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A detailed map of the region around New York by one of the seminal figures in the history of American cartography. John Melish was the first American publisher to issue exclusively cartographic and geographic items. Born in Scotland and involved in the textile industry, Melish visited the United States several times beginning in 1806, finally deciding to settle there in 1811. Melish had made may notes on his travels about the country and in 1812, he published Travels in the United States of America, which included his first maps and which started him on his cartographic career. Four years later, Melish issued his Geographical Description, which contained extensive information about the entire United States and surrounding regions. For each new edition of these works, Melish would update his regional maps. This is a later version of his map of the New York region, perhaps issued shortly after his death in 1822. This map shows New York within the context of its surrounding vicinity, with towns, ferries, roads, and waterways clearly and accurately detailed. $150
J. Calvin Smith. “New Map of the City of New York with part of Brooklyn & Williamsburg." New York: T.R. Tanner, 1845. 13 7/8 x 11 3/4. Engr. By Stiles, Sherman & Smith. Lithograph. Original hand color. Lightly toned; smudges in margin. Some light discoloration near title cartouche; else, very good condition. $425
J.H. Colton. "Map of New York and the Adjacent Cities." New York: J.H. Colton & Co., 1856. 16 x 26. Lithograph. Full original hand-coloring. Very good condition. With inset: "Continuation of the City & County of New York on a Reduced Scale."
In the mid-nineteenth century, the center of map publishing in America moved from Philadelphia to New York. The Colton publishing firm played a large role in this shift. This map of New York, with its fine detail, is a strong example of their successful work. The map presents the area of downtown New York today with an inset showing Uptown and Great Barn and Randall's Islands. The major mode of transportation was the new and vibrant railroad system that was growing at the time. An attractive map as well as a worthwhile historical document. $250
S. Augustus Mitchell, Jr. "Plan of New York." Philadelphia: S. Augustus Mitchell, Jr., 1860. Lithograph. 12 7/8 x 10 1/2. Original hand color. Lightly toned overall; else, very good condition.
A clear, precise plan of the city that shows Manhattan south of Forty-fifth Street as well as near portions of Greenpoint, Williamsburg (west of Fifth), and the neighborhood now known as Brooklyn Heights/DUMBO (West of Washington Park/Powers Avenue). In addition, waterfront blocks of Hoboken and Jersey City appear at the left edge of the map. A clear, focused plan of New York's development in the mid-nineteenth century. $200
"Map of New York and the Adjacent Cities." New York: Johnson & Ward, 1862. 16 x 26. Lithograph. Full original hand-coloring. One spot in map image and a few scattered spots and chips at edges. Else, good condition. With inset: "Continuation of the City & County of New York on a Reduced Scale."
In the mid-nineteenth century, the center of map publishing in America moved from Philadelphia to New York, where Johnson & Ward was one of the major firms. This map of New York, with its fine detail, is a strong example of their successful work. The map presents the area of downtown New York today with an inset showing Uptown and Great Barn and Randall's Islands. An attractive map as well as a worthwhile historical document. $225

"Map of New York and Vicinity Accompanying Atlas of New York and Vicinity." From Atlas of New York and Vicinity. New York: F.W. Beers, A.D. Ellis & G.G. Soule, 1867. 29 3/4 x 28. Lithograph. Full original hand color. With folds as issued. Repaired tear across center, nearly invisible. Else, very good condition.
A handsome large folding map of New York and the surrounding area, including parts of New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. $275
S.A. Mitchell, Jr. "New York and Brooklyn." with inset: "Northern Portion of New York City and County." Philadelphia: S.A. Mitchell, Jr., 1872. Lithograph. Original hand-coloring. Very good condition.
For most of the middle part of the nineteenth century, the firm founded by S. Augustus Mitchell dominated American cartography in output and influence. This fine map is from one of his son's atlases. The Mitchell firm's maps are known for their precision and great detail. Amongst the most interesting of their maps are those of North American cities. Mitchell gathered the best current information available, and depicted it with great clarity. Thus the maps present a fascinating snap-shot of these cities in the nineteenth century. This map of New York is a good example of Mitchell's output. Streets, rail lines, wards, important buildings, and other details are shown and labeled. An inset of "Northern Portion of New York City and County" is included in the lower right. $250
"Coast Chart No. 20. New York Bay and Harbor. New York." Washington: U.S. Coast Survey, 1866, corrected to 1879. Separately issued U.S. coastal chart; sheet 20. 32 1/2 x 26 1/8. Lithograph. With considerable spotting, especially on verso, some light stains, and creases/wrinkles, all from use. Some manuscript navigational marks.
A highly detailed chart showing New York Harbor and Bay, a fine example of the output of the U.S. Coast Survey. This chart shows evidence of heavy use, perhaps being used by a ship based in New York City. Soundings and other navigational details are precisely depicted throughout the map. Also included are sailing directions and tables on tides and currents. Precise and minute interior information is given for Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. $1,200
Go to page with other working sea charts of New York and region.
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