Map of Saint Domingue, Haiti and Dominican Republic, 1793

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This antique map is titled “A Map of the Island of St. Domingo” and dates from circa 1793. It depicts … Read more This antique map is titled “A Map of the Island of St. Domingo” and dates from circa 1793. It depicts the entire island of Hispaniola, comprising modern-day Haiti and the Dominican Republic, at a crucial time during the late 18th century when Saint Domingue (Haiti) was France’s richest colony and on the eve of the Haitian Revolution. This map of the Island of St. Domingo was published in Bryan Edwards’ 'The History, Civil and Commercial, of the British West Indies', first issued in 1793. The map was commissioned by Bryan Edwards for inclusion in his work. Most maps in this publication were engraved by Samuel John Neele (1758–1824), a well-known London engraver who specialised in clear and precise cartographic engravings for atlases and historical books of the period. Therefore, the maker details are: Creator: Commissioned by Bryan Edwards Engraver: Most likely Samuel John Neele, London Publication: The History, Civil and Commercial, of the British West Indies, 1793

The engraving shows in fine detail the coastal settlements, rivers, capes, mountain ranges, and internal roads. Major towns and ports are labelled along both the French-controlled western portion (Saint Domingue) and the Spanish-controlled eastern portion (Santo Domingo). The map also includes surrounding features such as the western tip of Cuba at top left and the island of Tortuga off the northern coast. Notable bays like the Gulf of Gonâve, Port-au-Prince Bay, and Samaná Bay are clearly marked. During the period this map was published, Saint Domingue was the most profitable colony in the world, known for its extensive sugar and coffee plantations reliant on enslaved African labour. Within a decade, the colony would experience the Haitian Revolution (1791–1804), the only successful slave revolt in history leading to the establishment of Haiti as the first Black republic and the second independent nation in the Americas after the United States. The engraving provides a valuable historical record of settlements and geography just prior to these transformative events. It would have been published in an important historical or colonial reference work for British and European readers interested in Caribbean economic and political affairs.

Condition: Good condition for its age. Clean impression with strong engraved lines. Original fold lines as issued, with a few minor fold separations repaired on verso. Some light toning and handling creases, mainly in margins, not affecting the printed area. No staining or tears within the engraved image. Fully suitable for framing. See less