Introducing the exquisite "St. Lucia" map, meticulously crafted by the renowned American cartographer Fielding Lucas Jr. in 1823. This map, a rare gem from Lucas's General Atlas and A New General Atlas of the West India Islands, represents the first detailed commercial map of St. Lucia published in America. Lucas, celebrated for his precision and artistic flair, has rendered the island with an unparalleled level of detail, capturing its topography and coastal features with remarkable accuracy. This map is not just a navigational tool but a piece of art that offers a window into the early 19th-century cartographic knowledge and techniques.
Fielding Lucas Jr. was a pioneering figure in American cartography, known for his dedication to creating detailed and accurate maps. His work on the St. Lucia map reflects his commitment to quality and precision. The map's intricate hachures vividly depict the island's mountainous terrain, providing a clear understanding of its rugged landscape. Lucas's attention to detail extends to the coastal features, where points, bays, and other landmarks are meticulously marked, offering valuable insights for navigators and settlers of the time.
The map of St. Lucia is rich with geographical features that paint a vivid picture of the island's natural beauty. The numerous bodies of water, including Anse la Raye, Anse des Canaries, and Anse Chastagnier, are carefully illustrated, highlighting the island's intricate coastline. The map also marks significant points such as Pointe de la Caravelle and Pointe des Trois Pitons, adding to its navigational value. These features, combined with the detailed topography, make this map an essential resource for understanding the island's geography.
Beyond its geographical significance, the map also provides a glimpse into the human settlements of the time. Cities and towns such as Castries, Soufriere, and Vieux Fort are prominently featured, offering a historical perspective on the island's development. These settlements, now bustling with modern-day activity, are depicted in their early stages, providing a fascinating contrast to their contemporary counterparts. The map serves as a historical document, capturing the essence of St. Lucia during the early 19th century.
The historical significance of this map cannot be overstated. As one of the earliest detailed commercial maps of St. Lucia, it represents a crucial moment in the island's cartographic history. The map's design, with its decorative compass rose and scale bar, reflects the artistic and technical standards of the period. Owning this map is not just about possessing a piece of history; it's about appreciating the craftsmanship and dedication of Fielding Lucas Jr., whose work continues to inspire and inform to this day.
Cities and towns on this map
- St. Lucia:
- Castries
- Soufriere
- Vieux Fort
- Anse la Raye
- Gros Islet
Notable Features & Landmarks
- Illustrations:
- Decorative compass rose
- Landmarks:
- Pointe de la Caravelle
- Pointe du Gros-nez
- Pointe Perdues
- Pointe des Trois Pitons
- Pointe de la Pointe de Sable
- Pointe des Choc
- Bodies of water:
- Anse la Raye
- Anse des Canaries
- Anse de la Vouture
- Anse Mamin
- Anse Chastagnier
- Anse Cochon
- Anse Ballambou
- Anse Soldat
- Anse Mitan
- Anse Galet
- Anse le Parasol
- Anse de la Rivière
- Anse du Choc
- Anse de la Sauterre
- Anse des Trois Ilets
- Anse Malgretout
- Anse des Navances
- Anse du Vieux Fort
- Anse du Petit Carenage
- Anse de la Barque
- Anse du Morne le Blanc
- Baie de la Souffriere
- Baie de la Pointe de Sable
- Baie de la Grosse Roche
- Baie de la Rivière
- Baie du Trou de l'Eau
- Baie du Grand Cul-de-sac
- Baie de la Pointe du Cap
- Baie de la Pointe du Vieux Fort
- Baie de la Pointe du Gros-nez
- Baie de la Pointe du Choc
- Mountains:
- The map depicts mountainous terrain using hachures.
Historical and design context
- Historical significance:
- This map represents one of the earliest detailed commercial maps of St. Lucia from America.
- Reflects the cartographic knowledge and techniques of the early 19th century.
- Design or style:
- The map uses hachures to depict relief and topographic details.
- The map includes a decorative compass rose.
- The map has a scale bar showing both leagues and miles.
- Mapmaker/Publisher:
- Fielding Lucas Jr. was an American cartographer and map publisher known for his detailed and accurate maps. His works are significant for their high quality and attention to detail.
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Creation date: 1823
- Extra notes:
- Appeared in Fielding Lucas Jr.'s General Atlas and A New General Atlas of the West India Islands.
- Lucas's map is the first detailed commercial map of St. Lucia published in America.
- The map depicts the interior topographic details of the island.
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 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.