|
||
|
|
|
|
This hand-colored map of Gothenburg (Gottenburg), Sweden, was published in 1801 by John Luffman as part of Select Plans of the Principal Cities, Harbours, Forts &c. in the World, Volume II. It provides a detailed view of the city’s layout and its strategic military defenses, showcasing Gothenburg’s significance as a fortified trade hub in the early 19th century.
The map highlights Gothenburg’s extensive defensive structures, including its star-shaped bastions and surrounding moats. These fortifications demonstrate the city's strategic importance in securing Sweden’s western coastline. Prominent defenses, such as Fort Guldenberg and “The Crown Fort,” are labeled, emphasizing the city’s preparedness against potential maritime and land-based threats. Within the city walls, the urban grid is meticulously detailed, reflecting careful planning and organized development to support its role as a center of trade and governance.
Gothenburg’s position along the Molndal River and the Cattegat Sea is clearly illustrated, underscoring the city’s role as a critical port and gateway to international trade. Gothenburg served as Sweden’s second most significant trading city after Stockholm.
Founded by King Charles IX in 1607, Gothenburg is described in the map’s annotation as a “strong city of West Gothland” and an essential hub of Swedish trade. By the early 19th century, it had grown into a vital economic and military center, linking Sweden to the broader North Sea trade networks.
This map was engraved and published on October 1, 1801, by John Luffman, a London-based cartographer. The publication, part of a series focusing on strategic cities and harbors worldwide, reflects the contemporary European interest in documenting urban and military landscapes of significant geopolitical relevance.
![[ Kattegat Sea ] Et Nyt Pas Kaart over Kattegattet med Joy Kongl Privilegie udgivet i Aeret 1776 af C: C. Lous](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/58213.jpg)
![[ Baltic Sea ] Nieuwe en zeer accuraate Zeecaart van de geheele Oost-Zee](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/77129.jpg)
![[Map of Sweden and Norway] Карта Швеціи и Норвегіи](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/66784.jpg)
![[ Baltic Sea / Sweden / Poland / Rugen ] De Custen van Denemarcken en Sweden, van Valsterbon tot Schenkenes, als mede de cust vanten van Pomeren van't eylant Rugen tot Rygshooft . . .](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/99944.jpg)
