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Description

Bellin's map of the Great Lakes is one of the cartographic landmarks of the region.

Among other things, the map is noteworthy for the introduction of the islands in Lake Superior, which would remain on maps for nearly 100 years. The map summarizes the knowledge of the region as the French knew it toward the end of their occupation. It shows the river systems known to the French explorers, locates French forts and settlements, and identifies Indian Villages. The map also incorporates some of the work of Sieur de La Verendrye, the last of the great French explorers in America.

The map was first issued by Bellin in 1745 and re-issued by the Homann Heirs on the eve of the French & Indian War.

Homann Heirs Biography

Homann Heirs was a German publishing firm that enjoyed a major place in the European map market throughout the eighteenth century. Founded in 1702 by Johann Baptist Homann, the business passed to his son, Christoph, upon Johann’s death in 1724. Christoph died in 1730, aged only 27, and the firm was inherited by subsequent Homann heirs. This altered the name of the company, which was known as Homann Erben, or Homann heirs. The firm continued in business until 1848.