This detailed map of the Canton of Schaffhausen is an exquisite representation from the early 19th century, specifically engraved for Luffman’s Select Plan of the Principal Cities, Harbours, Ports, &c. in the World, published in London on January 1, 1802.
The map showcases the Canton of Schaffhausen bordered by Germany to the north (indicated as Suabia), with parts of Lake Constance (referred to as Boden See) to the east. The river Rhine (R. Rheine), an important geographical feature, flows prominently along the western and southern edges of the canton, emphasizing its significance as a natural boundary and trade route.
Various towns and villages are marked in meticulous detail, reflecting the administrative organization of the canton at the time. Notable settlements include Schaffhausen, the principal city, prominently positioned along the Rhine, signifying its importance as a cultural and economic center. Neuhausen, located just south of Schaffhausen, is known today for the nearby Rhine Falls, one of Europe’s largest waterfalls. Stein am Rhein, positioned at the western edge along the Rhine, is noted for its well-preserved medieval architecture. Other smaller villages and towns such as Thayngen, Beringen, and Neunkirch are also depicted, illustrating the canton’s rural landscape interspersed with urban centers.
The map includes subtle topographical details, such as hills and forests, though stylized in the fashion of the period’s cartographic conventions. Roads and pathways connecting various towns are indicated, reflecting the infrastructure of early 19th-century Schaffhausen. The surrounding regions are marked to provide context, including parts of Zurich (Canton of Zurich) to the south and Suabia to the north. This inclusion highlights Schaffhausen’s position within the broader Swiss and European geography.