By: Samuel Augustus Mitchell / Thomas Cowperthwait

Date: 1850 (dated) Philadelphia

Dimensions: 15 x 12 inches (38 x 30.5 cm)

This antique Map of Florida, published by Thomas, Cowperthwait & Co. in the mid-19th century, presents a detailed view of the state's political divisions, settlements, transportation routes, and geographic features of the time. The map is beautifully hand-colored, with counties outlined in distinct shades of pink, yellow, green, and blue, noting the administrative organization of Florida during this period.

Prominent features include three inset maps—one depicting Pensacola, another showing the planned layout of Tallahassee, and a third focusing on the Harbor of St. Augustine, highlighting their significance as key settlements in Florida's development. The map also includes extensive tables of water routes, which were the best methods of transportation considering the lack of infrastructureat the time. Florida’s coastline, barrier islands, rivers, and lakes are carefully illustrated, with notable locations such as Cape Sable, Tampa Bay, and St. John’s River prominently labeled.

This map was produced during a transformative era in Florida’s history, shortly after it became a U.S. state in 1845, when settlement and infrastructure expansion were rapidly progressing. The presence of military forts and Indian reservations reflects the lingering conflicts with Native American tribes, particularly during the time of the Second Seminole War (1835-1842). This map serves as both a geographic reference and a historical document, capturing Florida’s early statehood period and its evolving territorial landscape.

Condition: Map is in A condition with one small marginal tear that has been repaired and does not come near the map image. Also, so paper discoloration is apparent on the edge of the top right margain. Overall map image is beautiful with bright colors on clean paper.

Inventory #12953

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