Old Coast Chart of the Carolinas, Georgia & East Florida by Heather, 1799: Savannah, Charleston, Gulf Stream

Immerse yourself in the maritime history of the Southeastern United States with this exquisite 1799 nautical chart, "A New Chart of America with the Harbors of Port Royal, Savannah &c." by the renowned cartographer William Heather. This meticulously crafted map spans the coastal regions from Albemarle Sound, North Carolina to the Palm Beach area of Florida, showcasing the intricate details of the coastline through scientific triangulated surveys. The map's primary focus is on the hydrographic information, including bathymetric soundings, shoals, and ocean currents, making it an invaluable resource for understanding the navigational challenges of the era.

One of the most captivating aspects of this chart is its detailed insets of major ports such as the Savannah River, Port Royal Sound, Charleston, and the Cape Fear River. These insets provide a closer look at the entrances and navigational routes of these crucial harbors, reflecting the strategic importance they held during the late 18th century. The map also highlights the powerful Gulf Stream, a significant ocean current that played a vital role in transatlantic navigation, underscoring the advanced knowledge and expertise of the mapmaker.

William Heather, a prominent English sea chart publisher, began his business in 1765 and quickly became known for his high-quality nautical charts and instruments. His work was so esteemed that it was referenced by Charles Dickens in "Dombey and Son." This chart, created in collaboration with Heather's business partner, John William Norie, represents the pinnacle of late 18th-century cartographic excellence. The chart's design, with its large format and detailed hydrographic information, surpasses contemporary American charts, making it a rare and valuable piece for collectors and historians alike.

The historical significance of this map is further enhanced by its depiction of Florida during a period of geopolitical change. At the time of the chart's creation, Florida had reverted to Spanish control and would not become American territory until 1819. The map includes notable historical settlements such as St. Augustine, the old capital of Florida, and Cape Canaveral, reflecting the region's rich colonial history. Additionally, the chart marks the location of New Smyrna, a significant European settlement run by a Scotsman who enslaved Greek and Minorcan migrants.

This nautical chart is not just a navigational tool but a window into the past, offering insights into the scientific and cartographic advancements of the 18th century. The map's detailed representation of the coastline, coupled with its comprehensive hydrographic data, makes it a remarkable example of maritime cartography. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a history enthusiast, this chart is a testament to the skill and precision of William Heather and his contributions to the field of nautical mapping.

Notable places on this map

• Savannah River: Detailed inset of the entrance to the Savannah River.
• Port Royal Sound: Detailed inset of Port Royal Sound in South Carolina.
• Charleston: Detailed inset of Charleston, a major port city.
• Cape Fear River: Detailed inset of the Cape Fear River in North Carolina.
• St. Augustine: Marked as the old capital of Florida.
• Cape Canaveral: Labeled as Cape Cannaveral.
• Mosquito Inlet: Later known as New Smyrna Entrance.
• Albemarle Sound: Northernmost point of the map in North Carolina.
• Palm Beach area: Southernmost point of the map in Florida.
• Gulf Stream: Labeled and shown flowing along the east coast of Florida.

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Geographical area shown: Coastal regions from Albemarle Sound, North Carolina to the Palm Beach area of Florida.
• Historical context: Reflects the British and Spanish control of Florida during the 18th century.
• Hydrographic details: Includes bathymetric soundings, shoals, and ocean currents.
• Gulf Stream: Clearly labeled, indicating its significance for navigation.
• Cartographic insets: Detailed insets of the Savannah River, Port Royal Sound, Charleston, and Cape Fear River.
• Scientific triangulated surveys: Coastlines are well delineated based on these surveys.
• Nautical information sources: Derived from important 18th-century surveys by figures like William Gerard de Brahm and Henry Mouzon.
• Historical settlements: Includes places like St. Augustine, the old capital of Florida.
• Navigation aids: Features compass roses and navigational routes.
• Coastline details: Shows detailed coastlines with English place names and significant inlets.

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: A New Chart of America with the Harbors of Port Royal, Savannah &c.
• Date of creation: July 12th, 1799
• Mapmaker/Publisher: William Heather
• Context about the mapmaker: William Heather was a prominent English sea chart publisher during the 18th century. He started his business in 1765 and was known for his high-quality nautical charts and instruments. His business was located near the offices of the East India Company and was later referenced by Charles Dickens in "Dombey and Son."
• Historical significance:
• Scientific surveys: Based on some of the most important and technically impressive surveys of the 18th century.
• Historical context: Reflects the geopolitical changes in the region, including British and Spanish control of Florida.
• Comparative quality: Among the highest quality sea charts of its era, surpassing contemporary American charts.
• Design or style of the map: Large format sea chart with detailed insets, scientific triangulated surveys, and hydrographic information.

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 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the undefined 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.

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.