Old Rare Map of Mauritius by Fraser, 1835: Port Louis, Mahébourg, Mountains

The map titled "To Lieut. Genl. the honble. Sir Charles Colville G.C.B. G.C.H. K.C.T&S. &c. &c. &c. Late Governor and commander in chief of Mauritius and its dependencies" is a masterful depiction of the island of Mauritius, crafted in 1835 by F.A. Mackenzie Fraser. This exquisite piece is a testament to the rich cartographic tradition of the 19th century, capturing the intricate details of Mauritius with unparalleled precision. The map showcases the island's cities, roads, and topography, offering a glimpse into the historical landscape that shaped the region's development.

The mapmaker, F.A. Mackenzie Fraser, collaborated with the esteemed John Arrowsmith, a member of the renowned Arrowsmith cartographic family. The Arrowsmiths were celebrated for their meticulous and carefully updated maps, and John Arrowsmith continued this legacy with his contributions to "The London atlas of universal geography." This map is part of that illustrious collection, reflecting the family's dedication to geographical exploration and precision in cartography.

Mauritius, with its lush landscapes and strategic location, is depicted in great detail on this map. The relief is artfully indicated by hachures, highlighting the island's mountainous regions and offering insight into its natural topography. The map also includes tables detailing the population of Mauritius in 1827, sugar export returns, and the height of principal mountains, providing a comprehensive view of the island's economic and geographical significance during that era.

The cities and towns of Mauritius, such as Port Louis, Mahébourg, and Moka, are meticulously plotted, showcasing the vibrant human settlements that dotted the island in the 19th century. The map's hand-colored engraving brings these locations to life, offering a vivid representation of the island's urban and rural landscapes. This attention to detail underscores the map's historical value, serving as a window into the past for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Beyond its geographical details, the map is a symbol of the rich history and craftsmanship of the Arrowsmith dynasty. John Arrowsmith's dedication to cartography earned him recognition as a significant figure in geographical circles, and his work continues to be celebrated for its precision and artistry. This map of Mauritius is not just a geographical document; it is a piece of history, capturing the essence of an era and the legacy of a family that shaped the world of cartography.

Cities and towns on this map

• Mauritius:
• Port Louis
• Mahébourg
• Moka
• Flacq
• Grand Port

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Bodies of Water:
• Coastlines surrounding Mauritius.
• Mountains:
• Relief shown by hachures, indicating mountainous regions.
• Tables:
• Population of Mauritius in 1827.
• Sugar export returns.
• Height of principal mountains.
• Compass Rose:
• Oriented toward the top of the sheet.
• Bar Scale:
• In English miles.

Historical and design context

• Creation date: 1835.
• Mapmaker/Publisher: F.A. Mackenzie Fraser; published in "The London atlas of universal geography" by John Arrowsmith in 1858.
• Mapmaker context:
• John Arrowsmith was part of the renowned Arrowsmith cartographic family, known for meticulous and carefully updated maps.
• The Arrowsmith family was a cartographic dynasty, with John Arrowsmith being a significant figure in geographical and exploratory circles.
• Design and style:
• Hand-colored engraving.
• Features a compass rose oriented toward the top.
• Includes a legend and a bar scale in English miles.
• Historical significance:
• Represents the detailed cartographic work of the 19th century.
• A testament to the craftsmanship of the Arrowsmith dynasty.

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 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) 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.