Old Map of North America by Visscher, 1690: Central America, Caribbean, Mexico City, Washington, Bermuda Triangle

Delve into the rich tapestry of history with the 'America Septentrionalis', a meticulously detailed map crafted by the renowned Nicolaes Visscher II in 1690. Translated into English, the title denotes 'North America', an indication of the expansive geographical coverage of this map. Visscher, a notable figure from the Dutch Golden Age of cartography, was renowned for his skill and precision, traits that are evident in this masterpiece. The map's focus on North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, offers a fascinating glimpse into the political and geographical divisions of the time.

Each region is represented with an incredible degree of detail. Mexico City, one of the most populous and culturally rich cities in the world, is prominently featured. The map also showcases Washington, a city that would later become the capital of the United States. The mysterious Bermuda Triangle, a region steeped in legend and folklore, is also depicted, adding an element of intrigue to this historical artifact.

The 'America Septentrionalis' is not just a map, but a vibrant tableau that captures the diversity of the natural world. The hand-colored outline beautifully highlights the political boundaries, cities, towns, and waterways. The map also illustrates the topography of the land, with pictorial representations of mountains and wildlife. A stunning vignette of ships sailing in the sea serves as a testament to the era's maritime explorations.

The map's aesthetic appeal is further enhanced by decorative cartouches and compass roses, elements that were characteristic of Visscher's style. The open-ended Great Lake, a notable feature, signifies the incomplete knowledge of the region's geography during the period. One of the most striking aspects is the depiction of California as an island, a common misconception in early cartography. The 'America Septentrionalis' is more than a geographical guide—it's a window into the past, a piece of art that invites you to explore the world as it was perceived over three centuries ago.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

North America

• Mexico City (Tenochtitlán): The capital of New Spain, founded in 1325, it was one of the largest cities in the world in 1690.
• Washington (unnamed at the time): The future capital of the United States, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes.
• Boston: Founded in 1630, it was a major city in the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
• New York (New Amsterdam): Captured by the English in 1664, it was a significant colonial city.
• Philadelphia: Founded in 1682, it was an important Quaker colony.
• Jamestown: Founded in 1607, it was the first permanent English settlement in the Americas.
• Quebec City: Founded in 1608, it was a major city in New France.
• Montreal: Founded in 1642, it was a significant city in New France.
• Charleston: Founded in 1670, it was a major city in the Province of Carolina.
• Newport: Founded in 1639, it was a major city in the Colony of Rhode Island.

Central America

• Guatemala City (unnamed at the time): The future capital of Guatemala, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes.
• San Salvador: Founded in 1525, it was the capital of the Captaincy General of Guatemala.
• Panama City: Founded in 1519, it was the first European settlement on the Pacific Ocean.
• Leon: Founded in 1524, it was a significant city in the Captaincy General of Guatemala.
• Comayagua: Founded in 1537, it was the capital of Honduras.

Caribbean

• Havana: Founded in 1515, it was the capital of the Captaincy General of Cuba.
• Santo Domingo: Founded in 1496, it was the capital of the Captaincy General of Santo Domingo.
• San Juan: Founded in 1521, it was the capital of the Captaincy General of Puerto Rico.
• Port Royal: Founded in 1518, it was a major city in Jamaica.
• Nassau: Founded in 1670, it was a significant city in the Bahamas.

Notable Natural Phenomena

• Mississippi River: The largest river system in North America.
• Grand Canyon: One of the most famous natural wonders in the world, located in the southwestern United States.
• Niagara Falls: Located on the border of New York and Ontario, it is a major tourist attraction.
• Appalachian Mountains: The range stretches from Newfoundland to Alabama.
• Great Lakes: The largest group of freshwater lakes in the world by total area.

Historical Events

• The founding of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1628.
• The English capture of New Amsterdam from the Dutch in 1664.
• The Pueblo Revolt in 1680, where Pueblo people overthrew the Spanish colonizers in modern-day New Mexico.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at all sizes: 12x16in (30.5x41cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 24x30in (61x76cm), 32x40in (81.5x102cm), 40x50in (102x127cm), 48x60in (122x153cm) and 56x70in (142x178cm), but it looks even better when printed large.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 90in (229cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40.5x51cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps of Europe and European cities to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. On maps up to 36 inches (91cm) the frame is 1.5-3cm (0.6in to 1in) wide. I use thicker frames on larger maps - usually between 35 and 60mm (1.4in to 2.4in).

In all cases I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

A few different frame colours are available for free (black, brown, white, oak and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I have specialist printing and framing facilities in 17 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, extremely rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about how the Unique Maps Co. sources and restores old maps

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 1,500 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.