A Map of Connecticut
PrintmakerEngraved by
J. Roper
(British, 1771 - 1810)
PublisherPublished by
John Stockdale
(British, 1750 - 1814)
Date1794
MediumEngraving; black printer's ink on paper
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (image height x width): 7 x 9in. (17.8 x 22.9cm)
Platemark (height x width): 7 3/8 x 9 3/8in. (18.7 x 23.8cm)
Sheet (height x width): 8 x 10 1/4in. (20.3 x 26cm)
ClassificationsGraphics
Credit LineMuseum purchase - Hoadley Fund
Object number1946.16.1
DescriptionMap of Connecticut, with the boundary of New Hampshire to the north, Rhode Island to the east, Long Island and the Long Island Sound to the south, and New York to the west. There are no boundaries marked within the state, although cities are labeled. More prominent are the rivers: the Stratford (Housatonic), Connecticut and Thames Rivers are the largest rivers depicted, but also shown are the Mill, Stoney, Norwalk, Saukatuk (Saugatuck), Fairfield Mill, Naugatuck, Farmington, East, and Quinibaug Rivers. Other natural features include bays and points along the coast.
Label TextWhat's wrong with this map? This map of Connecticut, which was originally appeared in an edition of The American Geography; or, a View of the Present Situation of the United States of America, by Jedidiah Morse, published in London in 1794, includes more than one glaring error in addition to the remarkably vague state borders, which may reflect ongoing boundary disputes. The state immediately to the north of Connecticut is, of course, Massachusetts, not New Hampshire, as appears on this map. The placement of some of the towns is also peculiar, especially in the northeast corner of the state. For example, Canterbury appears south of Voluntown rather than north of Voluntown. Though some of the place names appear peculiar, these reflect old usuages rather than actual mistakes: Saybrook is identified as Seabrook; Branford as Brentford; and Bristol as New Cambridge.
NotesCartographic Note: Scale: 1 5/8 inches equals 18 milesStatus
Not on view
