Catalog Archive
Auction 130, Lot 356

"A Plan of the City and Harbour of Havana Situated on the Island of Cuba…", Milton, Thomas

Subject: Havana, Cuba

Period: 1739 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
22.5 x 16 inches
57.2 x 40.6 cm
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This scarce map is one of the earliest plans of Havana, published at the beginning of the War of Jenkin's Ear. Havana was the major city of Cuba and an important port in the Spanish Flota system, which organized all trade between Spain and its colonies in the Americas and Asia. Given its importance, it is surprising how few maps of Havana existed prior to the 18th century outside of Spanish manuscripts. Plans appear as insets on a handful of maps; but there were practically no maps devoted to the important city and harbor until the outbreak of the War of Jenkin's Ear. The plan is quite detailed with soundings given throughout the harbor. A key identifies 29 important sites, including Morro Castle, the Custom House, the Governor's Fort, the Jesuit's College, the Soldier's Barracks, the Marketplace, the English Factory, St. Diego Hospital, and numerous churches and convents.

References:

Condition: B+

The map has been trimmed to the neatline, else very good.

Estimate: $1,500 - $1,700

Sold for: $1,100

Closed on 12/2/2009

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