Early Independent Cuba and Bahamas

Lucas Jr., Fielding (1781–1854) ; Cartographer

Geographical, Statistical, and Historical Map of Cuba and The Bahama Islands [Hand Colored]

Philadelphia: Published by Carey & Lea, 1822.

A sophisticated cartographic study of the northern Caribbean at a political flashpoint, produced during the height of Spanish colonial tension and the rise of Bolivar’s influence. 

This map, plate 40 from the landmark Carey & Lea atlas, provides an exceptionally detailed look at the Bahamian archipelago and the rugged interior topography of Cuba. By surrounding the copperplate engraving with dense, encyclopedic columns of text, Fielding Lucas Jr. created a 'total document' that served as a primary intelligence briefing for 1820s American merchants and diplomats navigating the complex social and economic structures of the West Indies.

KEY FEATURES
+++ Visuals: Hand-colored engraving featuring pictorial mountains in the Cuban interior and detailed bathymetry of the Great Bahama Bank. Notable for marking Cat Island as the 1492 landfall of Columbus.
+++ Binding: Disbound from the 1822 'Complete Historical, Chronological, and Geographical American Atlas'; vertical center-fold as issued.
+++ Content: Extensive text blocks covering the government, climate, and soil of Cuba and the Bahamas, including historical sketches of Spanish and British administration.
+++ Imprint: Philadelphia: Published by Carey & Lea, 1822. Engraved by Young & Delleker.
+++ Specs: Full sheet measures 22 x 17.5 inches; map image 16.5 x 12 inches.

CONDITION - A nice, bright impression with typical light age-toning across the sheet. The hand-coloring is well-preserved. There are two distinct dark spots located just below the bottom map border in the lower margin; these do not affect the cartographic image or the primary text. The original center-fold is strong. Overall a clean, stable specimen of early 19th-century American copperplate printing.

SCHOLARLY FEATURES
+++ Abolitionist Context: The text and map provide a snapshot of the Bahamas during its era as a destination for escaped slaves from Florida, offering a geographical look at the 'Maroon' and maritime escape routes of the period.
+++ Geopolitical Transition: Captures Cuba during the 'Spanish colonial oppression' mentioned in contemporary accounts, just as the successes of Simon Bolivar were beginning to inspire regional revolutionary sentiment.
+++ Hydrographic Detail: One of the most detailed commercial renderings of the Bahamian sand banks and navigational hazards available to the 1822 public.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE —
Fielding Lucas Jr. was the most meticulous American mapmaker of the early 19th century. His work for Carey & Lea was revolutionary because it adopted the 'Lesage' style—integrating high-level statistics directly onto the map sheet. This allowed the viewer to understand not just where Cuba was, but its population density, agricultural output, and colonial history in a single glance.

In 1822, the Bahamas remained a critical British strategic outpost, while Cuba was the 'Jewel of the Antilles' for the Spanish Crown. This map demonstrates the 'interconnection' of these islands, highlighting how their proximity shaped the trade and defense of the American South and the Gulf of Mexico.

SUBJECTS: Cuba, Bahama Islands, Spanish Colonialism, British West Indies, Cartography, 19th-Century Statistics, Bolivar, Maritime History, Antique Map, Engraving, Americana.

BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCE: Phillips 1373a; Howes C133; Rumsey CM1794.

Item #21805

Price: $125.00