Map of the Western Hemisphere, 1744

This attractive map is a revision of old Homann’s 1710 map of America. After his death in 1724, his son (Johann Christoph Homann) re-engraved the plate to correct the west coast of North America, which here extends far to the west and north, with very little detail.

The coastline is called Costa Terrae Borealis and is attributed to the accounts of João da Gama, who sighted land while crossing the Pacific Ocean in 1589-90.

California is no longer shown as an island, although remnants of the inland sea can be seen near Moozemleck Country, where a river almost joins the Mississippi River system, suggesting the possibility of a Northwest Passage.

The Great Lakes take shape and are actively explored by French fur traders and the Hudson Bay Company. The Solomon Islands lie prominently in the Pacific, much too far to the east.

The map is decorated with two large cartouches, the upper one showing the natives worshipping a terrible demon on the right, while on the left they listen quietly to a priest. The lower cartouche also shows the native landscape and fauna.

1744 Map of the Western Hemisphere – Historical Map