A Map of the West Indies and Middle Continent of America

An attractive map of the Caribbean and Central America predating the United States.

This lovely map of the West Indies was included in the 1768 edition of John Blair’s The Chronology and History of the World. Originally published in 1754, the 1768 version was the first to include fourteen maps, including this example engraved by Thomas Kitchin. Successive editions were issued in several languages through the early 19th century.

The image presents a detailed overview of southeastern North America, Central America, and the Caribbean with lovely outline color. Topography is shown pictorially, and numerous annotations reference points of historical or geographic interest. Navigational hazards such as reefs, shoals, and sand banks, are prominently noted.

Nearly all of the region was under the control of a ruling European colonial power, and British claims in North America (including recently acquired Florida) can be seen adjacent to a pinched French Louisiana and the Spanish New Kingdom of Leon, the predecessor to Texas.