Rare Old Map of North America by Briggs, 1625: Cape Cod, Hudson Bay, Jamestown, California Island, San Diego

The North part of America Conteyning Newfoundland, new England, Virginia, Florida, new Spaine, and Noua Francia…and upon ye West the large and goodly Iland of California is a masterful creation by the esteemed Henry Briggs, crafted in 1625. This map is not only a testament to the cartographic skills of its creator but also a window into the early 17th-century European understanding of the New World. Included in Samuel Purchas’ renowned voyage collection, Hakluytus Posthumus, or Purchas his Pilgrimes, this map is a vital piece for any collection focused on the early exploration and settlement of North America.

Henry Briggs, a notable English mathematician known for his pioneering work on logarithms, turned his analytical mind to the art of cartography with this remarkable map. His work reflects the fervent curiosity and ambition of the Age of Exploration, a period marked by the relentless pursuit of new lands and trade routes. This map was among the first to name several key locations, including Cape Cod, Delaware Bay, Hudson Bay, Hudson's Strait, Hudson River, and San Diego, marking it as a significant milestone in the history of cartography.

The map vividly portrays the entirety of North America, with a particular emphasis on the myth of California as an island. This misconception, perpetuated by European explorers and cartographers, is prominently featured in the lower left corner of the map, where Briggs notes the "large and goodly Island of California." This detail, based on a Spanish chart and the accounts of explorer Francis Gaule, adds a layer of intrigue and historical context to the map, illustrating the evolving understanding of the continent's geography.

In addition to its geographical features, the map also highlights early European settlements and indigenous locations. Notable among these are Plymouth and James Citti (Jamestown) on the East Coast, as well as Real de Nueva Mexico (Santa Fe) and the Pueblos de Moqui (Moqui Villages) in the Southwest. These settlements, derived from the expeditions of Spanish conquistadors like Juan de Oñate, provide a glimpse into the early interactions between European settlers and indigenous peoples, as well as the spread of European influence across the continent.

The map's design is both functional and artistic, with a large title cartouche elegantly covering the unknown Pacific Northwest coastline. The detailed depiction of coastlines, rivers, and bays, combined with the speculative representation of the Northwest Passage, reflects the cartographic style and ambitions of the time. This map is not just a navigational tool but a piece of art that captures the spirit of exploration and discovery that defined the early 17th century.

Cities and towns on this map

• United States:
• Plymouth
• James Citti (Jamestown)
• San Diego
• Monterey
• Mexico:
• Real de Nueva Mexico (Santa Fe)
• Other regions:
• Pueblos de Moqui (Moqui Villages)

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Landmarks:
• Cape Cod
• Delaware Bay
• Hudson Bay
• Hudson's Strait
• Hudson River
• Cape Mendocino
• Cape St Lucas
• Bodies of water:
• Oceanus Japonicus
• Hudson’s Bay
• Button’s Bay
• Gulf of Mexico
• Illustrations:
• Large title cartouche in the Pacific Northwest

Historical and design context

• Fine example of Henry Briggs’ famous map of North America.
• Included in Samuel Purchas’ voyage collection, Hakluytus Posthumus, or Purchas his Pilgrimes.
• One of the most influential maps of the seventeenth century, especially with regard to the myth of California as an island.
• Vital map for any collection focused on California or North America.
• First map to name several important locations: Cape Cod, Delaware Bay, Hudson Bay, Hudson's Strait, Hudson River, Nantucket as “Caupaw,” San Diego, Monterey.
• First English map to show California as an island.
• Includes early appearances of Plymouth and Jamestown.
• Suggests the existence of the Northwest Passage.
• Reflects early Spanish expeditions and settlements in the Southwest.
• The map vividly portrays the entirety of North America.
• The design includes a large title cartouche elegantly covering the unknown Pacific Northwest coastline.
• Detailed depiction of coastlines, rivers, and bays, combined with the speculative representation of the Northwest Passage.

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 50in (125cm). 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.