I'm thinking of creating a map that indicates the United States Empire or the American Empire at its biggest peak. This peak was in 1899 when USA invaded Cuba. The United States empire included: Philippines USA mainland Hawaii Archipelago Puerto Rico Alaska Cuba Wake Island Johnston Atoll Kingman Reef Midway Islands Baker Island Howland Island Jarvis Island Navassa Island Palmyra Atoll oh and notice also the occupation of Haiti and Liberia The question is; because i'm not american "where can I find a map of USA mainland in 1899?"
That would be a good idea, but you are running into a problem. There is not much more divisons of the united states more detailed than states besides counties. There are "regions" in some states, but they aren't official. Continental USA could be a problem.