This detailed mid-19th c. map of the Rio Parana and Rio Paraguay in Paraguay was prepared in 1851 by Edward A. Hopkins, U.S. Consul to Paraguay at the time. He was intent on developing commercial river boat service in Paraguay and organized a conference in New York at the U.S. Geographical Society. The mid-19th c. was also a time of American government funded international expeditions, such as Commodore Perry's expedition to Japan. Hopkins was not able to raise private funds for his proposed investment. The Geographical Society did receive funding from the U.S. government for an expedition on a ship called the Water Witch.
Hopkins' project did not come to fruition. This map pertains to the history of diplomatic relations between Paraguay and the United States. This map offers a window on mid-19th century international relations as part of the field of research pertaining to America's historic and current relations with the countries of South America. It also reveals the private investment opportunities accompanying government service.