Hi Stephanie,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

This map, titled "A MAP Exhibiting all the New Discoveries in the Interior Parts of NORTH AMERICA, Inscribed by Permission To the honourable Governor AND Company OF Adventurers OF England TRADING INTO HUDSONS BAY," was created by cartographer Aaron Arrowsmith; the original version was made in 1795. It synthesized the latest geographic knowledge from explorers, fur traders, Native American informants, and the Hudson's Bay Company.

The map was groundbreaking because it attempted to depict the largely unmapped interior of the continent with unprecedented detail and scientific rigor. Arrowsmith incorporated information from major explorers such as Alexander Mackenzie and later editions reflected discoveries associated with Lewis and Clark Expedition and Pacific Coast voyages. It became a standard reference for governments, explorers, and merchants.

The dedication to the Hudson’s Bay Company is especially important. The company controlled vast trading territories across what is now Canada and possessed some of the best geographic intelligence about the continent’s interior. By acknowledging their “liberal communications,” Arrowsmith highlighted how commercial fur-trade networks contributed directly to geographic science and imperial expansion.

The map went through numerous revisions and updated “states” over nearly 30 years. Cartographic historians generally recognize at least seven major editions or states of the map. Beyond those major editions, there were also many smaller corrections and engraved additions inserted between printings. Arrowsmith continually updated the copper plates as new information arrived from fur traders, explorers, and government expeditions. That means surviving copies can vary substantially even within the same nominal edition.

The map is especially prized because it effectively became a “living document” of North American exploration. Each new state reflected the rapidly changing geographic knowledge of the continent during the great age of exploration and fur-trade expansion.

Additionally, this map was one of three maps used in 1803 by Nicholas King to map out the region from the Mississippi River and Lake Superior to the Pacific Ocean, a task ordered by Albert Gallatin, Secretary of the Treasury under Thomas Jefferson.

There was a large market for copies of this map among armchair travelers and amateur enthusiasts and it was reproduced in smaller sizes from the original 40 by 66 inch size; you have one of these maps. While the early versions of the original maps can range in value from low four figures to high five and even six figures, this is considered a decorative rather than archival map and would probably sell at auction between $100 and $150 if it's in good condition and not laid down (glued to the backboard) in the frame.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia