L’Amerique Septentrionale

A quaint map of North America featuring California as an Island.

This unusual and uncommon map of North America was engraved by Matthew Ogier and published near the end of the 18th century. It reflects an interesting mix of European geographic conceptions and priorities about the continent.

The Great Lakes are immediately recognizable and somewhat close to their ‘true’ form, though the Mississippi Valley and presentation of California as an island are outdated and inaccurate representations. Several fishing banks are labeled off Newfoundland, emphasizing the importance of the massive commercial fishery to the global economy. Primary shipping routes, the path for Spanish treasure ships, are also shown.

Across New France, scattered fortifications contrast with different Native American tribes. The implied conflict is continued through the decorative title cartouche, which shows a Native American holding a cross.