A cartographic representation depicting the territorial boundaries, geographical features, and political divisions of the nascent nation at the turn of the 19th century. These visual documents offer a snapshot of a country still in its formative years, shortly after the death of George Washington, during the presidency of John Adams and the subsequent election of Thomas Jefferson.
Examining depictions from this era provides invaluable insight into the physical extent of the young republic, revealing the areas settled by Europeans, the territories claimed but not yet fully integrated, and the indigenous lands largely unexplored and undocumented by the government. These portrayals reflect the prevailing understanding of geography at the time, the available surveying technology, and the political ambitions of the nation. They serve as primary sources for understanding westward expansion, early infrastructure development, and the evolving relationship between the federal government and its constituent states.
