Antique Map of Jamaica and Hispaniola, 1802

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This is an original antique map titled "Carte des Isles de la Jamaïque et de St. Domingue," depicting the islands … Read more This is an original antique map titled "Carte des Isles de la Jamaïque et de St. Domingue," depicting the islands of Jamaica and Saint-Domingue (modern-day Haiti and the Dominican Republic). Created by Pierre Antoine Tardieu, this map provides a detailed view of the geographical and political landscape of these significant Caribbean islands in the early 19th century. Map Details: - **Title**: Carte des Isles de la Jamaïque et de St. Domingue - **Creator**: Pierre Antoine Tardieu (1784-1869) - **Publication Date**: Early 19th century - **Dimensions**: Approximately 34.5 x 43.5 cm (13.5 x 17.25 inches) - **Features**: The map includes detailed representations of Jamaica and Saint-Domingue, highlighting political boundaries, major cities, rivers, and other geographical features. The title cartouche is located in the lower right corner, and the outlines are hand-colored to distinguish different regions. Key Geographic Features and Areas: 1. **Jamaica**: - The map shows Jamaica with detailed markings of its parishes, key towns, and geographical features such as rivers and mountain ranges. - Important locations such as Kingston, Port Royal, and Montego Bay are depicted. 2. **Saint-Domingue (Hispaniola)**: - The island of Saint-Domingue is detailed, showing the division between the French-controlled western part (Haiti) and the Spanish-controlled eastern part (Santo Domingo, now the Dominican Republic). - Key locations such as Cap-Français (Cap-Haïtien), Port-au-Prince, and Santo Domingo are marked. - The map also highlights the island's rivers, mountains, and coastal features. Condition Overview: 1. **Paper Quality**: The paper shows typical signs of aging, such as slight yellowing, but remains in good condition without major tears or damage. 2. **Edges and Corners**: The edges are slightly worn, with minor fraying and small tears, particularly near the center fold. These imperfections do not significantly impact the overall readability or aesthetic value. 3. **Center Fold**: A center fold is present, which is common for maps of this period that were often folded for storage or publication. The fold appears intact without significant separation or damage. 4. **Color and Print Quality**: The hand-colored outlines remain vibrant and clear, highlighting the borders of different regions. The print quality is excellent, with sharp, legible text and detailed illustrations. 5. **Staining and Spots**: There are a few spots and stains, particularly near the edges and along the fold. These do not obscure any critical details of the map. Historical Context Political Landscape 1. **Jamaica**: - Jamaica was a British colony, significant for its sugar plantations and strategic location in the Caribbean. It was a major hub for the British slave trade and plantation economy. 2. **Saint-Domingue**: - The island of Hispaniola was divided between the French colony of Saint-Domingue (now Haiti) and the Spanish colony of Santo Domingo (now the Dominican Republic). - Saint-Domingue was one of the wealthiest colonies in the Caribbean due to its sugar, coffee, and indigo plantations, relying heavily on enslaved African labor. ### Socio-Economic Conditions 1. **Agriculture and Plantations**: - Both Jamaica and Saint-Domingue had economies based on plantation agriculture, producing sugar, coffee, tobacco, and other cash crops. - These plantations were labor-intensive and relied on the transatlantic slave trade for a steady supply of enslaved workers. 2. **Trade and Commerce**: - Major ports such as Kingston in Jamaica and Cap-Français in Saint-Domingue were crucial hubs for trade. Goods were exported to Europe and other parts of the Americas. - The Caribbean Sea was a vital route for the movement of goods, people, and ships. Cultural and Social Aspects 1. **Diverse Populations**: - The population in these islands included European colonists, African slaves, and free people of color. Cultural interactions and exchanges were common, leading to a rich blend of traditions and customs. 2. **Colonial Influence**: - European colonial powers, particularly the British and French, influenced the cultural, religious, and social structures of these islands. Their customs and governance systems shaped the development of the colonies. Conflicts and Changes 1. **Haitian Revolution**: - The Haitian Revolution (1791-1804) was a significant event that led to the establishment of Haiti as the first independent black republic. This revolution had a profound impact on the entire Caribbean region. - The map reflects the political changes occurring during this period, with Saint-Domingue transitioning from French control to independence. 2. **Piracy and Naval Conflicts**: - The Caribbean was a hotspot for piracy and naval conflicts as European powers vied for control of trade routes and territories. Summary Jamaica and Saint-Domingue around 1800 were regions of significant political importance, economic activity, and cultural diversity. The map by Pierre Antoine Tardieu provides a detailed and historically valuable representation of these Caribbean islands, reflecting the geographical and political complexities of the time. See less