Time Frame: 1650

Sanson, a 17th century geographer, created this map of North America combining some new factual information with mythical geography. The map was thought to be the first to show the location of the Apache Indians and the villages of Santa Fe. He incorrectly located it on the west side of the Rio Grande. This map also carries on the 17th century tradition of portraying California as an island. The location of the Rio Grande continues to be geographically inaccurate, flowing into the Gulf of California--Sanson's "Mar Vermejo."

Library of Congress Geography and Map Division