Historical Maps
This map contains some of the earliest detail known of the Hudson River. The Map is oriented east-west at the top of the chart, above a chart of the coast from New Jersey to what may be Cape Cod. Since Henry Hudson was sailing for the Dutch East India Company, no charts were produced as a result of his journey. Instead his ascent up the River to Albany provided the Dutch with their claim to the New York region.
Dutch Nautical Chart, ca. 1687
Cartographer: Johannis Van Keulen
Map courtesy of The New York Public Library
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Early maps of New Netherland, as explored by the Dutch and the French, often reflects their interest in the fur trade, and Native American contacts of this new world.
Nova Belgica et Anglia Nova., 1662
Cartographer: Willem Blaeu
Map courtesy of The New York Public Library
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These unique maps were drawn by the explorer, and noted cartographer, Samuel de Champlain. They are based entirely on his own observations and experiences in the new world which included his own mathematical calculations and interviews with Native Americans.
Samuel de Champlain's 1607 Map
Map courtesy of The Library of Congress
Map of New France by Samuel de Champlain
Book: Les voyages du sieur de Champlain, 1613
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