West Indies

This interesting copperplate engraved map of the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico was published in Philadelphia by Johnson and Warner in 1812. Clearly designed as for use as a maritime reference, emphasis is given to coastal locations, navigational hazards, and shipping channels.

The region was lucrative for trade, with slave-based plantation agriculture exporting huge quantities of sugar, tobacco, coffee, and cotton. Interior details are sparse, though several regional names such as the Spanish Main and New Leon reflect colonial occupation.

Around the time of publication, local independence movements were beginning to erode this overseas authority. In 1804, the inhabitants of Haiti declared independence from France after a bloody 13-year revolution – the world’s first, and only, successful slave revolt. In 1810, Father Hidalgo proclaimed the famous Cry of Dolores, thus sparking the 11-year Mexican War for Independence.

Source: Elements of Caribbean History;