The American Geographical Society Library recently acquired two 18th-century maps and restored two 18th-century atlases thanks to a gift from the John Quincy Adams Foundation of the Order of Founders and Patriots of America.
The French-language 1776 map from German cartographer Matthäus Albrecht Lotter depicts the British Colonies and portions of the Great Lakes Region at the outbreak of the American Revolution. Additionally, the AGSL acquired a 1777 map from French cartographer Maurille Antoine Moithey. Another map of the fledgling United States, it traces early events of the Revolutionary War with added historical context.
Both the 1776 and 1777 maps have been digitized by library staff and are available to view online.
Beyond the maps, the AGSL also restored two atlases from 1776: A topographical description of such parts of North America as are contained in the (annexed) map of the middle British colonies & in North America and The American military pocket atlas: being an approved collection of correct maps, both general and particular; of the British colonies; especially those which now are, or probably may be the theatre of war. The Description of North America highlights first-hand accounts of the British Colonies from the point of view of British soldiers. The American Military Pocket Atlas includes six maps of the British Colonies based on surveys done by the British navy and army.
Both atlases can be viewed in the AGSL, located on the third floor, east wing of the Golda Meir Library. Summer hours begin May 26 – AGSL visitors can make an appointment to stop in Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. During the summer, the AGSL will be open to the public Tuesday through Friday from noon to 4:30 p.m.