The Nicolls Map 1664-1668
New York: G. Hayward, 1863.
Map. Uncolored lithograph. Joined and lined with Japanese tissue, small repair Measures 17 3/4" x 52 1/4".
This lithographic edition of the famous Nicolls map was included in Valentine's 1863 "Manual of the Corporation of the City of New York." Named for the first English governor of New York, the original Nicolls map was made by the British between 1664 and 1668. As they had only recently captured Manhattan, the British saw the need for an overview map of the area that would assist in fortification plans against possible Dutch invasion.
The Nicolls map depicts the topography of Manhattan and the surrounding area and was the first map of Manhattan - here labeled as "Manhados" - that fully utilized survey information collected by the British. Charming sketches of trees illustrate how much of the island was still wilderness at this early point in the area's American history: only the tiniest tip of lower Manhattan has been developed, as enlarged in an inset, "The Towne of New-York, originally at the far left of the map (now separate). However, the map also includes very general information, such as Manhattan's context within its surrounding areas - here labeled as "Parte of the Contenent of America" - that would become New Jersey, Brooklyn, and Queens. This broad geographic context suggests that the map was intended for use by King Charles II and his aides, who did not have close-hand knowledge of the area, rather than local administrators.
This lithograph of the map was made by G. Hayward in 1863 and presented by George H. Moore to the New York Historical Society that December. This copy is in very good condition and is in three parts: the two depicting Manhattan are joined, while a third separate piece contains the "Towne" inset.
D.T. Valentine (1801-1869) served as the Deputy to the Clerk of the Common Council for thirty-seven years. Valentine took it upon himself to compile the "Manuals", which he updated and published annually from 1841-1866. This copy of the Nicolls map references two distinct points in New York history and is a worthwhile piece for any connoisseur. The original manuscript is in the British Library in London. (Augustyn and Cohen, Haskell no. 100) Language: English
Price: $1,100.00
Item #327840