David L. Perlman Map Collection
Scope and Contents
The collection contains 21 maps and 5 illustrated views of the Chicago area. Together these materials punctuate a timeline from the 17th century to the turn of the 20th century. Nicolas Sanson’s 1670 depiction of all five Great Lakes is one of the earliest maps of the North American interior. By the next century, other European cartographers for the Great Lakes region recorded the Native American name of “Checagou” or “Chicagou” for the site now known as Chicago. By the 19th century, Chicago was more than a military outpost and a fort for the United States. Joshua Hathaway’s 1834 plat map, Chicago and the School Section, is notable for incorporating real estate blocks and a recent addition of five parcels that doubled the city’s size just three years before it was officially incorporated. Within a few decades, views of notable Chicago buildings and transportation routes were rendered in steel and wood engravings for a 1872 publication called, Picturesque America, or the Land We Live In. Significantly, these illustrations depict Chicago scenes prior to the Fire of 1871.
Dates
- 1670 - 1901
Conditions Governing Access
Materials are open without restrictions.
Conditions Governing Use
Please consult staff to determine ability to reuse materials from collection.
Biographical / Historical
As a career Army Infantry Officer, David Perlman mastered map reading, which he used for making decisions and planning tactical movements. With an understanding that mapping requires detail and accuracy, he initially became fascinated with the early mapmakers whose reliance on the ‘best’ scientific advances of the time to depict main landmarks often included distortions, errors, fictitious sea creatures and fanciful lore. Over time, his map collecting grew into a passion with a focus on what interested him—the exploration and evolution of the Midwest and his home city of Chicago.
Extent
2 Linear Feet (in 1 box and 1 oversize folder, includes 21 maps, 5 illustrations)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
The collection contains 21 maps and 5 illustrated views of the Chicago area that punctuate a timeline from the 17th century to the turn of the 20th century. Significant works include maps of the Great Lakes region by European cartographers that recorded the Native American name of “Checagou” or “Chicagou” for the site now known as Chicago, an 1834 real estate plat map and views of notable Chicago buildings and transportation routes were rendered in steel and wood engravings for an 1872 publication called, Picturesque America, or the Land We Live In.
Arrangement
The maps and prints are listed chronologically.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Donated by David L. Perlman, 2016.
Separated Materials
The maps were removed from frames for preservation storage in 2016.
- Bellin, Jacques Nicolas, 1703-1772
- British -- American -- Maps -- Early works to 1800 Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Cary, John, approximately 1754-1835
- Chicago (Ill.)--Maps Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Darby, William, 1775-1854
- Great Lakes (North America) -- Maps -- Early works to 1800 Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Hathaway, Joshua, 1810-1863
- Illinois -- Maps Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- J.H. Colton & Co.
- Kitchin, Thomas, 1718-1784
- Maps -- Early works to 1800 Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Millar, George Henry
- Neele, Samuel John, 1758-1824
- North America -- Maps -- Early works to 1800 Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Robert de Vaugondy, Gilles, 1688-1766
- Sanson, Nicolas, 1600-1667
- Scott, Joseph (Geographer)
- Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge (Great Britain)
- William Darton & Son
- Zatta, Antonio, active 1757-1797
Source
- Perlman, David L. (Person)
- Title
- Guide to the David L. Perlman Map Collection
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Processed by Michelle McCoy, April 2017. Updated and ingested into ArchivesSpace by Michelle McCoy, 2022
- Date
- 2017
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Finding aid written in English.
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections Unit at Harold Washington Library Center Repository
Harold Washington Library Center, 9th Floor
Chicago Public Library
400 S. State Street
Chicago IL 60605 United States
(312) 747-4875
specoll@chipublib.org