1854 Mitchell Map of Quebec, Lower Canada or Canada East

Condition and Dimensions

• Map is in Very good condition: Outer edges of the sheet have some browning and cracks.
• Blank on reverse.
• Size: 35cm x 43cm.

Overview of the Map

This is a fine example of S. A. Mitchell's important 1854 map of Lower Canada or Quebec, Canada, centered on the St. Lawrence River Valley. The map covers:

• Montreal to the mouth of the St. Lawrence.
• North as far as Lake St. John.
• South to the United States border.

In the lower right quadrant, a large inset details the Maritime Provinces, including:

• New Brunswick.
• Nova Scotia.
• Cape Breton.
• Prince Edward Island.

Design and Features

The map is engraved and colored in Mitchell's distinctive style, featuring:

• Green border work.
• Vivid pastels.
• Political and topographical features that are noted and color-coded.
• Elevation rendered by hachure.

Historical Context

With the signing of the 1854 Treaty of Reciprocity between the United States and Canada, this region experienced a period of sustained growth and prosperity. Increased international trade flowing into Quebec via the Hudson Valley inspired popular interest in the area. Specific cities such as Montreal, Three Rivers, and St. Francis benefited significantly from the cross-border trade.

Publication Details

This map was prepared by S. A. Mitchell for publication by the Philadelphia firm of Thomas Cowperthwait & Co. It appeared as plate no. 3 in the 1854 edition of Mitchell's New General Atlas.

• Dated and copyrighted: "Entered according to act of Congress in the year 1850 by Thomas Cowperthwait & Co. in the Clerk's office of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania."