Settling the West

This 1814 map shows "the seven ranges of townships" in southeastern Ohio, west of the Ohio River, the first area to be surveyed following the 1785 congressional ordinance; all new territories and states north and west of the Ohio were to be surveyed in this fashion, regardless of topography. The square, gridded Western lands we know today are the result of this original survey plan. The river sketches along the borders of the townships suggest that the surveyors made note only of those that crossed their path, and did not actually observe rivers within the townships. Individual sections of towns were not surveyed until land was settled or sold.

Carey literally invented the idea of an American atlas; previously, Americans had depended on English firms to map American turf. Originally from Dublin, Ireland, he settled in Philadelphia and established the first important mapmaking firm in the United States. During Carey's 40-year career, his General Atlas, American Atlas and American Pocket Atlas were landmarks in American publishing.

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