1864 Map of Africa by Mitchell

Samuel Augustus Mitchell Jr.’s 1864 Map of Africa Showing its Most Recent Discoveries, published in Mitchell’s New General Atlas in Philadelphia, reflects the mid-19th century moment when fresh reports from explorers were rapidly reshaping knowledge of the continent. Presented on a single folio sheet with Mitchell’s distinctive ornamental border, the hand-coloured map outlines Africa’s colonial possessions, kingdoms, and tribal regions, while cautiously incorporating the latest geographic information from figures like Heinrich Barth, David Livingstone, and Burton and Speke—most notably partial depictions of Central and East Africa’s lakes and the speculative sources of the Nile. The inset in the lower left quadrant features the remote island of St. Helena. Though the map leaves much of the interior blank or tentative, its emphasis on “recent discoveries” catered to an American audience fascinated by commerce, exploration, and missionary work. Issued decades before the Scramble for Africa, it underscores coastal European footholds while illustrating a cartographic transition away from inherited speculation toward evidence-based geography, making it both a decorative household reference and a record of Africa on the cusp of modern mapping.

This map is a reproduction of a historical map that is now in the public domain. It has been selected for its aesthetic appeal and historical interest and carefully restored and reproduced to preserve its original detail and character.  There may be marks and fold lines visible which add to the authentic look.  The map is printed on 230gsm heavyweight coated paper with a matte finish.  Most old maps were printed on uncoated rag or wood pulp papers and therefore a matte finish best represents the original map.