Rare Old Birdseye Map of New York & Brooklyn by Bachmann, 1851: Central Park, The Battery, Brooklyn, East River, Hudson River

Immerse yourself in the historical grandeur of mid-19th century New York with the Bird's Eye View of New-York & Brooklyn, a meticulously hand-colored lithograph by the esteemed John Bachmann. Created in 1851, this map offers a rare aerial perspective that showcases the burgeoning urban landscapes of New York and Brooklyn. At a time when the cities were experiencing rapid growth and transformation, Bachmann's work captures the essence of urban expansion, juxtaposing the densely populated areas against the remaining tracts of farmland. This piece stands out not only for its artistic merit but also as a significant document of urban development, providing a window into the past that highlights the evolution of these iconic cities.

John Bachmann, a German-American lithographer, settled in New York City in 1836 and quickly became known for his bird's eye view maps. His unique approach to cartography, combining detailed accuracy with artistic flair, makes his work highly sought after by collectors and historians alike. The Bird's Eye View of New-York & Brooklyn is a testament to Bachmann's talent and his ability to convey the vibrancy of city life. From the bustling waterfronts of Brooklyn Heights to the emerging skyline of Lower Manhattan, Bachmann's map is a vibrant illustration of New York City's urban landscape, making it a prized possession for anyone interested in the history of American cities.

The map is rich in detail, featuring notable neighborhoods, landmarks, and waterways that define New York and Brooklyn. Central Park, still in its infancy, hints at the green oasis it would become amidst the urban sprawl. The Battery, Castle Clinton, and Governor's Island are prominently displayed, marking the strategic importance of New York's harbor. Brooklyn shows its early signs of urbanization, with Williamsburg and Brooklyn Heights sketched in remarkable detail. The map's depiction of the East River, Hudson River, and Harlem River not only highlights the natural boundaries of these cities but also the crucial role waterways played in their development and economy.

In addition to its geographical accuracy, the map includes a legend listing 12 key points of interest, such as City Hall, the Custom House, and the Merchant's Exchange. These landmarks offer a glimpse into the civic and commercial heart of mid-19th century New York, providing context to the bustling life depicted. The inclusion of streets and roads, from Broadway to Wall Street, allows viewers to navigate the historical landscape, tracing the paths that have shaped the city's history. This level of detail makes the map not only a beautiful piece of art but also a valuable tool for understanding the urban fabric of New York and Brooklyn.

The Bird's Eye View of New-York & Brooklyn by John Bachmann is more than just a map; it is a historical artifact that captures a pivotal moment in the growth of two of America's most iconic cities. Its combination of artistic beauty and cartographic detail offers a unique glimpse into the past, making it an essential addition to any collection of historical maps. Whether you are a historian, cartographer, or simply someone who appreciates the intricate beauty of maps, Bachmann's work is sure to inspire and captivate.

Streets and roads on this map

• Battery Place
• Broadway
• Catherine Street
• Chatham Street
• Church Street
• Division Street
• Dover Street
• Duane Street
• Exchange Place
• Frankfort Street
• Fulton Street
• Gold Street
• Greenwich Street
• Hanover Square
• John Street
• Liberty Street
• Maiden Lane
• Marketfield Street
• Nassau Street
• Pearl Street
• Pine Street
• Roosevelt Street
• South Street
• State Street
• Wall Street
• Water Street
• Whitehall Street

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Central Park
• The Battery
• Castle Clinton
• Governor's Island
• Ellis Island
• Brooklyn
• Williamsburg
• Blackwell's Island
• Hell Gate
• Astoria
• Long Island City
• Greenpoint
• Newtown
• Flushing
• College Point
• Whitestone
• Throg's Neck
• East River
• Hudson River
• Harlem River
• Arthur Kill
• Newark Bay
• Kill Van Kull
• Raritan Bay

Historical and design context

• Title: Bird's Eye View of New-York & Brooklyn
• Date: 1851
• Mapmaker/Publisher: John Bachmann; Schedler and Liebler
• Interesting context about mapmaker: John Bachmann was a German-American lithographer known for his bird's eye view maps of American cities. Immigrated to the United States in 1836 and settled in New York City.
• Topics and themes: The map shows the geography of New York and Brooklyn in 1851, including streets, buildings, parks, and bodies of water. It highlights the growth of New York City and Brooklyn in the 19th century, showcasing the development of transportation and urban expansion.
• Design or style: The map is a bird's eye view map and a hand-colored lithograph, offering a comprehensive view of the area from a perspective above the ground.
• Historical significance or context: Provides a glimpse into the urban life of New York City and Brooklyn in the 19th century, showing the growth of the city, the development of transportation, and the location of key points of interest.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.