1846 John Haven Broadsheet Map of the United States (Mexican-American War)

This is an extremely rare 1846 patriotic broadsheet by John Haven promoting the Doctrine of Manifest Destiny. Although issued shortly after the annexation of Texas and at the outset of the Mexican American War, both in 1846, Haven here illustrates a future America that extends from coast to coast and suggestively includes both Texas and Upper California. Haven is here advocating for American expansion via the invasion and conquest of Mexico and the construction of a transcontinental railroad. His bold vision for the United States includes nothing less than a new capital in the Mississippi valley,

…it is no extravagance to predict that in less than fifty years, we shall behold in our beloved country, a government holding the preponderance of power, owning a population of a hundred millions, with a central capital in the great valley of the Mississippi, commanding from its nucleus of power and electric communication over three millions of square miles…in a fullness that will realize at last the fondest dreams of the millennium!

Arouse then, America, and obey the mandate which Destiny has imposed upon you for the redemption of the World!

The text below the map describes Texas, the Texan Revolution, Oregon, argues for the feasibility and virtues of a Transcontinental railroad to Oregon, and simultaneously praises the richness of Mexico and criticizes the incompetence of its governance. At one point the author describes the 'Specie of the World,' in which he is referring to global wealth, and highlights the enormous gold and silver output of Mexico between 1790 and 1830, of which he asks poignantly, 'Where has it all gone?' The implication being that both the United States and Mexico would be better off under U.S. governance. He even offers two suggested invasion routes into Mexico City.

Haven also illustrates all three boundaries associated with the 'Fifty-four Forty or Fight!' Oregon Boundary Dispute. The northernmost boundary, initially claimed by the united states at 54° 40' Latitude, the southern boundary, claimed by Great Britain along the Columbia River, and the compromise boundary at the 49th parallel. It is this compromise boundary that the colorist has highlighted suggesting that this map was issued, or at least colorized, after the June 15, 1846 Oregon Treaty.

There are at least three variants on this broadsheet, which was printed in three sections – the text, the map, and the medallions. The map appears in another similar broadside, with medallions, but no text (Rumsey 2575). Another variant features a smaller version of the map that does not include Mexico, but with identical text and no medallions (Rumsey 4452). All three appear to have been published in 1846. It is likely that the variant without the medallions is the earliest, followed by the other two. All examples are uncommon and highly desirable.