Historic Maps
1755 French & Indian War Period Map with British & French Settlements in North America Displaying 30 Forts!
1755 French and Indian War Period, Map of North America titled, “A Map of the British and French Settlements in North America,” engraved by J. Hinton, About Extremely Fine.
This original Map originates from Universal Magazine published in 1755. The map is of the United States and Canada, which would appear to be an early reduced copy of John Mitchell’s map as it measures 15.7” x 11.4” with the Map’s printed image size fully 15.4” x 11” well printed and finely engraved with descriptive details and a large Title Cartouche at lower right. The boundaries of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia extend to the Mississippi, although there is a very curious identification of the region south of Georgia, which is noted as The South Part of South Carolina. Earl Granville’s Property is noted and showing it extending from Albermarle Sound to the Mississippi.

At least 30 different French and English Forts are shown, including Fort Frederick at Crown Point, built by the French in 1731. One fort that this cataloger is not familiar is called “Moose Fort” at the south point of Hudson’s Bay. This historic Map includes a number of historical notes, including the Virginia - New England border of 1606, The Carolina Charter boundary of 1665, The Limits Stipulated in 1738 for Georgia, the Bounds of Hudson’s Bay by the Treaty of Utrecht, the North Bounds of New England by Chart of 1620 (extending toward the Pacific Ocean to the west of Lake Superior), etc. The course of the Ohio or “Fair” River is derived directly from an earlier map by Mitchell. The Province of Maine and Massachusetts Bay appear. East and West New Jersey are delineated, but named only New Jersey. Delaware County appears as part of Pennsylvania.

This classic design Map has original folds as issued with some trivial light spots. Some marginal paper and two thin sections 6.5” and 4.5” long are deftly restored and nicely reinforced upon the black back are well hidden yet affecting the design. Original etching and engraving is nicely displayed upon handmade laid period paper which is ready for framing and display.