George Washington and His Maps
In his journey from surveyor to soldier to leader, our first president used cartography to get a feel for the young nation
- By John Hanc
- Smithsonian.com, November 16, 2010
(Yale University Library)
This map shows the famous 1759 Battle of Quebec, in which the British general Wolfe defeated the French general Montcalm. Why was it in Washington’s collection? “He dispatched [Benedict] Arnold to take Quebec in 1775,” Schecter says. “So this map plus letters from Arnold were his ‘intel.’ This is how he followed the campaign back in Cambridge.”
No doubt while reading this map, Washington also noted the area marked “Landing Place” by the village of Sillery, just west of the city. Here, a young British officer led a group of volunteers up the palisades along the river—the spearhead of a flanking movement that proved to be the decisive point of the battle. That young colonel was the same man that Washington now faced 16 years later: British Army general William Howe.
Comments (4)
Some of the nautical information on this British map may have been gathered by the famous (future captain) James Cook, RN, who did a recconnaissance assignment at Quebec.
Posted by Andre Rodenburg on February 20,2012 | 02:36 PM
I've read that a large part of Napoleon's genius was his ability to make extraordinary use of maps.
Posted by JimCooke on September 6,2011 | 08:07 AM
Mr. Herr,
Your button is not one that George Washington would have worn but more likely one celebrating his inauguration as President in New York. Contact a museum or reputable antique dealer about it. It could be of some value.
Regards, Daniel S.
Posted by Daniel on December 5,2010 | 10:03 AM
I have in my possession a coat size button with the bust of George Washington imbossed on it.It is either brass or bronze,not sure.It was found on long Island in 1976, by me at a place he visited several times.It could be a cape button that he usaully wore.Can you shed some light on it.I will send a picture if need be or please send me photo's of some of his military uniforms.
thanks, Richard T. Herr
Posted by Richard T. Herr on November 24,2010 | 08:50 AM