regional presses like that of Walpole, NH, in disseminating critical information for nation-building. The chart stands as both a historical artifact and a functional document, offering modern readers a window into the geography, society, and economy of the early United States.
While Sabin was unsure of the dating and conjectured that the date was between 1804 and 1809 based upon the publisher George W. Nichols time in Walpole, we can confirm that the publication of this work was announced as "Just Published" in the December 6, 1805 edition of the Political Observatory (Walpole, NH, Vol III: #108, p3).
