A topographical chart of the bay of Narraganset in the province of New England : with all the isles contained therein, among which Rhode Island and Connonicut have been particularly surveyed ; shewing the true position & bearings of the banks, shoals, rocks &c. as likewise the soundings ; to which have been added the several works & batteries raised by the Americans ; taken by order of the principal farmers on Rhode Island
A topographical chart of the bay of Narraganset in the province of New England
Item Information
Title:
A topographical chart of the bay of Narraganset in the province of New England : with all the isles contained therein, among which Rhode Island and Connonicut have been particularly surveyed ; shewing the true position & bearings of the banks, shoals, rocks &c. as likewise the soundings ; to which have been added the several works & batteries raised by the Americans ; taken by order of the principal farmers on Rhode Island
Description:
This topographical map of Narragansett Bay was based on surveys conducted in 1764 and 1774 by military engineer Charles Blaskowitz. Blaskowitz worked with Samuel Holland to survey the northern Atlantic coast. Londoner William Faden published this 1777 map when the British occupied Newport, Rhode Island. The following year, America's alliance with the French faced its first test during the inconclusive Battle of Rhode Island. This map features the coastline and islands, locating individual farmsteads and towns. Marginal text praises Rhode Island for the "perfection" of its fish, and notes that residents are free to practice any religion they choose.
We Are One: After evacuating Boston, the British focused their campaign on New York City. They took the city during the summer and fall of 1776. Charles Blaskowitz, one of the most accomplished topographical engineers in the British military, made this manuscript map for General Sir William Erskine, a participant in one of the battles portrayed. Blaskowitz documented the British military encampments and activities in the vicinity of New York City on this “Campaign Headquarters Map.” He combined specifics of key events overlaid on topography that was systematically surveyed, resulting in a map that is both comprehensive as well as aesthetically pleasing.
Relief shown by hachures. Depths shown by soundings.
Inscribed "To the Right Honourable Hugh Earl Percy ... with His Lordship's permission ... by ... Wm. Faden."
Includes text, "References to the batteries," and "A list of the principal farms in Rhode Island."
A version of this map can be viewed as a georeferenced overlay in an interactive application made especially for We Are One: Mapping America's Road from Revolution to Independence http://d2o8owo4k087al.cloudfront.net/index.html?mapId=65.
Notes (exhibitions):
Exhibited: "We Are One: Mapping America's Road from Revolution to Independence" organized by the Norman B. Leventhal Map Center at the Boston Public Library, 2015.