One of the First Maps of New York State Printed in Germany

Detailed map of New York State, published during a period of great German interest in America and a boom in German emigration to the United States.

The map shows the routes, railroads, and distances in the state, though it also locates various other features including rivers, canals, and more. The names and outlines of the counties at the time are shown. The adjoining states of Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Connecticut, as well as part of Canada, are all shown.

The map includes an inset showing the profile of the Erie Canal. The many locks, rivers, and cities along this all-important waterway are shown. An inlay to the main map provides the distances to various towns along the New York to Albany, Niagara Falls, and Philadelphia routes. Conversions to other measures of distance are included.

While this work is often referred to as the "German Mitchell," referring the American map maker S. A. Mitchell to whom Tanner sold his plates, the work predates this latter's sale and appears to be a collaborative effort.

Of great interest is the suggestion that the work was published in Hildburghausen, Amsterdam, Philadelphia and Paris, although no evidence of a French edition is known to us. The engraving quality of this fine item surpasses its American counterpart.