Historic Maps
1795 Amos Doolittle Engraved First Edition of the Very First Map of Vermont in an Atlas Published in America
1795 Federal Period, Hand-Colored Metal-plate Engraved Map of Vermont, “Delineated and Engraved by Amos Doolittle, N.H.” (New Haven, Connecticut), measuring 14” x 11.25” (by sight), Framed, Very Fine.
This is a historic First edition of the First Map of Vermont to appear in an Atlas published in America. It was Engraved by Amos Doolittle of New Haven, for the the American edition of Guthrie's Geography. An early American engraver and silversmith, known as "The Revere of Connecticut," Doolittle’s engravings included portraits and maps, made in his New Haven, Connecticut studio. He became famous for his four engravings depicting the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which were based on his first-hand reconnaissance of the battlefield. This Map is partially Hand-colored by counties and names the townships of Vermont, plus a green Lake Champlain. It is housed in a gilt, simple modern wooden frame under Plexiglas. The overall condition is sharply printed in black on even tone paper with a light vertical tone central fold in the period wove paper. The importance of this early Map comes from its maker, the famous Amos Doolittle, an early American engraver of metal-plate engravings, including maps, bookplates, bible illustrations, etc. Amos Doolittle was a New Haven, Connecticut cartographer and engraver, who produced many of the best early maps of New England. This map of Vermont is a fine example of his work. The map shows the development of the state at the time, broken into counties and townships. The major towns, Dartmouth College, the Green Mountains and the fairly extensive road system are all indicated. The decorative appeal of the map is enhanced by the title cartouche, which includes pine trees and rush water. One of the best methods to acquire an example of Amos Doolittle’s engravings, this is also an excellent item of Vermont interest. This map is a wonderful item and and a historically important document. See: Wheat & Brun 195; Cobb, D.A. (VT) 118.
Amos Doolittle (May 18, 1754 – January 30, 1832) was an American engraver and silversmith, known as "The Revere of Connecticut." His engravings included portraits and maps, made in his New Haven, Connecticut studio. He became famous for his four engravings depicting the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which were based on his first-hand reconnaissance of the battlefield.

Born in Cheshire, Connecticut on May 18, 1754, Doolittle became skilled in copper engraving through self-teaching and apprenticeship. His first published experiment with the medium began when he enlisted in the New Haven company of the Governor's Guards in 1775. Under the leadership of Captain Benedict Arnold, the company arrived in Cambridge, Massachusetts ten days after the Battles of Lexington and Concord at the start of the Revolutionary War.

Upon arriving in Cambridge, Doolittle took leave to inspect the site of the battle accompanied by Ralph Earl. Doolittle interviewed colonial militants and residents to establish the scene while Earl surveyed the site and made drawings. From these drawings, Doolittle made at least four engraved copper prints of the battle, which were advertised for sale in the December 1775 Connecticut Journal.

The success of these prints marked the beginning of Doolittle's artistic career. He was sought out by many early Americans eager to learn the art of engraving, including James Wilson. Doolittle established a shop in New Haven, Connecticut, on the present-day site of Yale University's Old Campus, from where he created portraits, maps, and bookplates. Doolittle died on January 30, 1832 and is buried in the Grove Street Cemetery in New Haven.