Old Map of Haiti and Dominican Republic by Le Rouge, 1748: Santo Domingo, Les Cayques, Turks & Caicos

Step into the captivating world of 18th-century cartography with the "Isle De St. Domingue," a masterpiece by the renowned French cartographer Georges-Louis Le Rouge. Created in 1748, this map offers a detailed glimpse into the Caribbean's colonial past, showcasing the island of Hispaniola, now known as Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The map is part of Le Rouge's esteemed "Nouvel Atlas Portatif," a collection celebrated for its precision and artistry. With its vibrant hand-drawn illustrations and careful delineation of political boundaries, this map is a testament to the cartographic expertise of its time.

Georges-Louis Le Rouge was a pivotal figure in the world of 18th-century mapmaking. His works are celebrated for their accuracy and aesthetic appeal, reflecting the geopolitical interests of France during the colonial era. Le Rouge's maps not only served navigational purposes but also illustrated the territorial ambitions and divisions between European powers. This map, in particular, highlights the colonial rivalry between France and Spain, with a red line marking the division between their respective territories on the island.

The map vividly depicts the diverse geography of the region, from the rugged mountains to the expansive plains. The Mer du Nord (North Sea) is prominently featured, along with the surrounding islands such as Les Cayques and La Grande Inague. The intricate shading and relief work bring the topography to life, offering a glimpse into the natural beauty and strategic importance of these lands. Each element is meticulously crafted, reflecting the cartographer's dedication to detail and accuracy.

Cities and towns are marked with precision, offering a snapshot of the urban landscape during this period. In Haiti, notable settlements like Le Cap, Port-de-Paix, and Port-au-Prince are featured, while the Dominican Republic showcases Santo Domingo, La Vega, and Santiago de los Caballeros. These locations, bustling with colonial activity, were central to the economic and cultural exchanges of the era. The map serves as a historical document, capturing the essence of these vibrant communities.

Beyond its geographical and political significance, the "Isle De St. Domingue" map is a work of art. Its design reflects the elegance and sophistication of 18th-century cartography, with hand-colored illustrations that add depth and character. This map is not just a tool for navigation; it is a window into a bygone era, offering insights into the complex interplay of power, culture, and nature in the Caribbean. Owning this map is akin to holding a piece of history, a testament to the enduring allure of exploration and discovery.

Cities and towns on this map

• Haiti
• Le Cap
• Port-de-Paix

• Port-au-Prince

• Dominican Republic

• Santo Domingo
• La Vega
• Monte Plata
• Bayaha
• Santiago de los Caballeros

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Bodies of water:

• Mer du Nord (North Sea)

• Borders:

• Red line indicating the division between French and Spanish territories.

• Mountains:

• Depicted with shaded relief.

• Other notable features:

• Islands such as Les Cayques, La Grande Inague, and Mouchior Quaree.

Historical and design context

• Mapmaker/Publisher: Georges-Louis Le Rouge, a prominent French cartographer.
• Date created: 1748
• Design/Style:
• Typical 18th-century cartographic style with hand-drawn illustrations and coloring.
• Emphasizes both political boundaries and physical features.
• Historical significance:
• Illustrates colonial interests and territorial claims in the Caribbean during the 18th century.
• Provides insight into the geographic understanding of the period.

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 18x24in (45x60cm) 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.