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This detailed map of Dantzig, known today as Gdańsk, was engraved and published by J. Luffman on January 1, 1801, as part of Luffman's Select Plans, Volume I.

The map presents a clear and structured depiction of the city, which had been for centuries a "Free City" of the Hanseatic League, although at this moment, it was part of Polish Prussia during the early 19th century, until the end of the Napoleonic Wars in 1807.

Positioned on the Vistula River, approximately four miles from its mouth, Dantzig's strategic location is highlighted, emphasizing its significant role in trade. The map shows a well-fortified city, enclosed by robust defensive walls and bastions, with Fort Calek illustrated on the opposite bank of the Vistula River, underscoring its military importance.

Within the city, notable areas such as "The New City" are prominently labeled, indicating expansion and planned developments. Key buildings and landmarks are marked with letters and referenced in a list on the left side of the map, including:

• A. Armoury
• B. Cathedral
• C. Old Fort
• D. St. Jacob's Church
• E. St. John
• F. Town House
• G. St. Peter
• H. Holy Trinity
• I. St. Clara
• K. St. Elizabeth

The Free City of Dantzig

Danzig, now known as Gdańsk, played a pivotal role as a within the Hanseatic League, a powerful economic and defensive alliance of merchant guilds and market towns in Northwestern and Central Europe. Its strategic location on the Baltic Sea and the Vistula River facilitated trade routes between Eastern and Western Europe, propelling Danzig to prominence. 

In 1224, Danzig received its city rights, which laid the foundation for its later prosperity. The city's fortunes rose significantly when it joined the Hanseatic League in 1361. This membership granted Danzig economic privileges, autonomy, and protection, establishing it as a major trading hub.  

During the 14th and 15th centuries, Danzig thrived as one of the most important cities in the Hanseatic League. It played a crucial role in the league's maritime trade network, benefiting from the protection and mutual support of other member cities. The city’s wealth and influence grew, leading to the construction of impressive public buildings and fortifications, many of which still stand today. 

In 1454, amid the Thirteen Years' War between the Kingdom of Poland and the Teutonic Order, Danzig sought the protection of the Polish crown, leading to its incorporation into the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in 1457. Despite this change, the city retained significant autonomy and continued to flourish as a free city within the Commonwealth. The autonomy allowed Danzig to maintain its unique legal system, governance, and trade practices.

By the late 16th and early 17th centuries, the Hanseatic League began to decline due to the rise of powerful nation-states and changing trade routes. Despite this, Danzig managed to sustain its economic importance and autonomy for some time.  Danzig's status as a free city came under threat during the turbulent times of the 18th century. The city’s fortunes declined due to wars and shifting political alliances in the region. In 1772, the First Partition of Poland led to significant territorial changes, but Danzig initially remained a free city. It was the Second Partition of Poland in 1793 that marked the end of Danzig's autonomy. Prussia annexed the city, and it lost its status as a free city, becoming part of the Kingdom of Prussia. 

After the Napoleonic Wars, the Treaty of Tilsit in 1807 briefly restored Danzig’s status as a Free City under Napoleon’s influence. However, this was short-lived; in 1814, following the defeat of Napoleon, the Congress of Vienna confirmed Danzig’s re-incorporation into Prussia. 

The Free City of Danzig would briefly return to its status as a city-state under the protection and oversight of the League of Nations between 1920 and 1939, consisting of the Baltic Sea port of Danzig (now Gdańsk, Poland) and nearly 200 other small localities in the surrounding areas.  Dantzig would remain in this status until the German invasion of Poland in 1939.