Map of the Colony of New South Wales

Colouring: Coloured

Condition: Good

Confirmed: No

Description: Thomas Livingstone Mitchell, a British surveyor, arrived in Sydney in 1827 with his family. In 1828, he was appointed Surveyor-General of New South Wales, a role he held for nearly thirty years. During his tenure, Mitchell led four major expeditions (1831-1832, 1835-1836, 1836, and 1845-1846) into Australias interior. nMitchell also conducted a trigonometrical survey to create what he later named the Map of the Nineteen Counties. This project was in response to instructions from King George IV, who sought an accurate map of New South Wales to define land boundaries for auction to settlers. After convincing Governor Darling that such a map required a detailed trigonometrical survey, Mitchell worked on this Crown-commissioned map from 1828 to 1834. First issued in 1834, it became the most detailed and accurate map of New South Wales to date.

Engraver: Carmichael, John

First published: Separate Publication. London: C. Smith & Son, 1834.

Image Size (cm): 60.5×130.5

Mapmaker: Mitchell, Thomas Livingstone (1792-1855)

Notes: Purchase details

Primary Category: Southern Continent

Rarity: R3 Uncommon – dealers can usually obtain a copy

References: R. V. Tooley, The Mapping of Australia and Antarctica, 2nd ed. (London: Holland Press, 1985), 247 and pl. 181.

Sheet size (cm): 65×134

Technique: Copper Engraving

This state: 1834