|
||
|
|
|
|
This map, drawn from the French edition of John Barrow's An Account of Travels into the Interior of Southern Africa, portrays the coastline of Africa stretching from Table Bay at the Cape of Good Hope to Saldanha Bay. Published in connection with Barrow’s travels during the late 18th century, it reflects the significance of the Cape Colony under British control and its role as a strategic, economic, and naval hub.
John Barrow accompanied Lord Macartney in 1797 as his personal secretary on a mission to establish governance over the newly acquired Cape Colony. Barrow’s charge included reconciling tensions between the Boers and indigenous populations, documenting the region’s interior, and evaluating the colony's geopolitical importance. His observations played a key role in justifying British colonial ambitions, highlighting the Cape as a vital naval and military station, a cornerstone of trade and domination in India, a whaling hub in the southern seas, and a key entrepôt for commerce during peace.
This map meticulously delineates the coastal geography between Table Bay and Saldanha Bay, incorporating major landmarks and terrain features. Table Bay, prominently marked as "Baie de la Table," includes the island of Robben Island (Ile du Veau Marin), a feature of strategic and historical significance. The map extends inland, showing settlements, rivers, and mountain ranges such as the "Kasteelberg" near Saldanha Bay, as well as farming estates and trade routes important to the colony's infrastructure.
The annotations provide insights into the topography and infrastructure, such as roads connecting the Cape to outlying settlements and key agricultural regions. The delineation of hills, valleys, and coastlines underscores the region’s navigational and settlement challenges during the era.
Barrow’s broader work offers detailed accounts of the people, flora, and fauna of the Cape Colony. His narratives include critical reflections on the Boers’ treatment of enslaved and indigenous populations, as well as observations of the cultural practices and livelihoods of the Khoikhoi and other native groups.
![[South Africa]. Charte der Sudspitze Africa und der Colonie vom Vorgebirgedernugen Hoffnung haputeschilich nach Barrow's Neuesten Reisen enworfen und nach astronomischen Ortsbestimungen. . . .1804](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/47947.jpg)
![[First Fleet -- Manuscript Chart of Tracks from Port Jackson to Macao] (on verso of printed map) A New Chart of the Southern Coast of Africa, From The Cape of Good Hope To Dalagoa Bay; with the Bank of Cape Agulhas, Its Soundings, Currents &c. Inserted chiefly From The Papers of Mr. Gerard de Ruyter, Captain of the Port at the Cape of Good Hope . . . 1781](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/70873.jpg)
![[Oranje Freistaat, Transvaal and Kap Kolonie Game Board]](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/80146.jpg)