A MAP OF THE MOST INHABITED PART OF VIRGINIA...

Perhaps the best example of a graphic pertaining to the South that addressed each aspect of the culture was A MAP of the most INHABITED part of VIRGINIA containing the whole PROVINCE of MARYLAND, first published about 1753 by Thomas Jefferys after Joshua Fry and Peter Jefferson. For over half a century it was the map most widely consulted for the region. Despite the continual demand to update maps based on more recent surveys, the primary motive behind the production of this work was to create a document that reinforced British claims along the frontier in light of French encroachments in the area. Thus, the map served as both a geographical and a political document.

Popularly known as the “Fry-Jefferson Map,” it was first published by Thomas Jefferys in 1755.  Eight states – or editions – of the map are known.  MESDA’s example is from the sixth state, published in 1775.