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This French-language map, titled Amérique du Nord, presents a detailed 19th-century depiction of North America, highlighting its topographical features, political divisions, and the transcontinental railroad.
Published by G. Masson and engraved by L. Sonnet in Paris, this map reflects the European cartographic perspective on North America during a period of rapid industrialization and territorial expansion. The map features a color-coded key distinguishing different topographical and political regions, with particular attention given to mountain ranges, rivers, and colonial territories.
The map covers the entirety of North America, from the Arctic Ocean in the north to Central America and the Caribbean in the south. The United States, Canada, and Mexico are clearly outlined, with Alaska labeled as the "Territoire d’Alaska", reflecting its recent purchase from Russia in 1867. The map also distinguishes European colonial holdings in Greenland (Denmark) and the Caribbean (Britain, France, Spain, and the Netherlands). A significant portion of Canada is marked as "Territoire Britannique", reflecting its status as a British Dominion before full confederation and western expansion.
One of the most significant features of the map is the depiction of the Transcontinental Railroad, which is illustrated as a major transportation artery connecting the east and west coasts of the United States. The railroad, completed in 1869, played a crucial role in the economic and territorial expansion of the U.S., facilitating trade, migration, and industrial growth. Other transportation routes, including major roads and waterways such as the Mississippi River and Great Lakes, are also clearly marked, emphasizing the importance of infrastructure in 19th-century North America.
