1716 Nova Anglia Septentrionali Americae implanata Anglorumque coloniis florentissima
By: Johann Baptiste Homann
Date: 1716 (published) Amsterdam
Dimensions: 19 x 22.5 inches (48 x 57cm)
An intriguing map of the northeastern portion of the United States at a time when several European nations were actively trying to strengthen their position, control, and influence in the new world.
The map shows much of the area divided between French, English, and Dutch control. At the time the map was printed however, the English moved into the region identified as Novum Belgium, Nieuw Nederland, suggesting the Dutch map maker Homann was reluctant to give up such references from earlier 17th century maps.
Throughout the map, several place names are noted and identified as European or Indigenous settlements with small images of lodges for the native locations and simple dots or circle for European settlements. Aside from Albany located near the false Albany Lac at the northern portion of the Hudson River, nearly all of the European settlements are located along the coastlines. Depth soundings, shoals, and banks are noted just off the coastlines as well as far out to sea.
In the lower right portion of the map, a title cartouche depicts a wealthy European merchant trading modern tools and weapons with a native for beaver pelts. Trading of such goods was forbidden by the crown, however many Europeans preferred such methods to acquire pelts over heading into the wilderness on their own. This cartouche is a tribute to not only the importance of the Beaver Industry, but the cooperation between the natives and Europeans in the early part of the 18th century.
In the lower left portion of the map, one can find the city of Philadelphia as well as the island of Manhattan named N. Lock which helps identify this map as the 2nd state. Other geographical points of interest include the large lakes of Zuyd and Sennecaas as well as what's depicted as swamp land in present day eastern Pennsylvania. Such features show the lack of inland geographical knowledge by Europeans of the time.
Condition: Map is in A condition with a narrow top right margin, some of which does not appear in the image.
Inventory #11747
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