1855 New-York City & County Map with Vicinity entire Brooklyn Williamsburgh Jersey City & c. by Charles Magnus

This is a beautiful hand-colored map titled “New York City & County Map with Vicinity entire Brooklyn, Williamsburgh, Jersey City &c.” The work was published in 1855 by Charles Magnus, one of the best known and most prosperous printers in the mid to late 19th century. The map was issued to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 

Turned clockwise so that cardinal west is at the top of the map, this is an unusual and attractive depiction of the city. The map depicts the entirety of Manhattan as well as most of Brooklyn, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Williamsburg, Greenpoint, Queens, Ravenswood, Astoria, Jersey City and Hoboken. An inset map at the bottom center details Long Island. The map is rendered in extraordinary detail, with special attention given to individual streets, blocks, parks and even important buildings. Magnus shows the beginnings of Hunters Point, or Long Island City in Queens. Important ferry crossings, canals, and railroads are also indicated.

In Manhattan, the map identifies various districts including Manhattanville, Yorkville, and Harlem. Central Park has yet to manifest and although the grid structure above 155th street is ghosted in, it has yet to be officially planned. Where Columbia University stands today this map shows the location of the New York Lunatic Asylum. Elysian Fields is depicted in Hoboken, a park expanse along the Hudson River that claims to have hosted the world's first baseball game.

At the bottom center of the map an alphanumerically keyed legend notes “Universities, Colleges and Scientific and Literary, Benevolent-Institutions,” “Public Buildings,” and “Places of Amusement.” In the lower left quadrant, there is an inset engraved depiction of New York's City Hall. Steam ships are shown navigating the Hudson River in both the upper right and upper left quadrants.

An elaborate medallion in the lower margins features the full text of the Declaration of Independence, as well as sigils representing each of the original 13 colonies. The printed title declares the purpose of this map is “to commemorate the 79th Year of the Independence of these United States.” The map is beautifully enclosed within an acanthus leaf motif border.

All in all, this is one of the finest and most visually appealing maps of New York City to appear in the 19th century.

CONDITION:

Good condition overall. Hand colored engraving. Color is bright, most likely later. Toning to paper, with some loss around the margins as well small tears that just enter the decorative border in a few places. The map has been reinforced with Japanese paper on the verso for preservation purposes. Archivally presented with acid-free mats. Sold unframed, as-is.

Map Dimensions: 19 1/2"H x 32 1/2" W. Mat Dimensions: 27" H x 40" W.

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.