Explore the fascinating evolution of cartography in The Cartography of the Northwest Coast of America to the Year 1800, Volume 1. This comprehensive work delves into the voyages and explorations of the 16th century, revealing how early adventurers and cartographers mapped the northwest coast of America. From Cabo San Lucas to the Arctic, this volume examines the speculative and often imaginative cartographical representations of a region long shrouded in mystery.

The book begins by tracing the influence of explorers like Sebastian Vizcaino and the impact of mistaken geographical assumptions from the time of Columbus. It highlights how early European explorers, driven by dreams of wealth and discovery, began to chart the coastline despite immense geographical and logistical challenges. The evolution of maps—filled with inaccuracies, gaps, and speculative theories—offers readers a window into the mindset of the era, revealing how cartographers attempted to fill in the unknown. Rich in historical detail and analysis, this volume illuminates how the Northwest coast’s remote and formidable nature kept it on the fringes of exploration, while its cartographical representation evolved with each new discovery.

For historians, cartography enthusiasts, and those captivated by the early voyages of discovery, this volume provides a richly detailed look into the development of maps and the voyages that shaped our understanding of the Pacific Northwest.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press's mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1937.