Vintage Map From 1740 Shows Lower Manhattan and New York Harbor in Detail

A map circa 1740 by John Carwitham is believed to be the first one to credit Henry Hudson with his eponymous river. The map is for sale and will be exhibited at the New York Antiquarian Book Fair at the Park Avenue Armory.
A map circa 1740 by John Carwitham is believed to be the first one to credit Henry Hudson with his eponymous river. The map is for sale and will be exhibited at the New York Antiquarian Book Fair at the Park Avenue Armory.

Recently uncovered in a private map collection in Italy, this vintage city-plan map of New York dates back to 1740, making it the second oldest known map of its kind. Dubbed the Carwitham Plan, the map shows several previously unknown structures, including the very first synagogue in the Americas.

The Carwitham Plan is billed as the second-earliest printed plan of the city and chart of its harbor, which was based on an earlier 1730 plan. The Carwitham Plan stretches farther north than the earlier map and is more legible. It includes the synagogue on Mill Street in Lower Manhattan, which was consecrated in 1730, and offers York Island as an alternative name for Manhattan.

A detail of the Carwitham Plan showing Lower Manhattan. The first synagogue consecrated in North America, in 1730 in New York, is designated on the map by a little house on Mill Street.
A detail of the Carwitham Plan showing Lower Manhattan. The first synagogue consecrated in North America, in 1730 in New York, is designated on the map by a little house on Mill Street.

Check out the accompanying article on the New York Times for more.

Matt Coneybeare

Matt Coneybeare

Editor in Chief

Matt enjoys exploring the City's with his partner and son. He is an avid marathon runner, and spends most of his time eating, running, and working on cool stuff.

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