Rare Old Map of the Caribbean, Florida & Central America by Visscher, 1690: Louisiana, Texas, Georgia, Yucatan, Bermuda Triangle

Immerse yourself in the intricate beauty of 'Insulae Americanae in Oceano Septentrionali cum terris adiacentibus : a C. de May usque ad Lineam Aequinoctialem', a map that hails from the gifted hands of Nicolaes Visscher II, a renowned cartographer from the Dutch Golden Age. This map, whose title translates to 'The American Islands in the Northern Ocean with the adjacent lands: from Cape May to the Equator', provides a detailed representation of the Caribbean, Florida, and Central America as it was known in 1690. With its focus on the Gulf of Mexico region, this piece of history presents an intriguing view of the world as it was perceived over three centuries ago.

Visscher's attention to detail is evident in the map's depiction of significant cities and landmarks. The territories of Louisiana, Texas, and Georgia are beautifully outlined, along with the Yucatan Peninsula and the enigmatic Bermuda Triangle. These locations, each with their own rich history and cultural significance, are brought to life through the map's meticulous engraving. This map serves not only as a geographical guide but also as a window into the past, offering a glimpse into the geopolitical landscape of the time.

The map's aesthetic appeal is further enhanced by its hand-colored outlines and decorative cartouches. These artistic elements, combined with the map's accurate representation of cities, towns, waterways, and mountains, make it a true masterpiece. The compass rose, a common feature in maps of the era, adds a touch of navigational charm, while the pictorial relief provides a three-dimensional effect, bringing the terrain to life.

In addition to its geographical and historical significance, this map also offers a unique perspective on natural phenomena. The depiction of the Bermuda Triangle, a region steeped in mystery and folklore, adds an element of intrigue. The map's representation of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, with their numerous islands and coastal features, provides an insight into the region's complex maritime history. This map, with its combination of artistic beauty and historical depth, is more than just a decorative piece - it's a conversation starter, a source of inspiration, and a testament to the enduring power of cartography.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Florida

1. St. Augustine - Founded in 1565, it's the oldest city in the U.S. Known as "La Florida" during the Spanish colonial period.
2. Pensacola - Established by the Spanish in 1698, it's often referred to as "America's First Settlement".
3. Tampa Bay - Known as "Tanpa" in the early maps of the region.

Louisiana

1. Natchitoches - Founded in 1714, it's the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase territory.
2. New Orleans - Although founded in 1718, it was an important location for Native American tribes before European arrival.

Texas

1. Corpus Christi - Known as the "Sparkling City by the Sea", it was a popular location for Karankawa Indians and pirates.
2. San Antonio - Founded in 1718, it was a crucial site for Spanish missions.

Georgia

1. Savannah - Established in 1733, it's the oldest city in Georgia.
2. Augusta - Known for its pivotal role in the American Civil War.

Yucatan

1. Mérida - Founded in 1542, it was built on the ancient Maya city of T'hó.
2. Valladolid - Established in 1543, it's known for its Spanish colonial architecture.
3. Campeche - A UNESCO World Heritage site, it was an important port during the colonial period.

Bermuda

1. St. George's - Founded in 1612, it's the oldest continuously-inhabited English town in the New World.
2. Hamilton - Although it became the capital of Bermuda in 1815, it was a significant port during the colonial period.

Notable natural phenomena and tourist attractions:

1. The Everglades - A natural region of tropical wetlands in Florida, known for its unique ecosystem.
2. The Mississippi River - One of the world's major river systems in size, habitat diversity and biological productivity.
3. The Grand Canyon - Located in Arizona, it's one of the most famous natural attractions in the U.S.
4. The Great Smoky Mountains - A mountain range rising along the Tennessee–North Carolina border, known for its diverse plant and animal life.
5. The Okefenokee Swamp - Located in Georgia, it's one of the largest intact freshwater ecosystems in the world.

Notable historical events (1600-1690):

1. The founding of St. Augustine in 1565, the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement in the continental U.S.
2. The establishment of the Thirteen Colonies, which were the British colonies on the Atlantic coast of North America founded between 1607 (Virginia) and 1733 (Georgia).
3. The Beaver Wars (also known as the Iroquois Wars or the French and Iroquois Wars) which occurred in the late 17th century in Eastern North America.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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 4,000 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.