Rare Old Map of the Battle of Long Island, 1776: American Revolution, British Landing

Step into the rich history of the American Revolution with this exquisite 1776 map, "The Seat of Action between the British and American Forces." Crafted by the renowned mapmakers Sayer & Bennett, this detailed cartographic masterpiece captures one of the pivotal early battles of the war—the Battle of Long Island. The map vividly illustrates the strategic maneuvers and military engagements between the British and American forces, providing a fascinating glimpse into the tactical complexities of the era.

The map is not just a geographical representation but a dynamic infographic that conveys the unfolding drama of the battle. It meticulously charts the British landing at Gravesend Bay, the American defensive lines along Gowanus Heights, and the crucial flanking maneuver through Jamaica Pass. The visual narrative is enhanced by annotations and symbols that highlight key military positions, troop movements, and the eventual American retreat to Brooklyn. This level of detail offers a compelling insight into the strategic thinking and challenges faced by both sides.

Adding to its historical significance, the map is based on the surveys of Major Samuel Holland, a prominent figure in 18th-century cartography. Holland's expertise ensured the map's accuracy and detail, making it an invaluable resource for understanding the geographical and tactical elements of the battle. Sayer & Bennett's publication of this map shortly after the battle underscores its importance as a contemporary record of a critical moment in the Revolutionary War.

The map also serves as a rich repository of geographical information, extending from Courtland on the Hudson River to Sandy Hook and Middletown in New Jersey. It features towns, settlements, roads, and topographical details, providing a comprehensive view of the region during the late 18th century. The inclusion of the British fleet in New York Bay and the American fortifications on Long Island and Manhattan further enriches the map's narrative, offering a holistic view of the military and naval aspects of the conflict.

This map is a testament to the artistry and precision of 18th-century cartography, blending historical narrative with geographical detail. It stands as a valuable artifact for historians, collectors, and anyone with a passion for the American Revolution. The map's intricate design and historical context make it a captivating addition to any collection, offering a window into the strategic and geographical landscape of one of America's most defining conflicts.

Places on this map

• New York City
• Long Island
• Staten Island
• New Jersey
• Connecticut
• Hudson River
• East River
• The Sound
• Atlantic Ocean
• Gravesend Bay
• Gowanus Heights
• Brooklyn
• Manhattan
• Sandy Hook
• Middletown
• Courtland
• Amboy
• Philadelphia
• Newark Bay
• Hackinsack
• New Rochelle
• Stamford
• Hempstead Plains
• Jamaica Pass
• Greenwich
• White Plains
• Tappan Sea
• Haverstraw
• Poughkeepsie
• Esopus

Notable Features & Landmarks

• British landing site: Gravesend Bay in eastern Long Island.
• American defensive lines: Stretching from the shore eastward along Gowanus Heights.
• British troop movements: Two columns attacking American forces and the main thrust through Jamaica Pass.
• American retreat: To fortifications at the village of Brooklyn on the East River.
• Assembled British fleet: In New York Bay.
• Geographical features: Major towns, settlements, roads, and residences.
• Inset map: Showing the road from Amboy to Philadelphia.
• Topographical details: Including rivers, bays, and hills.
• Military positions: Both British and American positions are marked.
• Key locations: Such as Manhattan, Long Island, Staten Island, and parts of New Jersey.
• Water bodies: Hudson River, East River, The Sound, and the Atlantic Ocean.
• Historical context: The map was published soon after the battle, reflecting the immediate aftermath and strategic movements.
• Cartographic details: Based on Major Holland's surveys, providing accuracy and detail.
• Map legend: Explaining symbols and markings used on the map.
• Compass rose: Indicating directions on the map.
• Scale bar: For measuring distances on the map.
• Annotations: Describing key events and movements during the battle.
• Historical narrative: The map tells the story of the Battle of Long Island through visual representation.
• British strategy: Illustrated through the depiction of troop movements and landings.
• American fortifications: Shown in Brooklyn and other strategic points.
• Naval presence: Depicting the British fleet's strategic positioning.
• Geopolitical boundaries: Indicating the borders of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
• Historical landmarks: Important sites related to the battle and the Revolutionary War.
• Visual style: Reflects the artistic and cartographic conventions of the late 18th century.

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: The Seat of Action between the British and American Forces. Or an Authentic Plan of the Western Part of Long Island, With the engagement of the 27th August 1776 Between the Kings Forces and the Americans . . . from Surveys of Major Holland.
• Date of creation: 1776
• Mapmaker or publisher: Sayer & Bennett
• Interesting context about the mapmaker: Sayer & Bennett were prominent map publishers in the 18th century, known for producing detailed and accurate maps. They published this map soon after the Battle of Long Island, and it likely competed with William Faden's map of the same event.
• Historical significance:
• Battle of Long Island: The map depicts the Battle of Long Island, one of the early and significant battles of the American Revolution.
• British strategy: The map illustrates the British strategy to cut off New England and gain control of the lower Hudson, aiming to isolate and overpower the northern colonies.
• American retreat: It documents the American forces' retreat to Brooklyn and their subsequent evacuation to Manhattan, a critical moment in the battle.
• Topics and themes shown on the map:
• Military positions and movements: The map shows the British landing, troop movements, and the American defensive positions.
• Geographical features: It includes towns, settlements, major topographical features, roads, and residences.
• Naval presence: The assembled British fleet in New York Bay is depicted.
• Countries and regions shown on the map:
• United States: The map focuses on the area around New York City, including parts of New Jersey, Long Island, and Connecticut.
• Design or style of the map:
• Infographic thematic map: It conveys detailed information about the battle and troop movements in an illustrative manner.
• Historical cartography: The map was based on surveys by Major Holland and reflects the cartographic style of the late 18th century.
• Additional context:
• British evacuation of Boston: The map follows the British retreat from Boston and their subsequent strategy to control New York.
• Strategic importance of New York: The map highlights New York's significance in the British plan to dominate the northern colonies.

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 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 20in (50cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

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.