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Planning The Fortifications at Karlskrona and Expansion to Neighboring Islands

The map presented is a hand-drawn depiction of the area around Karlskrona, Sweden, during the 18th century.

The present hand drawn map extends from just south of the island of Karlscrona to the Kungsmarken and Mariedal areas of the city of Karlscrona.  The primary features on the map, other than outlines of the island, are the fortification of the island and the "Lands Wagen" crossing Wamoo and the area to the north.  For dating purposes, what seems to be the most salient feature of the map is the channel between the main island of Carlscrona on the map anthe smaller fortified island to the left. 

The planning for these fortifications around the island seems to have been well underway in the late 1690s, as indicated by this 1686 plan of the island and this1698 Special hydrographisk Charta öfwer cronohambnen i Carlscrona.   By the time this Situations Plan over Wærvet i Carls=Crone was completed in about 1800, the channel between Karlkrona and Björkholmen had been filled in.   

Karlskrona was founded on August 10, 1680, by King Charles XI of Sweden, following the Treaty of Roskilde in 1658, which transferred Blekinge from Danish to Swedish control. Prior to Swedish rule, the island of Trossö, where Karlskrona is located, was primarily used for farming and grazing under Danish rule, and was owned by local farmers such as Offe Månsson and later Vittus Andersson. The establishment of Karlskrona was part of a strategic plan to relocate the Royal Swedish Navy from the Stockholm area to a more southerly and ice-free location. 

During the 18th century, Karlskrona emerged as a crucial military hub, shipbuilding center, and naval base. Its location on the Baltic Sea, with extensive fortifications and natural defenses provided by the surrounding archipelago, offered significant strategic advantages. The Swedish government aimed to strengthen its maritime dominance and protect its interests against Denmark, as well as to maintain shorter sailing distances to its German and Baltic provinces. The city's rapid growth and the establishment of its shipyards were essential to maintaining Sweden's naval supremacy in the region. 

Karlskrona's prominence as a naval base made it a target during various conflicts, including the Great Northern War (1700-1721). The city played a vital role in Sweden's defense strategy, with its fortifications and naval facilities being pivotal in resisting enemy attacks. The Swedish fleet, based in Karlskrona, was crucial in maintaining control over the Baltic Sea during this turbulent period. 

The urban planning and industrial development of Karlskrona reflected its intended role as a future capital of a great power. The city grew quickly, and by 1750, it had approximately 10,000 inhabitants, making it one of the largest cities in Sweden. The shipyard in Karlskrona, established alongside the city, became Sweden's largest industrial employer by 1711, with 1,100 workers.  Over time, land reclamation projects expanded the island and connected it to neighboring islands, such as Björkholmen.