Filson maps of Kentucky

Abstract

John Filson (ca. 1747-1788), a surveyor in Lexington, published the first book about Kentucky entitled Discovery, Settlement and Present State of Kentucke, in 1784.The Filson maps of Kentucky include two 18th century maps of Kentucky as observed by John Filson.

Descriptive Summary

Title
Filson maps of Kentucky
Date
1784, 1793
Creator
Pursell, Henry D.
Extent
0.1 Cubic feet
Subjects
Land settlement--Kentucky.
Finding Aid Author
Finding aid prepared by staff
Preferred Citation
2013ms0483: [identification of item], Filson maps of Kentucky, 1784, 1793, University of Kentucky Special Collections.
Repository
University of Kentucky

Collection Overview

Biography / History
John Filson (ca. 1747-1788) moved from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to Lexington around 1782 after acquiring large acreages in Kentucky. He worked as a surveyor and assembled information about the area. Eager to create an interest in western immigration in order to sell his property, Filson travelled to Wilmington, Delaware, to publish a book entitled Discovery, Settlement and Present State of Kentucke, in 1784. This book was the first published about Kentucky and was soon reprinted in France, Germany, and England. Additionally, Filson had a map of Kentucky printed in 1784.
Filson then moved to Ohio where he was an early owner of land in the vicinity of Cincinnati. In October 1788, he disappeared with a surveying party in the forests of Ohio.
Thruston, R. C. Ballard. "Filson's History and Map of Kentucky". Filson Club Historical Quarterly 8 (January 1934): 1-38.

Restrictions on Access and Use

Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open to researchers by appointment.
Use Restrictions
For information about permission to reproduce or publish, please contact Special Collections.

Contents of the Collection

This map of Kentucke, drawn from actual observations, is inscribed with the most perfect respect, to the Honorable the Congress of the United States of America; and to his excellency George Washington late Commander in Chief of their Army. By their humble servant, John Filson., 1784

  • Box 1, Folder 1
Scope and Contents note

Scale of 10 miles to an inch. Philadelphia, engraved by Henry D. Pursell and printed by T. Rook for the Author.

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A Map of Kentucky drawn from actual observation by John Filson, November 23, 1793

  • Box 1, Folder 2
Scope and Contents note

Scale of 10 miles to an inch. Published by John Stockdale, Piccadilly.

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UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center is open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. Appointments are encouraged but not required. Schedule an appointment here.

Researchers must have an SCRC Researcher Account to request materials. View account set-up and use instructions here.

Questions? Contact SCRC via our Contact Form.

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You may come across language in UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center collections and online resources that you find harmful or offensive. SCRC collects materials from different cultures and time periods to preserve and make available the historical record. These materials document the time period when they were created and the view of their creator. As a result, some may demonstrate racist and offensive views that do not reflect the values of UK Libraries.

If you find description with problematic language that you think SCRC should review, please contact us at SCRC@uky.edu.