The "Map of the World on the Mercator Projection, Exhibiting the American Continent as its Centre," was created by Samuel Augustus Mitchell in 1860. This particular map reflects the Mercator projection, which is a cylindrical map projection developed by Gerardus Mercator in the 16th century.
The notable feature of this map is that it centers the American continent, giving it prominence as the focal point of the world. The positioning of the continents on the map is altered from their true geographical locations to achieve this effect. Europe and Africa are shifted to the right, while Asia is shifted to the left, creating a composition where the Americas appear at the center of the map.
During the 19th century, when this map was made, the United States was experiencing significant territorial expansion and had gained prominence as a global power. This map reflects the American perspective of the time, emphasizing the importance of the Americas in the world.
It's worth noting that the Mercator projection itself has been criticized for its distortion of landmasses as they get closer to the poles, resulting in an exaggeration of size for regions near the equator. Nonetheless, the Mercator projection was widely used in cartography due to its usefulness in navigation and preserving straight lines of constant compass bearing.
Samuel Augustus Mitchell (1792–1868) was an American geographer, publisher, and cartographer who played a crucial role in the development and popularization of cartography in the United States during the 19th century. He was born on March 20, 1792, in Bristol, Connecticut.
Mitchell began his career as a teacher but soon developed an interest in geography and mapmaking. In 1829, he published his first atlas, titled "A New American Atlas." This atlas gained recognition for its accuracy and high-quality maps, and it marked the beginning of Mitchell's successful career in cartography.
Over the following years, Mitchell produced numerous atlases and maps, which became highly regarded for their detailed information and aesthetically pleasing design. He incorporated data from various sources, including governmental surveys, explorations, and his own observations, to create accurate and up-to-date maps.
Mitchell's atlases covered a wide range of subjects, including geography, history, and demographics. They were popular among educators, students, and the general public, contributing to the dissemination of geographical knowledge and the understanding of the expanding American territories.
Mitchell's publications played an important role in shaping the American perspective on geography during a time of significant national expansion. His maps often reflected the prevailing political and social views of the era, including the promotion of westward expansion and the prominence of the United States.
Samuel Augustus Mitchell retired in 1860 and passed away on December 20, 1868, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His contributions to American cartography and his dedication to producing accurate and accessible maps continue to be recognized and appreciated in the field of geography.
More maps of Samuel Augustus Mitchell
