1755 Vaugondy Map of the Chesapeake* Bay, Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware F*S

Carte de la Virginie et du Maryland, 1755, 15 x 20 in 

This is a fine reproduction of the first edition example of Robert de Vaugondy's 1755 map of the Virginian, Delaware, and Maryland, including the Chesapeake Bay. The map extends from the Allegany Mountains eastward to the Chesapeake Bay, Delaware Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean. He also includes parts of adjacent New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina. Cartographically Vaugondy derives this map from the Virginia-Maryland portions of the 1755 Dalrymple edition of the Fry-Jefferson map.

The Fry-Jefferson Map, from which this map is derived, initially issued in 1751, was the first major mapping of Virginia to deviate from the conventions laid down by the 1612 John Smith map. Unlike the Smith Map, the Fry-Jefferson map evolved from actual on-site survey work completed by Joshua Fry and Peter Jefferson. This map disseminated some of the first accurate data regarding the interior of Virginia.

Vaugondy's map offers a wealth of interesting detail. These include two stunted wagon routes extending west from Maryland, then across the Potomac, that seem to fade away as they head southwest towards Frederick. Another stunted path to the west of the Blue Ridge Mountains is labeled "Route Indianne." The limits of Lord Fairfax's massive grant are outlined in red - a feature limited to this first edition of Vaugondy's map. Throughout mills, settlements, and even American Indian lands are noted. This map exists in five known states of which this is the first. The first state is identifiable by the inclusion of the 'Limites of Lord Fairfax. The map itself was engraved by the Delayahe family and the cartouche was engraved (and signed) by Elizabeth Hussard. This was published in the 1857 first edition of the Atlas Universel

The frame is 20 x 25in

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