Visit the State Library from December 2 to December 31 to see our next displayed item –
Map of Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island: Constructed from the Latest Authorities. Published in 1825 by Anthony Finley, the cartographer was David H. Vance and the map was engraved by James Hamilton. Since this map, and others published by Finley, was based on the latest authorities, it could be counted on to be precise and accurate. The counties located within each state were hand colored, and nearly two hundred years later the map is still a vibrant representation of New England.
In addition to identifying county boundary lines, towns, and geographical features of each state, this map also provides interesting information about population growth in the early 1800s. The population size of each county found in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, as well as an overall count for the entire state, is listed for both 1810 and 1820. This data was likely compiled from the Federal Census, which continues to be taken every ten years. From 1810 to 1820, Massachusetts increased from 472,040 to 521,725, Connecticut increased from 261,924 to 275,248, and Rhode Island increased from 76,931 to 83,059. The increase in each of these states during the ten year span matches the general population increase that occurred in the United States, which experienced about thirty-three percent growth.
Before the map went on display, it needed to undergo a fair bit of preservation treatment. It had previously been pieced together with adhesive tape and fabric, so we worked carefully to remove as much of those materials as possible. Surface dirt had accumulated after years of handling, so the map was also cleaned, and tears and paper loss were mended with thin Japanese paper and wheat paste.
Anthony Finley was a prolific map publisher, including a map of the United States in 1827 and Massachusetts in 1831, which is also part of the library’s collection. The State Library has an extensive map collection, which can be searched on our online catalog and through our digital repository, DSpace. And visit us through the end of December to see this map in person. If you’re from southern New England, be sure to find your own town and county!
By Elizabeth Roscio
Preservation Librarian
