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Detailed and artistic representation of early New Amsterdam (soon to be renamed New York), capturing the layout of Manhattan Island’s southern tip during the late 17th century. The map is highly decorative, with vibrant colors, intricate illustrations, and a rich border that frames the scene.
The map highlights the city’s early street grid, with key landmarks, buildings, and fortifications identified by a numbered key in the upper-right cartouche. The cartouche, topped by cherubs holding draped fabric, provides an explanation for the numbered locations, listing 31 significant sites within the city.
The city’s defensive structures are prominently displayed, including:
- The Fort: The primary fortification near the southern shore, guarding the harbor.
- The Chappel in the Fort of New York: Situated within the fort complex.
- The Fort well and pump: Essential for the city’s water supply.
Further key sites include:
- The Stadt House Battery (No. 12) and the Whitehall Battery (No. 13), protecting the shoreline from potential naval threats.
- The Dutch Calvinist Church (No. 24) and The Jews Synagogue (No. 23), reflecting the religious diversity of the early colony.
- The Custom House (No. 27), The Burying Ground (No. 28), and The Slaughter Houses (No. 29), which underline the civic and commercial elements of the growing city.
The map carefully outlines the early street layout, with key streets like Broadway, Pearl Street, and Broad Street labeled. The rivers—Hudson River (West River) and East River—are prominently marked, delineating the island’s western and eastern boundaries.
The upper-left corner contains an inset with a crest and symbolic imagery representing the city's Dutch heritage, though by 1674, New Amsterdam had already transitioned to English control, becoming New York following the Treaty of Westminster.
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