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East and West Florida, Gulf Coast and the Caribbean on the Eve of the Louisiana Purchase
This circa 1800 French map, titled Indes Occidentales and attributed to the cartographer Aaron Arrowsmith, provides an intricate depiction of Florida, the Gulf Coast, and the Caribbean region. The map showcases the detailed geography of these areas during a period marked by significant colonial and maritime activity.
The map spans a broad region, extending from the southeastern United States, specifically Florida, across the Gulf of Mexico, and down through the Caribbean Sea. It includes the coastal contours of the Gulf Coast, the Yucatán Peninsula, Central America, and the northern coast of South America. The map also details the various islands of the Caribbean, such as Cuba, Hispaniola (divided into St. Domingue and Santo Domingo), Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and the Lesser Antilles.
East and West Florida are prominently featured, with precise delineation of its coastline and notable geographic features, such as Cap Canaveral and Baie des Espagnols (Espiritu Santo Bay). The Gulf Coast is mapped with key locations like New Orleans and Vera Cruz marked, indicating their importance as major ports and trade centers.
The Caribbean section is richly detailed, with each island labeled and significant cities or settlements identified. For instance, the map highlights Havana in Cuba, Cap Français (present-day Cap-Haïtien) in St. Domingue, and San Juan in Puerto Rico. The intricate network of islands, including smaller ones like Guadeloupe, Martinique, and St. Lucia, is carefully illustrated, emphasizing the complexity and significance of this region in colonial trade and navigation.
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