A Map of North America With the European Settlements…

North America during King George’s War.

This attractive copperplate engraved map of North America was drawn and engraved by Richard William Seale for inclusion in Tindal’s English translation of Histoire d’Angleterre, first published in London in 1744. At the time, the continent was site of numerous military operations as part of the ongoing War of Austrian Succession. The regional antagonism between the French and British would become known as King George’s War (1744-1748), a prelude to the more devastating French and Indian War about a decade later.

Only hints of the colonial conflicts can be seen within the image, which was largely outdated by the time of publication. Forts and castles (along with ‘Indian towns’ and ‘European cities’) are identified according to the legend in the lower right. Native American tribes, geographic features (notably the fishing banks off Newfoundland), and regional toponyms are also labeled. Topography is depicted pictorially and directional winds are noted in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. along with the course of the Spanish treasure fleets.

A number of prominent contemporary cartographic myths can be readily seen within the map – most obviously California depicted as an island. This misconception began with an early 16th-century Spanish romance novel and would continue through the mid-18th century. This is one of the last printed examples to show the island. Other fictitious features include Teguaio (a city of gold), the Longue River of Baron Lahontan, the Straits of Anian, and the island of Bermeja.

Example at the University of Michigan.