(New York) Map, “Fowler’s New Map of the Hudson River: with a description of the adjoining country: the distances of the different towns, &c. on the Canal, from Albany to Buffalo, the distances of the different towns from Albany, by stage, to Niagara Falls, Lake George, &c.” (Albany: George Fowler, Vance & Wendell, Printers), 600 x 60 mm. (23 5/8 x 2 3/8 in.) on a 740 x 260 mm. (29 1/8 x 10 1/4 in.) sheet.

A superb and detailed view of the Hudson Valley around the year 1830, when the Hudson River was still the primary link between New York City and the state’s interior. Complimenting the map, which runs from New York City in the south up to Glenville, where the river turns to the west before disappearing in the Adirondacks, is a detailed gazetteer. The top features the mileage on the route from Buffalo and Albany “BY CANAL“, noting the various locales along the Erie Canal that had been completed in 1825, as well as the route between the two cities “BY STAGE“. Below, the reader finds short descriptions of the principle towns along the route from Albany down to the city and include historical notes with a special emphasis on the region’s connection to the Revolutionary War while the description of the City of New York boasts of its commercial connections detailing how many packets sail for Europe, and at what frequency.

The Hudson would continue to serve as the primary route of communication and trade between the port of New York and the North American interior until the 1850s, when viable rail routes had been completed between Albany and New York. At the time Fowler published this map, water served as the most economical means of transporting goods. New York saw its first major passenger railroads chartered around this time — the first regularly scheduled passenger service in the country, running between Albany and Schenectady, began in 1831.

Rare. We are currently aware of three institutional examples held by the New York State Library, Clements Library, and the Boston Public Library. One more example is known to have traded hands in the past few years and is currently in a private collection.

Creases, folds with minor pinholes in a few spots, light toning and soiling, else very good condition overall. Note this piece has been stored folded for some time and will be shipped in the same manner.

(EXA 5906) SOLD