Drawn to scale, “Map Depicting Plantations on the Mississippi River from Natchez to New Orleans” documents the rich history of plantation owners and plantations that flourished along the river in 1858. One of the most predominant geographical features of the United States, the Mississippi defined the contours of the land around it and the culture of its communities. This detailed map shows the sugar and cotton plantations bordering the river, as well as the surrounding railroads, waterways, post offices and churches. The map also notes changes in the course of the river, and was used by riverboat pilots to locate plantation landings.

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