Map of Morris's Purchase or West Geneseo in the State of New York
SurveyorSurveyed by
Joseph Ellicott
(American, 1760 - 1826)
Date1804
MediumEngraving; black printer's ink on laid paper
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (image height x width): 20 1/2 x 26 1/2in. (52.1 x 67.3cm)
Platemark (height x width): 20 7/8 x 26 7/8in. (53 x 68.3cm)
Sheet (height x width): 21 3/4 x 30 1/4in. (55.2 x 76.8cm)
ClassificationsGraphics
Credit LineConnecticut Museum of Culture and History collection
Object number2012.312.81
DescriptionMap of land in West Geneseo, New York, owned by Robert Morris, extending from Lake Ontario to the north, the Eastern Bounds to the east, Pennsylvania to the south and Lake Erie to the west. The land is divided into sixteen rows and fifteen columns of squares, with each square numbered with the row it is in. Running along the bottom row of squares, from right to left, each column is labeled with a range number. The squares in the first row along the bottom and the column farthest to the right are also labeled with measurements in chains. Reservations are denoted and labeled, as are roads, some rivers and other physical features. To the right of the map image area is the explanation, which provides information about the depiction of the boundary lines between tracts and towns; the boundary lines between townships, tracts and towns; the boundary lines between reservations and tracts; wagon roads; "Indian Paths;" and "Indian Villages." The latitude is given as 42 degrees north.
Label TextThe 1786 Treaty of Hartford, which settled western land claims going back to the original colonial charters, granted sovereignty over the region west of the Genesee River to New York State, but Massachusetts gained title to the land. In 1791, it was purchased by Robert Morris, of Philadelphia, who in turn sold to a group of Dutch investors known as the Holland Land Company in 1792-1793. In 1798, the Holland Land Company hired Joseph Ellicott to survey the vast territory. Ellicott also operated as the Company's land agent, with offices in Batavia.
NotesCartographic Note: 3 inches equals about 15 1/2 milesStatus
Not on view
Silvermine Production
1973
