Historic Map : U.S. Coast Survey Chart or Antique Map of Plymouth Harbor, Massachusetts, Version 2, 1857, Vintage Wall Art

This is a beautiful example of the U.S. Coast Survey's 1857 nautical chart or maritime map of Plymouth Harbor, Massachusetts. It covers the important harbor located just south of Boston near Cape Cod and includes Saquish Head, Clark's Island and Long Beach. The chart shows beautifully detailed coastal features and notes countless depth soundings throughout. Unlike many coastal charts, this example also has significant inland detail, showing roads, towns, farms, and some topographical features. Sailing instructions and notes on tides and magnetic variation appear in the lower left quadrant.

The triangulation for this nautical chart was completed by A. D. Bache and T.J. Cram. The Topography is the work of S. A. Gilbert. The hydrography was accomplished by parties under the command of M. Woodhull. The whole was compiled under the supervision of A. D. Bache, one of the most influential American cartographers of the 19th century.

This chart is moreover noteworthy in that it is NOT one of the more common charts issued folded into the annual Superintendent's Report, rather it is a separate issue nautical chart on thick stock.