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2021-189, Map
The Eagle Map of the United States
2021-189, Map

The Eagle Map of the United States

Date1833
Designer Joseph Churchman
Engraver Isaac Moore
Publisher E.L.Carey & A. Hart
OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
MediumLine engraving with hand color mounted on modern linen
DimensionsOverall: 21 1/2 × 17 1/4in. (54.6 × 43.8cm)
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number2021-189
DescriptionTitle reads: "THE EAGLE MAP/ OF THE/ UNITED STATES/ ENGRAVED FOR/ RUDIMENTS OF/ NATIONAL KNOWLEDGE."
Label TextThe map was published to accompany a geographic text called "Rudiments of National Knowledge, presented to the Youth of the United States and To Enquiring Foreigners" (1833) which was designed to educate children about the history and geography of the United States. It is an example of a zoomorphic map. Joseph Churchman superimposed an eagle on the map to serve as a memory device to help teach students the geography of the United States. The eagle was intended represent a peaceful, united Republic at a time when fears of war and secession were brewing. He wrote that should any one state “from a selfish, or misguided policy” leave the union, that it would leave an “ugly chasm” on the eagle’s “design.”