Event Exhibits and Tours Mapping a New Nation: Abel Buell’s Map of the United States, 1784

This landmark map of North America published in 1755 represents British sovereignty over the continent at the outset of the French and Indian War. It is perhaps the most well- known map of the eighteenth century. Created by John Mitchell, a native Virginian who moved to London in his middle-thirties, the map was compiled using information provided by governors of the British colonies. Although territories of other European powers are shown, the map is biased to British interests. French claims in the Mississippi and Ohio valleys, as defined by the Treaty of Utrecht (1714), are not recognized and, instead, English colonial claims extending west of the Alleghenies to the Mississippi River are emphasized. In addition to providing a vast amount of geographic knowledge, the map can be seen as an expression of English dominance in North America. This map was used to establish boundaries of the United States at the 1783 Treaty of Paris.

A comparison of the ornate cartouche on this map with the one on Buell’s 1784 publication, suggests a strong design influence. Additionally, the colonial claims extending from the Atlantic coast on this map can be likened to the state claims extending to the Mississippi on Buell’s 1784 map.

IMPORTANT NOTE: In order to enter the Library's Thomas Jefferson Building and experience the exhibition, each visit must apply for and receive one of a limited number of free timed entry passes. For information on reserving tickets, visit loc.gov/visit, where visitors can review “Know Before You Go” guidelines and reserve their free passes. Each visitor must have a printed paper pass or a digital copy of the pass available on a mobile device for entry. All visitors, regardless of age, must have a timed pass for entry, and each visitor will be able to reserve up to (6) passes. Passes will be released on a rolling, 30-day basis, so for visitors planning to visit within the next month, please visit the reservation site for availability.