United States Territorial Expansion Map
A National Geographic map of United States territorial expansion, built around Abel Buell’s 1784 map of the young republic. Seven supporting maps follow the country from colonial claims to fifty states.
- Publisher: National Geographic, in its classic cartographic style.
- Centerpiece: a reproduction of the 1784 map by Connecticut engraver Abel Buell.
- Buell’s map shows the West as settled, though control of land beyond the Appalachians was still disputed.
- Early stages: European Claims in North America ca. 1750, A New Nation on Stage 1787, and Expanding West of the Mississippi 1803.
- Later stages: Coming of Age 1821, Coast to Coast 1850, The Union Holds 1877, and the Fifty States Today.
- Text overview explains the conflicts and opportunities behind how land was acquired, seized, and annexed.
- Language: English.
- Finishes: paper, laminated, laminated with black or walnut rails, foam core, foam core with rails, or framed in black or walnut molding.
Each stage of expansion is shown side by side, making this map useful for history lessons, home school curricula, and study walls. Map Shop offers it in every finish listed above.

