Terra Incognita

The map is inscribed "Terra Incognita" (Latin for "Unknown Territory"). On it, the names of the original Native American tribes of the eastern coast of North America appear in the tribes' approximate geographic locations. This first map shows the edge of the continent before the arrival of Columbus, whose three ships are depicted crossing the ocean.

The trompe l'oeil elements in the four corners of the mural depict corn and squash, the indigenous flora cultivated by the Indians.

• Timucuan Village
• Stalking Deer

About the Cox Corridors Murals

The first floor of the U.S. Capitol's House wing is elaborately decorated with wall and ceiling murals by artist Allyn Cox. The western north-south corridor, called the Westward Expansion corridor, includes maps and scenes showing the growth of the United States from early exploration through the acquisition of Alaska and Hawaii.