Tom McNeely and National Geographic's "Making of America"

During the 1980s, Tom McNeely illustrated a series of 17 "Making of America" maps for National Geographic. Today being Independence Day, I thought these three originals from the series, which I happen to own, might be a nice way to celebrate the occasion.

Here, with Tom's acetate overlay still in place, is the "Making of America" art for New England.

I was able to find a scan online of the printed map title area for comparison.

Below, the original art from the "Making of America" map of Texas.

A couple of close-ups...

Finally, here is what I think might be the art for a "Making of America" map of Virginia. No overlay or pencil notes on the back of this one... but still; a really fine piece of work by a fantastic illustrator.