Pittman, Philip
1853

Uncommon lithographed map of New Orleans

DESCRIPTION: Uncommon lithographed map ca. 1853 of New Orleans, Louisiana as it appeared in 1770, based upon the reconnaissance of Captain Philip Pittman, a British army engineer. This lithographed mid 19th-century map is the earliest easily obtainable copy of Pittman's 1770 engraved map.

Lithographed by Sarony & Major. Sarony and Major were well known New York lithographers 1846-1853.

Pittman's book was the first English book on the topography, settlements, and inhabitants of the region. In 1764, he traveled the Mississippi River to New Orleans with Major Arthur Loftus.

The map was first printed as an engraved plate in Pittman's "The Present State Of The European Settlements On The Mississippi; with A Geographical Description of that River Illustrated by Plans and Draughts" (J. Nourse, London 1770).

About the site of New Orleans Pittman wrote:

NEW ORLEANS stands on the east side of the river, it has a very easy communication with the northern parts of Louisiana (now West Florida) by means of the Bayou of St. John, a little creek, which is navigable for small vessels drawing less than six feet water, six miles up from the lake Ponchartain, where there is a landing-place, at which the vessels load and un load ; and this is about two miles from the city.

Pittman described the area around Jackson Square, and St. Louis Cathedral, perhaps New Orleans best-known locations (café du Monde, street artists, carriage rides):

The parade is a large square, in the middle of that part of the town which fronts the river ; in the back part of the square is the church dedicated to St. Louis, a very poor building, framed with wood ; it is in so ruinous a condition that divine service has not been performed in it since the year 1766, one of the king's store houses being at present used for that purpose.

CREATOR: Pittman, Philip

PUBLICATION DATE: 1853

GEOGRAPHIC AREA: United States

BODY OF WATER: Mississippi River

CONDITION: Good Lithograph on thin paper with minor darkening at vertical centerfold. Strong image. Minor archivally repaired tear in margin only.

COLORING: None

ENGRAVER:

SIZE: 10 " x 8 "

ITEM PHYSICAL LOCATION: 3

PRICE: $285

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