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The coast of New England

European charts of North America were sadly inadequate prior to the Revolution, but Des Barres’ publication of The Atlantic Neptune more than made up for the deficiency. Displayed here is one of the more general charts, providing an overview, but a very accurate delineation of the New England coast from Cape Cod to Bar Harbor. The atlas, commissioned by the British Admiralty, is undoubtedly the most significant contribution to marine cartography of the North American coast produced in the eighteenth century. The detailed charts, which were based on contemporary surveys, cover the coast from Newfoundland to Carolina depicting every island, cape, bay and harbor.