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Louisiana Counties and Parishes: Maps

The Creation of Legal Borders

For most of history, maps were more art than science. This example shows a pattern of mountain chains where none actually exist. Given the state of cartography, mapmakers may be forgiven for mistakes with Louisiana's coast and rivers.1816 melish map depicts middle of North America. Louisiana and existing state borders shown. Also shows imagined national borders, mountain ranges and river systems.

Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division, Louisiana: European Explorations and the Louisiana Purchase

Map Links