Catalog Archive
Auction 137, Lot 294

"Plan of the City of Washington; Now Building for the Metropolis of America, and Established as the Permanent Residence of Congress after the Year 1800", Baker, Benjamin

Subject: Washington, D.C.

Period: 1793 (dated)

Publication: Universal Magazine

Color: Black & White

Size:
13.5 x 10.8 inches
34.3 x 27.4 cm
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Very early plan of the new capital city based on the 'Philadelphia' version of Andrew Ellicott's manuscript plan of 1792. This is one of the earliest printed maps of Washington, barely a year after Hill's plan was issued. The map shows a few major buildings including the Capitol and the Presidents House; others are simply outlined. The proposed landscape design for the Mall is shown with considerable detail. Outline contours of docks and slips are shown along the rivers. This version was circulated in London in the hope of stimulating overseas investment. Published by W. Bent.

References: Jolly UNIV-228; Phillips (M) p. 1004; Verner & Stuart-Stubbs, 8.

Condition: B

There is some light offsetting and some extraneous creasing in the image. Issued folded and now flat.

Estimate: $475 - $600

Sold for: $600

Closed on 9/14/2011

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