This highly detailed, large-scale map in two sections is a fascinating description of New York and parts of Pennsylvania and New England at the start of the Revolutionary War. It is a remarkably comprehensive survey of western Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont.

The map was originally commissioned with the intention of improving postal service throughout New York and Pennsylvania, two of the most populous British colonies. In the lower section, follow the "Post Road to Boston" from northern Manhattan across King's Bridge and "West Chester" and through the coastal villages of Fairfield County to New Haven and finally the Connecticut River. Peruse the small towns of Litchfield County, marked by steepled church icons.

Read the annotation along Connecticut's western border with New York explaining the "land surrendered by Connecticut to the Province of New York in 1731". Follow the Hudson River north past the Manors of Philippsburg and Courtland. In the upper section, take the Wagon Road to the northern Hudson Valley and Lake George, past Fort Henry and Fort Amherst (named after Sir Jeffrey Amherst, "Knight of Bath and Lieutenant General of His Majesty's Forces" for whom this map was prepared). Note the famous oxbows of the Connecticut River at Northampton and the mountains at "Kellington" in Vermont.

Our Perfect Recreations of these historic maps are available separately: Lower New York & New England and Upper New York & New England

About John Montresor

Montresor was one of Britain's most experienced and important military engineers working in the northern colonies from the French and Indian Wars to the American Revolution. He was appointed Chief Engineer in 1775, the year of publication of the first version of the Map of the Province of New York ...

Montresor personally scouted and surveyed the frontiers of this region. During the Revolution, he was attached to three British commanders: General Thomas Gage and Sirs William Howe and Henry Clinton.