Map of Massachusetts, Rhode-Island, and Connecticut, on the Improved Plan of Sidney E. Morse
MakerCopyrighted by
Sidney E. Morse
(American, 1794 - 1871)
PrinterPrinted by
Sidney Babcock
(American, 1797 - 1888)
PublisherPublished by
N. & S. S. Jocelyn
(American, founded 1818)
Date1828
MediumEngraving; printer's ink and watercolor on wove paper in cardboard folder
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (image height x width): 12 x 14 1/8in. (30.5 x 35.9cm)
Sheet (height x width): 12 1/2 x 15in. (31.8 x 38.1cm)
Folder (height x width): 3 7/8 x 2 1/2in. (9.8 x 6.4cm)
ClassificationsGraphics
Credit LineMuseum purchase
Object number1981.145.1
DescriptionMap of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, with New York to the west, Vermont and Massachusetts to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and Long Island Sound and Long Island to the south. A circular inset map shows Boston and Vicinity. Counties are different colors. Major rivers and mountain ranges are shown. A scale of miles is at lower center. The top, bottom, and sides of the map have letters corresponding to the lines of longitude and latitude and the map is surrounded by lists of towns, counties, and geographical features to which these letters provide a key.
Label TextKeyed grids would become common in the twentieth century, especially on road maps, as a way to help users locate towns and geographical features. Sidney E. Morse's 1828 Map of Massachusetts, Rhode-Island, and Connecticut is an early example of a map with such a key. It required an elaborate explanation of how to use the letters along the top, bottom, and sides of the map as coordinates. It is also a good example of a folding pocket map. The map folded into a tiny cardboard folder that could be carried in a pocket. Like a modern road map, it had to be unfolded in order to be consulted by its owner. The Connecticut Historical Society also has an 1827 edition of this.
NotesCartographic Note: 1 1/2 inches equals thirty-five milesStatus
Not on view
H. F. Sumner & Co.
1833