Narragansett Bay 1777- Reproduction

This map was made by the Polish-born Royal Hydrographer of the British Empire Charles Blaskowitz in the year 1777. A hydrographer’s job was to measure the depth of the ocean to help navigators bring their ships safely to harbor without running aground but there are some interesting details here that reveal another purpose. In addition to water depth, the topography of the land is shown but only around the waterways; those are strategic locations where those pesky American rebels might put guns to defend the ports from British naval intervention. In effect, this is an invasion map, though fortunately one for an invasion that never came.

17”x24”