Screwpiles: The Forgotten Lighthouses

Maps and Charting Technology Captain John Smith’s Remarkable Map . . . A Beginning The adjacent map is the 1633/1639–42 Henricus Hondius Dutch version of Captain John Smith’s original 1618 map. The double dates refer first to the earliest date of the original copperplate, while the second records the first use of the copperplate altered to print this map. 12 English and Dutch cartographers used the original copy to create other versions, such as this, changing color and other features to add interest. This map was first published in 1639 in Hondius Atlas Major and was widely circulated.

In the summer of 1608, Captain John Smith set out on an exploration of the Chesapeake Bay. He made detailed notes and took measurements to create his maps. His only tools were a compass and a log. His methods were not well documented but he most likely took bearings on points of land and sailed to the point measuring the distance. Using that early surveying

technique, he was able to chart his way through bays, creeks, and rivers, making an accurate account of important features and locations. John Smith’s maps have been analyzed against modern maps and have been found to be remarkably accurate.

His maps were copied extensively and reproduced into the early 1700s.

The convention in the 17th century was to orient the map with west at the top, as a mariner would picture the land when approaching from sea. That convention was dropped in the 18th century when maps oriented north at the top.

Ancient European compass Dr. Chen’s Blog

Virginia is the prominent title, Captain Smith most likely using that name (denoting the Virginia Company) to describe the entire area he explored. Chief Powhatan is depicted in a royal state in the upper left, and the map shows all of his kingdom, from the Susquehanna to Cape Henry.

Captain John Smith, 1580–1631 Wikipedia

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