Old Bird’s-Eye Map of Brooklyn by Bornet, 1855: Naval Yard, Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, Williamsburg, Lower Manhattan

Step into the dynamic world of mid-19th century New York with “City of Brooklyn, L.I. Taken from Rush Street,” a rare and evocative bird’s-eye view crafted by the accomplished artist and lithographer John Bornet in 1855. This remarkable map captures Brooklyn at a transformative moment, poised between its pastoral roots and burgeoning industrial future. The vantage point from Williamsburg sweeps southeast across the Brooklyn Naval Yard, offering a panoramic tableau that encompasses not only the neighborhoods of Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO but also the iconic skyline of Lower Manhattan shimmering across the East River.

What makes this city map particularly compelling is its seamless blend of semi-rural tranquility and urban ambition. In the foreground, one finds evocative scenes of farmsteads and open land—remnants of Brooklyn’s agrarian past—while just beyond, the city’s pulse quickens with dense clusters of warehouses, bustling piers, and the imposing presence of the Brooklyn Naval Yard. Here, large warships anchor the scene, underscoring the area’s strategic and economic significance during a period of national growth and maritime prowess.

Bornet’s artistry is evident in every detail, from the meticulous rendering of individual buildings to the lively depiction of ships and commerce along the East River. The map’s perspective not only offers a comprehensive view of Brooklyn’s neighborhoods—such as the elegant Brooklyn Heights and the industrious DUMBO waterfront—but also highlights the intricate network of streets that would soon define the borough’s urban fabric. Notable thoroughfares like Fulton Street, Myrtle Avenue, and Washington Street are clearly labeled, providing a fascinating snapshot of the city’s evolving geography.

This map stands as a testament to Brooklyn’s rapid transformation during the 1850s, a decade when the city was expanding both in population and in economic might. The presence of significant landmarks, such as the Brooklyn Naval Yard, alongside the bustling river traffic, illustrates the city’s dual identity as both a center of industry and a gateway to the wider world. The careful inclusion of Lower Manhattan in the distance serves as a poignant reminder of the close ties between these two urban giants, even before the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge.

John Bornet, the artist behind this view, was renowned for his skill in capturing the spirit of New York’s cityscapes. His dual role as both artist and lithographer ensured that each element of the map—from the delicate shading of the semi-rural outskirts to the architectural precision of urban blocks—was rendered with exceptional clarity and historical fidelity. Today, this map is celebrated not only for its rarity but also for its vivid portrayal of a city on the cusp of modernity, making it a prized addition for collectors and history enthusiasts alike.

Streets and roads on this map

• Adams St.
• Atlantic St.
• Bridge St.
• Clinton Ave.
• Clinton St.
• Concord St.
• Court St.
• Cumberland St.
• DeKalb Ave.
• Duffield St.
• Flushing Ave.
• Franklin Ave.
• Fulton Ave.
• Fulton St.
• Gold St.
• Hicks St.
• Hudson Ave.
• Jay St.
• Lafayette Ave.
• Main St.
• Myrtle Ave.
• Nassau St.
• Navy St.
• Pacific St.
• Pearl St.
• Portland Ave.
• Rush St.
• Sands St.
• Tillary St.
• Washington St.

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Brooklyn Naval Yard (clearly depicted with large warships)
• Lower Manhattan skyline (visible in the background)
• Numerous sailing ships and steamships in the East River
• Brooklyn Heights
• Williamsburg
• DUMBO (area near the waterfront)
• Semi-rural farmstead and agricultural buildings in the foreground
• Industrial buildings and warehouses near the waterfront
• Detailed depiction of ships and maritime activity in the East River

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: City of Brooklyn, L.I. Taken from Rush Street
• Date of creation: 1855
• Mapmaker and publisher: John Bornet, a skilled New York viewmaker who was both the original artist and lithographer of this map
• Perspective and viewpoint: Bird's-eye view from Williamsburg, looking southeast over the Brooklyn Naval Yard toward Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, and Lower Manhattan
• Geographical coverage: Primarily depicts Brooklyn (including Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, Williamsburg, and the Brooklyn Naval Yard) and Lower Manhattan, New York City, United States
• Style and design: Two-stone lithographed pictorial bird's-eye view, a popular style in the mid-19th century, emphasizing detailed illustrations of buildings, ships, and urban landscapes
• Themes and topics: Urban development, industrialization, commerce, maritime activity, and semi-rural life in mid-19th century Brooklyn
• Historical significance: Provides a rare visual record of Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan during a period of rapid growth and transition from rural to urban-industrial landscapes. The presence of large warships emphasizes the strategic and economic importance of the Brooklyn Naval Yard at the time
• Rarity: This map is considered very rare, with known examples held by prestigious institutions such as the New York Public Library, Museum of the City of New York, and Yale Art Gallery

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.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) 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.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

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 and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

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

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) 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).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

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, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

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 and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

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

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, 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 The Unique Maps Co.

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.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

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

I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

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

Almost all of my maps and art prints 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.