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Library Of Congress Displays 1st U.S. Map In Exhibit

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The first map of the United States to be compiled, printed and published in America when the nation was newly independent is going on display at the Library of Congress.

The new long-term exhibit, "Mapping a New Nation," showcases Abel Buell's map of the U.S. from 1784 in the library's Jefferson Building. Also on display are four early maps of North America that were created between 1755 and 1778. The library says Buell likely consulted these maps when he engraved his large wall map.

Another 1784 map of the U.S. by William McMurray ends the exhibit. It was published nine months after Buell's map.

Philanthropist David Rubenstein, the managing director of The Carlyle Group, purchased the Buell map at auction in 2010. He is lending the map to the library.

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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