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This lithographed map offers a fascinating glimpse into the urban landscape of New York City as it appeared between 1742 and 1744. Originally drawn from memory in 1813 by an elderly D.G., this rendition was produced by G. Hayward in 1854 for inclusion in D.T. Valentine’s Manual of the Corporation of the City of New York, a significant compendium that chronicled the city’s history and development.
The map illustrates the boundaries and features of colonial New York with remarkable detail, especially considering that it was sketched from recollection by the artist in his seventy-sixth year. The lower Manhattan layout is carefully delineated, with recognizable landmarks, fortifications, and prominent public spaces documented in a numbered index below the map. Each number corresponds to a specific location, ranging from Fort George, the Governor’s House, and the City Hall to diverse houses of worship, markets, and military installations.
Along the top edge of the map, small illustrations of important buildings add visual interest, showing the architectural styles of structures like Trinity Church, the French Church, and City Hall. These depictions, set in neat rows, complement the map’s purpose as both a geographic and cultural record of early New York.
Notably, the map highlights an array of religious establishments, emphasizing the city’s diversity even in its early years. From Quaker meetings to Lutheran, French, Presbyterian, and Dutch churches, along with a synagogue, the representation of various faiths suggests a vibrant and multifaceted community. The inclusion of burial grounds, public wells, and marketplaces further paints a picture of daily life, with places such as the Broad Street Market, Jews Burying Ground, and multiple shipyards capturing the city’s bustling atmosphere.
