Old Chesapeake Bay to New York Nautical Chart by Heather, 1802: Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey Coast

A Chart of the Coast of North America from Chesapeak Bay to New York Including New York Harbour by William Heather is a quintessential artifact of maritime history and cartographic excellence. Crafted in 1802, this chart not only serves as a navigational aid but also as a detailed representation of the northeastern American coastline during a pivotal era in the nation's history. The map covers a vast area from Virginia to New York City, meticulously delineating coastlines, bays, and harbors with a particular focus on New York Harbor. This large inset is especially valuable, providing an intricate view of one of the most significant ports of the time. The map’s historical context, being published during the War of 1812, adds layers of intrigue and importance, reflecting strategic maritime routes and locations critical to both commerce and military endeavors.

The map’s infographics are a testament to the scientific approaches in cartography adopted by William Heather, a renowned English sea chart publisher. The coastlines are sharply delineated based on triangulated surveys, a method that greatly enhances the accuracy of maritime charts. Heather’s chart is abundant with hydrographic details such as bathymetric soundings, shoals, and currents, making it not only a tool for navigation but also a document of the natural maritime environment of the era. These features are crucial for understanding the navigational challenges and conditions faced by mariners of the 19th century, offering insights into the maritime history that shaped the development of these coastal regions.

The inclusion of detailed annotations and geographical features such as state boundaries, rivers, and cities like Philadelphia, New York City, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., enrich the chart’s utility and appeal. It shows not just natural features but also human settlements and infrastructure, providing a comprehensive snapshot of the region’s geography. The presence of lighthouses, like Cape May and Sandy Hook, and other navigational aids underscore the chart’s role in ensuring safer passage through these heavily trafficked waters. Each of these elements is meticulously plotted, reflecting Heather’s commitment to providing exhaustive and reliable information to navigators.

Beyond its practical applications, the chart is a work of art in traditional nautical style, featuring aesthetic elements such as a compass rose, a scale bar, and a decorative north arrow. These not only serve functional purposes but also enhance the visual appeal of the chart, making it a valuable item for collectors and enthusiasts of nautical memorabilia. The stylistic choices reflect the era’s cartographic trends and Heather’s personal design preferences, which were influenced by his extensive experience and stature in the field of sea chart publishing.

Finally, the rarity of this chart adds to its allure and value. As the first of its kind to appear on the market, it holds a unique place in the collection of maritime charts. Its provenance from the collection of William C. Wooldridge and its sale at a notable auction further attest to its significance and desirability. This chart is not merely a tool for navigation but a piece of history, capturing a moment in time with great precision and detail, and offering a window into the maritime heritage that has shaped the modern world. Collectors and historians alike cherish such maps for both their aesthetic qualities and the rich stories they tell about the past.

Notable Places on This Map

• New York
• Long Island
• Staten Island
• Sandy Hook
• Raritan River
• Amboy
• Brunswick
• Elizabethtown Point
• Newark Bay
• Bergen
• Paulus Hook
• New York Bay
• Coney Island
• Gravesend Bay
• The Narrows
• Governor's Island
• Bedloe's Island
• Ellis Island
• Manhattan Island
• Harlem River
• Bronx River
• Westchester
• Throg's Neck
• East River
• Hell Gate
• Flushing Bay
• Whitestone
• Little Neck Bay
• Manhasset Bay
• Cow Neck
• Hempstead Bay
• Oyster Bay
• Cold Spring Harbor
• Huntington Bay
• Northport
• Smithtown Bay
• St. George's Manor
• Sunken Meadow
• Matinicock Point
• Conscience Bay
• Eaton's Neck
• Fort Franklin
• Hog Island
• Lloyd's Neck
• Huntington
• Centre Island
• Oyster Bay
• Hempstead Harbor
• Glen Cove
• Roslyn
• Cow Bay
• Manhasset
• Flushing
• Newtown
• Jamaica
• Rockaway
• Rockaway Inlet
• Long Beach
• Jones' Inlet
• Fire Island
• Great South Bay
• Patchogue
• Blue Point
• Sayville
• Great River
• Islip
• Smithtown
• Nissequogue River
• Head of the Nissequogue River

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Chesapeake Bay
• Atlantic Ocean
• States of Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey
• Cities such as Philadelphia, New York City, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C.
• Rivers such as the Potomac River, the Susquehanna River, and the Delaware River
• Lighthouses, such as the Cape May Lighthouse and the Sandy Hook Lighthouse
• Navigational aids, such as buoys and depth soundings
• Boundaries between the states
• Counties within each state
• Roads and other transportation routes

Historical and Design Context

• The map is titled "A Chart of the Coast of North America from Chesapeak Bay to New York Including New York Harbour."
• Made in 1802 by William Heather, an English sea chart publisher and dealer.
• A nautical chart showing the coastlines from Virginia to New York City, with a large inset of New York Harbor.
• Based on scientific triangulated surveys and features copious hydrographic information, including bathymetric soundings, shoals, and ocean currents.
• Very rare, and the first example to appear on the market.
• Published during the War of 1812 and was likely a continuation sheet or companion to William Heather's "A New Chart of America with the Harbors of New York, Boston &c."
• Designed in a traditional nautical chart style, with a north arrow, scale bar, and compass rose.
• Historically significant as a rare and accurate sea chart of the region from its era.

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 every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 16in (40cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) 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 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.

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 print and frame maps in 22 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.

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

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My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

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.

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

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

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.

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.