New England : the most remarqueable parts thus named by the high and mighty Prince Charles, prince of great Britaine

Based on John Smith's 1614 voyage along the New England coast, this is the first printed map devoted specifically to this region. It is also the first to use the name “New England” for an area that had up until this time been called “North Virginia.” Smith, who is more commonly associated with the founding of Virginia, was commissioned to survey the coastline north of New York in preparation for the settlement of another English colony. This map was used to guide the Pilgrims to Plymouth and also led John Winthrop to the Charles River in 1629.
Courtesy of Private Collection