1696 Coronelli Map of the Great Lakes (Most Accurate Map of the
Great Lakes in the 17th Century) Description: This exceedingly
rare 1694 map by Vincenzo Coronelli is the most important
depiction of the Great Lakes and the headwaters of the
Mississippi River to appear in the late 17th century. Covers all
five Great Lakes and extends westward as far as the Mississippi
River valley. This map is a careful study of the Great Lakes
Region and reveals Coronelli’s fascination with this area.
Coronelli derived his cartographic information from the reports
of Jesuit Missionaries who were actively proselytizing in this
region throughout the mid to late 18th century. These included
the explorations of La Salle, Hennepin, Marquette and Jolliet,
among others. Dotted with forts, Indian villages, and missionary
stations. Shows the R. De Chekagou roughly where Chicago is
today. Shows the Ottawa River route into Georgian Bay anda well
developed mapping of Green Bay. This is also the most accurate
early mapping of Lake Superior