{"product_id":"old-map-of-turks-caicos-bahamas-hispaniola-cuba-1787-depot-de-la-marine-mercator-projection-soundings-reefs","title":"Old Map of Turks \u0026 Caicos, Bahamas, Hispaniola \u0026 Cuba, 1787: Depot de la Marine; Mercator projection; soundings, reefs","description":"\u003cp\u003eCarte Reduite Des Debouquements, De St. Domingue, Levee, Dressee et Publiee par Ordre du Roi is a masterwork of late-eighteenth-century French hydrography, issued in 1787 by the celebrated Dépôt de la Marine. Focused with rare precision on the Turks and Caicos and the southern Bahamas, the chart embraces the vital approaches to Hispaniola while also sweeping in eastern Cuba. Its northern reach ascends to Rum Cay, San Salvador Island, and the southern rim of Long Island, taking in Crooked Island, the Inagua Islands, the Plana Cays, and Mayaguana. In one coherent canvas, it assembles the stepping-stones and perilous banks that shaped every transatlantic landfall toward Saint-Domingue, the French Caribbean’s strategic and commercial keystone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConceived for the rigors of blue-water navigation, the chart distills the hard-won experience of pilots into a lucid guide to landfalls and passages. “Débouquements” signals its purpose: plotting the exits and entries by which ships escaped the open Atlantic and threaded the reefs to the Windward Passage and the Bahamas routes. Coastal silhouettes, meticulously annotated, pair with a dense language of soundings, shoals, and hazards that warn of coral heads and submerged bars. Mariners could consult these notes to plan tacks against the trades, time their approaches to lee shores, and pick among channels whose fame was matched only by their danger.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Dépôt de la Marine’s design intelligence is everywhere apparent. A finely ruled graticule supports a Mercator conception ideal for bearing and distance, while a crisp compass rose and an array of rhumb lines orchestrate courses at a glance. The restrained palette heightens legibility: littorals and banks are distinguished from the expanses of sea, and the eye is led naturally from headland to anchorage. A decorative title cartouche, elegant yet purposeful, frames the authority of the state patronage under which the work was made, balancing aesthetic refinement with functional clarity that speaks to the finest traditions of Enlightenment cartography.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHistorically, the chart captures the Caribbean at a decisive moment. In 1787, Saint-Domingue was the engine of French colonial wealth, and control of its approaches was a matter of naval strategy as much as commerce. The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos lay astride the lanes used by merchantmen, privateers, and convoys navigating between imperial spheres—French Saint-Domingue, Spanish Cuba, and British Bahamian stations. This sheet embodies the French navy’s quest to standardize and refine maritime knowledge, compressing decades of reconnaissance into a reliable reference on the eve of the political and economic upheavals that would soon reshape these waters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts geography reads like a pilot’s recital of decisive choices. The outer islands—San Salvador, Rum Cay, Crooked Island, Mayaguana, the Plana Cays, and the Inaguas—stand as sentinels marking the transition from the Atlantic swells into the reef-laced interior seas. Off Hispaniola, annotations pinpoint capes, bights, and river mouths that offered bearings in clear weather and clues in squalls. Depth figures step shoreward with telling compression, signaling sudden shelves, while hazard symbols stipple the banks where a misjudged tide could spell disaster. For the practiced eye, this map is more than a chart: it is a choreography of winds, currents, and decisions—an enduring testament to precision seamanship in the age of sail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCountries and regions on this map\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHispaniola (present-day Haiti and the Dominican Republic)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTurks and Caicos Islands\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBahamas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCuba\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSan Salvador Island\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRum Cay\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCrooked Island\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInagua Islands\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlana Cays\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMayaguana\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNotable Features \u0026amp; Landmarks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMajor landmasses: Hispaniola, Turks \u0026amp; Caicos, Lower Bahamas, and Cuba.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNautical symbols indicating depth variations and potential hazards.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrid lines and compass rose for navigational purposes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVarious annotations indicating specific locations and navigation points.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDecorative cartouches or labels showing the title and other important map details.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHistorical and design context\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCreated in 1787.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProduced by the Depot de la Marine (the French navy’s chart- and mapmaking office).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEmphasizes nautical navigation, maritime routes, and coastal topography; reflects the late-18th-century focus on trade and exploration.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeatures a neat, organized grid overlay for navigation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEmploys a simple, effective color palette highlighting coastal regions and landmasses.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRepresents contemporary maritime knowledge and underscores the growing importance of naval power and Caribbean trade routes during the colonial period.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlease 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please \u003ca href=\"\/de\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003eget in touch\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlease 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.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe model in the listing images is holding the 24x36in (60x90cm) version of this map.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the \u003ca href=\"\/de\/collections\/all-old-vintage-antique-maps\"\u003ebest old maps\u003c\/a\u003e to see if something else catches your eye.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlease \u003ca href=\"\/de\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003econtact me\u003c\/a\u003e to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Unique Maps Co.","offers":[{"title":"12x18in (30x45cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58018776678784,"sku":"UM00276250A","price":75.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x18in (30x45cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58018776711552,"sku":"UM00276251A","price":200.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x18in (30x45cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58018776744320,"sku":"UM00276252A","price":0.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58018776777088,"sku":"UM00276253A","price":75.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58018776809856,"sku":"UM00276254A","price":200.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58018776842624,"sku":"UM00276255A","price":0.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58018776875392,"sku":"UM00276256A","price":139.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58018776908160,"sku":"UM00276257A","price":305.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58018776940928,"sku":"UM00276258A","price":0.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58018776973696,"sku":"UM00276259A","price":139.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58018777006464,"sku":"UM00276260A","price":305.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58018777039232,"sku":"UM00276261A","price":0.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58018777072000,"sku":"UM00276262A","price":158.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58018777104768,"sku":"UM00276263A","price":457.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58018777137536,"sku":"UM00276264A","price":514.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x36in (60x90cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58018777170304,"sku":"UM00276265A","price":168.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x36in (60x90cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58018777203072,"sku":"UM00276266A","price":457.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x36in (60x90cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58018777235840,"sku":"UM00276267A","price":514.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58018777268608,"sku":"UM00276268A","price":168.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58018777301376,"sku":"UM00276269A","price":457.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58018777334144,"sku":"UM00276270A","price":514.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58018777366912,"sku":"UM00276271A","price":219.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58018777399680,"sku":"UM00276272A","price":628.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58018777432448,"sku":"UM00276273A","price":628.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"30x45in (76x114cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58018777465216,"sku":"UM00276274A","price":219.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"30x45in (76x114cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58018777497984,"sku":"UM00276275A","price":895.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"30x45in (76x114cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58018777530752,"sku":"UM00276276A","price":895.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58018777563520,"sku":"UM00276277A","price":314.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58018777596288,"sku":"UM00276278A","price":1456.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58018777629056,"sku":"UM00276279A","price":1371.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"33x50in (84x127cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58018777661824,"sku":"UM00276280A","price":400.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"33x50in (84x127cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58018777694592,"sku":"UM00276281A","price":1665.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"33x50in (84x127cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58018777727360,"sku":"UM00276282A","price":1561.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x60in (100x150cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58018777760128,"sku":"UM00276283A","price":581.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x60in (100x150cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58018777792896,"sku":"UM00276284A","price":2664.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x60in (100x150cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58018777825664,"sku":"UM00276285A","price":2474.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"47x70in (120x178cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58018777858432,"sku":"UM00276286A","price":980.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"47x70in (120x178cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58018777891200,"sku":"UM00276287A","price":3568.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"47x70in (120x178cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58018777923968,"sku":"UM00276288A","price":3330.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0257\/0344\/8638\/files\/file_f7498bca-f88f-4836-89de-4fd68f800558.jpg?v=1777675146","url":"https:\/\/uniquemaps.ca\/de\/products\/old-map-of-turks-caicos-bahamas-hispaniola-cuba-1787-depot-de-la-marine-mercator-projection-soundings-reefs","provider":"The Unique Maps Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}