The First Mapping of America

The General Survey of British North America

Britain's victory in the Seven Years War, just prior to the American Revolution, dramatically enlarged her North American empire. Eager to learn more of its economic and military potential, the British government commissioned an ambitious survey to provide an accurate map of the entire North American empire. Known as the General Survey of British North America, it ranks as one of the most impressive technical achievements of the period. The First Mapping of America tells the story of the Survey, of the spectacular maps and the extraordinary men who created them, and the battles they fought with Crown administrators, governors and wealthy speculators seeking to use the Survey for their own ends. Many maps have not appeared in print before. A vivid and compelling account and a work of outstanding scholarship.