A Plan of the Town of Newport in Rhode Island

dated 1777

An engraved map titled "A Plan of the Town of Newport in Rhode Island" (English, dated Sep. 1, 1777) surveyed by Charles Blaskowitz (ca. 1743-1823) and engraved and published by William Faden (1749-1836). The Blaskowitz-Faden map of Newport depicts the city during the height of its importance in American history, detailing how it appeared in the early days of the American Revolution. The map depicts the streets and wharfs of Newport with Goat Island in the foreground, a reference block on the lower right indicates the position of prominent buildings, such as houses of worship and those related to government and commerce. These features indicate Newport as an important maritime city, made prosperous by its ties to the Triangle Trade, and center for religious freedom. The last note listed in the reference block reads "F. A Battery raised by the Americans" and a "Powder Magazine" is identified in the north western interior, placing Newport in the context of the Revolutionary War. The British Royal Navy seized control of Newport in 1776. The city was occupied by the British until 1779.

Rhode Island Furniture Archive Number: RIF3353

English

ink on paper

22 1/4" x 23 1/2"

PSNC.2346