Eldridge, George W.
1917

Antique chart of Block Island Sound between Montauk and Martha's Vineyard

Geo. W. Eldridge's Chart B New London to Gay Head 1917

DESCRIPTION: Antique nautical chart by Eldridge of Block Island Sound with portions of coastal New York, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. Coverage on this maritime chart of New England includes Montauk Point on Long Island, Gardiners Island, Fishers Island, Block Island, Point Judith, Cuttyhunk Island, and Nashawena Island. Towns include: New London, Connecticut; Stonington, Maine; Newport, Rhode Island; and Westport Point, Massachusetts. Inset plan of Block Island Harbor at upper center. Near Newport, Rhode Island chart detail includes the Brenton Reef Light Ship, Fort Adams, Beavertail Point, Coasters Harbor Island, and Rose Island.

Newport, Rhode Island has a long association with sea trade, piracy, and naval history. During the colonial era the major financial activity in Rhode Island was the slave trade and Newport was at the the center of that commerce. One of the first outward American acts of defiance against the British government took place on the north end of Goat Island in Newport harbor. In May, 1769 a mob of Rhode Islanders sank and burned the British revenue sloop HMS Liberty in retaliation for British seizures of American vessels.

This antique chart was produced under the name of George Washington Eldridge (1845-1914) who carried on the business of chart publishing after the death of his father George Eldridge in 1900. It was published by Wilfrid O. White of Boston, Massachusetts. White was Eldridge's son-in-law who contnued to sell Eldridge's charts after his death until 1932.

Guthorn explains the atraction and value that Eldridge's charts held through the years for seafarers who depended on them:

"They survived because of good design, simplicity, omission of extraneous shore topography, legible soundings, notes and the use of compass courses only ( Guthorn, Peter. United State Coastal Charts: 1783 - 1861. Exton, Pennsylvania. 1984. p. 12. )."

George Washington Eldridge (1845-1914)

George Washington Eldridge (1845-1914) was an American cartographer, publisher, and sailor. He was born on October 23, 1845, in Chatham, Massachusetts, United States, and was the son of the famous cartographer and hydrographer George Eldridge (1821-1900). The Eldridges are among the best known private publishers of nautical charts during the 19th century, they published their own charts in competition with the U.S. Coast Survey.

Eldridge grew up in a family of sailors and was trained by his father in cartography and navigation. In 1866, at the age of 21, he started working for his father's chart-making and publishing business, which was based in Chatham. Later, he took over the business and expanded it, adding new products such as sailing guides, tide tables, and nautical almanacs.

Eldridge's most famous publication was the "Eldridge Tide and Pilot Book," which he first published in 1875. The book became an essential resource for sailors and navigators along the East Coast of the United States and remains in publication to this day. He also created charts and maps for the U.S. Navy during the Spanish-American War.

In addition to his work as a cartographer and publisher, Eldridge was an accomplished sailor who participated in several yacht races and regattas. G.W. was also a member of the Boston Yacht Club and served as its commodore from 1898 to 1900. One of Eldridge's most significant accomplishments was the construction of a new clubhouse for the Boston Yacht Club. Eldridge led the effort to raise funds and oversee the construction of the new facility, which was located on the waterfront in Marblehead, Massachusetts.

Source: Guthorn, Peter. United State Coastal Charts: 1783 - 1861. Exton, Pennsylvania. 1984. p. 12.

CREATOR: Eldridge, George W.

PUBLICATION DATE: 1917

GEOGRAPHIC AREA: United States

BODY OF WATER: Block Island Sound

CONDITION: Good. Slight age toning on paper laid to linen as originally issued. One small stain and one small hole near title are the only noteable flaws.

COLORING: None except a few ranges are highlighted in red ink.

ENGRAVER:

SIZE: 46 " x 26 "

ITEM PHYSICAL LOCATION: 1409

PRICE: $600

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