Spanish Dominions in North America Southern Part

Central America before independence.

Though one may recognize the names of many modern Central American countries within the image, at the time of publication the entire area was ostensibly under the dominion of the Spanish Empire. Hand color delineates between various areas of political organization, several of which would go on to achieve independence after further decades of fighting. The rugged topography of the region is evident, with relief depicted in hachure and numerous volcanoes noted. Mines, Indian towns, missions (one noted as destroyed), and forts dot the interior – emblematic of the Spanish reign.

Also of interest is the early 19th century depiction of the transoceanic crossing question. Completed almost a century after the map’s publication, the Panama Canal runs close to the Chagre River in the lower right. Nicaragua was also a strong candidate, but the falls and nearby volcanoes ultimately led to construction in the former.

The map was originally designed by Scottish cartographer John Pinkerton. As part of the Edinburgh School of Cartography (which included the likes of John Cary and John Thomson), Pinkerton was responsible for creating some of the most highly detailed and precise atlas maps of the early 19th century. Today, his maps are prized for their size, color, and wealth of information. This particular example was included in the American edition of Pinkerton’s Modern Atlas, published in Philadelphia by Thomas Dobson in 1818.