Item number: NAM301
Genuine Antique Map
1720
Maker: Chatelain
Early Antique map of North America with the Great Lakes, by Henry Abraham Chatelain, c. 1720. This handsome map has been described as "fascinating and oddly inaccurate" despite other earlier maps showing the region more accurately. The map shows rivers wider and more prominent than they are in reality, and the lakes appear to be well connected and easily navigable, downplaying the difficulties associated with trading in the region. The map is focused on the importance of trading with the local people and shows forts, beaver hunting grounds, etc. A key in the upper right corresponds to the symbols on the map, including the cross that indicates "the places where canoes are carried from one river to another." At bottom are listed birds, insects, animals of the north and animals of the south, fish of the lakes and rivers, trees and fruits. On the left side is a list of the Native American Indians. On the right are lists of goods traded between the French and native people. Very good restored condition with some slight smudges remaining after the map was professionally cleaned. Some tears at bottom have been repaired. Measures approx. 11 x 12.25 inches to the image neatline and 14.5 x 18 inches including the text. Page size is approx. 19 x 22 inches.
Genuine Antique Map from 1720
Item Number: NAM301