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Rare Large Map of Cuba by Jose Maria de la Torre with Remarkable Thematic Inset Maps

This rare and extremely cartographic work by José María de la Torre, offering a comprehensive view of the island of Cuba. This map not only serves as a geographical depiction but also provides a wealth of contextual, historical, and topographical information, presented through a series of insets, charts, and annotations. 

The centerpiece of this work is the large, colored map of Cuba, meticulously detailing the island's geography, towns, railroads, rivers, and administrative divisions. Cities, villages, and even smaller settlements are distinctly marked using conventional symbols, as explained in the legend. Railroads are depicted as constructed, under construction, or projected, showcasing the modernization efforts in Cuba at the time. Maritime routes and soundings are included along the northern coast, facilitating navigation for seafarers. The map integrates corrections and updates from earlier surveys, relying on recent astronomical positioning and topographical works from both Spanish and British sources.

The map also includes a noteworthy array of thematic maps, which are described below.

Northern Coast and Navigational Routes

An enlarged inset focuses on the northern coastline of Cuba, emphasizing navigational routes and key maritime features. This section draws from hydrographic surveys, including those by the British Admiralty and Spanish Hydrographic Office, offering a reliable guide for navigation through critical maritime channels, such as the New Bahama Channel.

Tabla Itineraria - Table of Distances

The "Tabla Itineraria" provides a matrix of distances between major towns and cities across Cuba. This practical table underscores the functionality of the map for planning travel, whether by rail, road, or postal routes. The inclusion of distances demonstrates the interconnectedness of the island's growing transportation network.

Comparative River and Mountain Chart

A comparative graphic outlines the relative lengths of rivers flowing to the north and south coasts, alongside a profile view of Cuba’s mountain ranges. Major rivers such as the Cauto and Almendares are prominently featured. The elevation profile details Cuba’s topography, from the towering Pico Turquino to the Sierra Maestra and other significant elevations.

Mapa Fisico, Agricola y Mineralógico

This thematic map delves into the agricultural, physical, and mineralogical aspects of Cuba including

• Regions devoted to specific crops, including coffee, sugarcane, and tobacco, vital to Cuba’s economy.
• The island's natural features, such as rivers, valleys, and coastlines.
• The locations of mineral resources, including gold, silver, iron, and kaolin, reflecting Cuba's geological wealth.

Ancient Map of Cuba

The inset Cuba Antigua depicts the island as it was known during the early colonial period, tracing the routes of Christopher Columbus and the establishment of Spanish settlements. This map connects Cuba’s colonial past to its present, emphasizing historical continuity.

Area Around Havana

A detailed map of Havana and its surroundings illustrates the city’s prominence as Cuba’s administrative and economic center. Roads, fortifications, and urban landmarks are noted, reflecting Havana’s strategic importance.

Atlantic Routes to Cuba

This inset situates Cuba within the broader Atlantic context, showing maritime routes connecting the island to Europe, North America, and other parts of the Caribbean. These routes underscore Cuba's pivotal role in global trade during the 19th century.

Historical Context and Advertisement

This notice details the comprehensive reconstruction of the map, which surpasses the earlier version by Mr. Coello in scale and accuracy. It includes precise astronomical positioning, updated railroad routes, and recent topographical data. For example, five surveys of the Cauto River were conducted between 1847 (by Mr. Rodríguez Ferrer) and 1860 (by Mr. Pinzón, Chief of Staff of the Royal Navy). Maritime information was drawn from charts published by the Hydrographic Office, including the 1866 chart of the New Bahama Channel and parts of the island, as well as Admiralty charts for English possessions, such as the Great Chart of St. Yves and maps from 1869. These sources, along with hydrographic works conducted by skilled mariners on Cuba’s coasts, were instrumental in refining details like lighthouse placement.

For terrestrial features, the map incorporates data from Esteban Pichardo’s geo-topo-coro-graphic work of the Western Department (2nd edition), alongside contributions from military and civil engineers, including Messrs. Noda, Carles, Campos, Rodríguez, Sagenvien, and Lanier. Notable corrections to geographic nomenclature were made, such as renaming "CABOS" (capes) instead of "PUNTAS" (points) for locations like Mariel, Cárdenas, and Colón, and changing the “LAGUNAS” of Morón and Güines to “BAYAS” (bays) instead of “ENSENADAS” (inlets).

Designed as both an itinerary and a guide, the map highlights postal routes, railroads, and schools, based on concepts by Pichardo.  

Summary

José María de la Torre’s 1873 map is an extraordinary synthesis of geographic knowledge and cartographic skill. Its extensive insets, charts, and annotations offer a rich portrayal of Cuba’s physical and cultural landscape, making it an indispensable resource for understanding the island during a period of transformation and modernization.

Rarity

The map is extremely rare.

We were unable to locate any examples offered for sale or at auction.

OCLC locates 1 example (University of Florida).  We locate two additional examples:

• Archivo General Militar de Madrid
• Biblioteca Virtual del Ministerio de Defensa