Old Mercator World Map Centered on America by Mitchell, 1882

Step into the world of 19th-century exploration with the "Map of the World on The Mercator Projection, Exhibiting the American Continent As Its Centre," crafted by the renowned cartographer Samuel Augustus Mitchell Jr. in 1882. This exquisite map places the Americas at its heart, offering a unique perspective that reflects the geopolitical focus of the era. Mitchell Jr., celebrated for his detailed and decorative maps, brings to life the spirit of discovery that defined the age, showcasing the tracks of legendary explorers like Cook, Gore, and Ross.

The map's design is a testament to the artistry of its time, featuring a decorative border that frames the world in intricate detail. Utilizing the Mercator projection, it preserves navigational angles, making it an essential tool for explorers of the period. This projection, while distorting size, emphasizes the importance of accurate navigation, a crucial aspect of 19th-century exploration. The map's aesthetic appeal is matched by its historical significance, capturing a moment when the world was both vast and newly accessible.

Rich in historical context, the map highlights the routes of 18th and 19th-century explorers, weaving a narrative of adventure and discovery across the globe. These routes, meticulously charted, provide a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of early exploration. The map not only serves as a geographical tool but also as a historical document, preserving the legacy of those who dared to traverse the unknown.

The map's depiction of continents and regions offers a fascinating snapshot of the world as it was understood in 1882. From the bustling cities of Europe to the untamed landscapes of the Americas, it presents a world on the brink of modernity. The inclusion of various countries and regions, from the United States to China, reflects the global interconnectedness that was beginning to take shape, driven by exploration and trade.

This map is more than a mere representation of geography; it is a window into a transformative period in history. Its blend of artistry, scientific precision, and historical narrative makes it a captivating addition to any collection. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a lover of cartography, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of a well-crafted map, this piece offers a rich tapestry of stories waiting to be explored.

Countries and regions on this map

• Continents: North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, Antarctica.
• Countries/Regions:
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Chile
• United Kingdom
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Russia
• China
• India
• Australia
• Various African regions and countries as known in 1882.

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Exploration routes: Tracks of explorers such as Cook and Ross.
• Bodies of water: Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, Southern Ocean.
• Annotations: Various historical notes related to exploration.

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Map of the World on The Mercator Projection, Exhibiting the American Continent As Its Centre.
• Date made: 1882
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Samuel Augustus Mitchell Jr.
• Design and style:
• Decorative border typical of the 19th century.
• Use of the Mercator projection, which distorts size but preserves angles, making it useful for navigation.
• Historical significance:
• Reflects the era's interest in exploration and the geopolitical importance of the Americas during the 19th century.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.