1776
Maker: Bowles
Well-known and highly collectible antique map of New England, by Carington Bowles, 1776 (circa). Notable details on this map: An inset of Boston shows Bunker Hill and the locations of batteries, entrenchments, and redoubts relating to the recent activity around Boston during the Revolutionary War; at the time of publication Vermont was still officially part of New York but also claimed by New Hampshire- Vermont was granted statehood in 1791; Maine was part of Massachusetts at this time and is labelled "Eastern Part of Massachusetts"; Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, and Block Island all have interesting inaccurate shapes. The map itself also has notable updates relating to the revolution from previous maps, including the roads connecting Concord and Boston and the placement of towns central to the conflict, such as Lexington, Concord, and Cambridge, to give them more prominence. For the first time, the road system of New England can be seen as well as the borders of cities, towns, and colonies. In this regard, the map is an important record of the history of the evolving borders between the colonies, later states, and provides alternative borders in disputed areas. Dartmouth College is shown for the first time on this state of the map. The rivers are fairly well done yet the mountains are depicted in an older style without much detail. The large lakes are shown, including Lake George, Lake Champlain, and Lake Winnipesaukee. A fascinating and important historical map. Very good restored condition; this map has been cleaned, deacidified, and backed on light-weight paper for stability. It maintains some minor signs of age including slight stains, tight margins on right side, slight waviness to the paper at top and bottom, repaired tears along center fold. Measures approx. 25.25 x 20.5 inches to the neatline.
Full title: Bowles's new pocket map of the most inhabited part of New England : comprehending the provinces of Massachusets Bay and New Hampshire; with the colonies of Connecticut & Rhode Island; divided into their counties, townships, &c. together with an accurate plan of the town, harbour and environs of Boston
Item Number: CSMT144