"Bellingham Bay" (Non-colored) U.S. Coast Survey 1856

Publisher: U.S. Coast Survey Office

Date: 1856 1st. Ed. 

Size: 16.5 x 13.5 inches from frame lines 

Description: The image is a historical chart map titled "Reconnaissance of Bellingham Bay, Washington Territory," created in 1856 by the U.S. Coast Survey. This map was produced under the command of Lieutenant Commander J. Alden and is part of the U.S. Coast Survey's efforts to map the U.S. coastline. Scale of 1:40,000.

Composition and Medium:

The map is engraved and printed on paper, using hachures to indicate relief and soundings and isolines to denote water depths. This method was typical for maritime navigation charts of the mid-19th century, providing essential information for safe navigation. The absence of color is consistent with the practical needs of such maps at the time, focusing on clarity and functionality.

Style and Features:

The map is characterized by its precise and utilitarian style, with emphasis on accuracy and detail. It includes various geographic and man-made features, such as:

- Soundings and Isolines: These indicate the depth of the water in Bellingham Bay, essential for naval navigation.
- Hachures: Used to depict the relief of the land surrounding the bay, offering a sense of the terrain's elevation and shape.
- Compass Rose: Located in the bay, providing navigational orientation.
- Landmarks: Notable features such as Bellingham Bay Coal Mine are marked, reflecting the industrial activities of the area during the period.
- Inscriptions: The map includes notes verifying its accuracy, with acknowledgments to individuals involved in its creation, such as A.P. Hill, F. Stout, J.J. Knight, and R.F. Bartle.

Subject Matter:

The primary focus of the map is Bellingham Bay, located in Washington Territory. The chart details the coastline, depths, and key landmarks, providing valuable information for maritime navigation and local geography. The inclusion of coal mines indicates the economic activities prevalent in the area during the mid-19th century.

Cultural and Historical Context:

This map is part of a larger effort by the U.S. Coast Survey to chart the American coastline, a project that was crucial for safe navigation and economic development. In 1856, the United States was expanding its territorial reach and industrial base, and accurate maps were essential for supporting these endeavors. The presence of the Bellingham Bay Coal Mine on the map highlights the region's industrial significance, reflecting the broader trends of resource extraction and economic growth during this era.

Notable Aspects:

- Precision and Detail: The map's accuracy and attention to detail are significant, reflecting the meticulous work of the U.S. Coast Survey.
- Economic Indicators: The inclusion of the coal mine points to the area's economic activities and the importance of such resources in the mid-19th century.
- Navigational Utility: As a chart map, its primary purpose was to aid in navigation, providing critical information for mariners