[Antoine Soulard] | One of the most significant maps in American history, and an essential source for Lewis & Clark

[Antoine Soulard]

Ydea Topografica de los altos del Missisipi y del Missouri. Que demuestra los progresos de la compañia Española de descubiertas del rio Missouri, y las usurpaciones de las companies inglesas sobre las posesiones Españolas. Año del 1795. [Topographical sketch of the upper Mississippi and Missouri, showing the expedition of the Spanish Company for exploration of the Missouri River, and the encroachments of the English companies in the Spanish possessions. 1795]. [Saint Louis, 1795]

Manuscript map (390 x 685 mm) on J. Whatman paper (with fleur-de-lis watermark), pen and ink with fine watercolor wash, signature of François Luis Hector Carondelet (“El Baron de Carondelet”) in lower left margin; short closed tear to left margin, one vertical and one horizontal old fold, short closed tears at outer margins along horizontal fold, split where folds meet at the center, browning and abrasion to the left margin touching a few letters.