Pierre Antoine Tardieu, Carte de la Louisiane et du Mexique …, 1820

The First State of this case map of Texas, and the West is not only rare but of profound importance. The map incorporates the work of other famous landmark maps, including Melish’s large format map of the U.S. published in 1816, Alexander von Humboldt’s map of “New Spain” (see pg. 21), Darby’s remarkable large format map of Louisiana, first published in 1816, and the maps included in Zebulon Pike’s Report. At the bottom of the map Tardieu writes in English….

“This Map is executed according to the astronomical observations of Baron de Humboldt, and Don Joaquin de Ferrer. For Upper Louisiana, we have profited of the maps and travels of Pike, and those of Lewis and Clark; for Lower Louisiana, of the map and description of this State by M. Darby; for the Territory of Arkansas and the Province of Texas, of the map of the United States by M. Melish; and for Mexico, of the map of New Spain by Baron de Humboldt, and that of this country by M. Arrowsmith….”

Each one of these maps had a profound effect on the understanding of the region and the expansion of the United States. Tardieu’s map compared, analyzed & combined the correct data from each map, as well as new information from other sources, to publish this large-scale map stretching from the edge of the established western United States to Texas, Mexico, California & the southwest.

Another unique quality of the map is the use of English in a French published map. Not only is the title in English first, but most of the place names and observations are also written in English. Very unusual for a French map of the period, which illustrates how shrewd Tardieu was, marketing the map to the newly independent American home market.

There is 10 years difference between the publication of the listed maps, with each having their own mistakes and idiosyncrasies. Tardieu was in a unique position to produce a cartographically sound and effective map that combined details from all maps. In the end, Tardieu’s map of Texas, Mexico and the West may be seen as a natural progression from previous cartographical iteration. But the sign of an incisive mind is the ability to research and define the mistakes of others and have the conviction to correct popular belief and to publish, in this case to a growing and emerging market.

Tardieu was a popular map engraver in his lifetime, enjoying the patronage of the likes of Alexander von Humboldt and respect among his peers. In 1837, he was appointed the title Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur. As was written in his obituary in the Bulletin of the Geographical Society of France, he was renowned for his combination of technical talent and scholarly research skills and praised for furthering his family’s well-respected name in the scientific arts.