1854 Direccion Hidrografica Nautical Chart of Map of Cuba

Scarce Spanish nautical chart of Cuba.

This is an 1854 Direccion Hidrografica nautical chart or maritime map of the western part of Cuba, an update of a chart originally published in 1837. It demonstrates the difficulties of navigating the coastal waters off the coast of Cuba, due to shallow waters, strong currents, numerous hazards, and a lack of good anchorages.

A Closer Look

The map depicts Cuba from Cape San Antonio eastward as far as the Bahía de Cárdenas and Gulf of Cazones. It includes the Isla de Pinos and the city of Havana. Countless depth soundings are indicated, along with hazards, shoals, banks, currents, information on bottoms (explained in a legend at bottom-left), and notes on the construction of the chart and navigation. A series of signs also explained in the legend are related to the measurement of latitude and longitude, including trigonometric observations. The interesting feature on the north side of the island labelled 'bajo visto en 1748 y 1793' refers to shallow waters that revealed low ground in those years. Pencil annotations trace the voyage of a ship around the west coast of the island to Havana and beyond, while also adding some soundings around a small island in the right margin.

Some inland detail is included, such as several important mountains as well as the villages of Guanajayu, San Antonio de los Banos, San Antonio de Bedia, Manajau, Madruga, among others. Yellow and red markers denote lights (such as they were) at Batabanó, Cape San Antonio, Havana, and the Bahía de Cárdenas. A directional title cartouche appears in the upper left quadrant. The logo of the Direcction Hidrografica is situated in the lower right.

Publication History and Census

This map was prepared by a party under the command of the Spanish marine, Angel Laborde y Navarro. It was ordered by Don Ramon Gil de la Cuadra, head of the Direccion Hidrografica and was originally published in 1837 and further updated to 1854. The chart was drawn by Miguel Moreno and engraved by Rafael Estebe (perhaps the same as contemporary Court Engraver Rafael Esteve), with letter engraving by C. Marquerie. The 1837 edition is cataloged at several institutions in the OCLC, but the 1854 edition is only held by the New York Public Library.

Cartographers

The Direccion Hidrografía (1787 - 1927), also known as the Deposito Hydrografico and the Direction de Hidrografía, was the Spanish equivalent of the British Admiralty or the U.S. Coast Survey. This organization, founded in 1787, was commissioned to collect and produce accurate nautical charts of all waters frequented by Spanish vessels. In essence, it replaced the Casa de la Contratación de las Indias (House of Trade of the Indies), which closed its doors in 1790. Like most such organizations, the Direccion Hidrografía marked a new age in cartography. Rather than simply collect charts created by navigators, explorers, and merchants, the Direccion Hidrografía worked closely with naval and military personnel to mount cartographic and hydrographic expeditions in pursuit of the most accurate hydrographical, astronomical, and geodetic measurements. The Direccion Hidrografía created a massive library of nautical charts that, though not nearly as common as similar nautical charts by the U.S. Coast Survey and British Admiralty, are highly desirable for the beauty of their manufacture as well as their accuracy and detail. The office was originally located on Calle Ballesta, but relocated to 36 Alcala, both in Madrid. After 1908 the Dirección was subsumed into other governmental agencies. In 1927 the Direccion was absorbed into the Institute and Observatory of San Fernando, located in Cadiz. The library of original maps, charts, and journals was transferred to the Naval Museum of Madrid - where it resides to this day.   Further Details...

Ramon Gil de Cuadra (1775 - 1860) was a Spanish scientist and politician active in the early 19th century. Gil de Cuadra traveled extensively throughout the world including documented voyages to North America, South America, the Philippines and British India. He was part of the Spanish embassy to the United States to define the limits to Spanish possessions in the New World. Later, Cuadra is known to have lived for a time in England before returning to Spain in 1836 to accept a commission as the minister of the Interior-Portfolio Direccion Hidrografico. He also served as a Royally appointed Senator-for-life, Director of the Navy, and Minister of the Interior of the Peninsula.   Further Details...

Angel Laborde y Navarro (August 2, 1772 - April 4, 1834) was a Spanish Marine and Naval Commander active in the early part of the 19th century. Navarro had a loud and distinguished military career and was active in numerous naval campaigns, most of which were in the Caribbean. Navarro established a reputation as a cleaver tactician and strategist able to find a path to victory in even the most dire circumstances. In 1832, near the end of his days, he was appointed Minister of Marine by Royal Decree. Though he maintained the position for only two years, he instigated a number of important surveys and wrote a book on naval combat. In 1833, for his accomplishments, he was awarded the Cruz de Isabel la Catolica, a high military honor. Navarro died in Havana, Cuba, in 1834.   Further Details...

Miguel Moreno (fl. c. 1792 - 1845) was a Spanish cartographer and draftsman active with the Depósito Hidrográfico in Madrid during the first half of the 19th century. Hs served in the Spanish royal navy as a pilot as early as 1808. By 1807 he was producing nautical charts for the Depósito Hidrográfico. He participated in the geographical expedition to South America of Cosme Damián Churruca (1792 - 95), which included the Antilles. Moreno was widely considered the Depósito Hidrográfico's primary expert on the Gulf Coast and Puerto Rico.   Further Details...

Condition

Good. Areas of foxing; filled holes with virtually no loss. Pencil navigational notations.

References

NYPL Map Div. 21-402.