Old bird's eye view of Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, 1875

The 1875 view of Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, is a captivating and detailed illustration of the capital city of the island of St. Thomas in the United States Virgin Islands. Created by the artist and cartographer Fuchs, this bird’s-eye view map offers a rich visual representation of Charlotte Amalie during the late 19th century, highlighting its urban layout, key landmarks, and the natural beauty of its surroundings.

The map is drawn from an elevated bird’s-eye perspective, providing a panoramic view of Charlotte Amalie. This perspective offers a comprehensive and visually engaging depiction of the city, showcasing its buildings, streets, and surrounding landscape.
The three-dimensional quality of the view adds depth and context, making it easier to appreciate the city’s layout and geographical features.

Charlotte Amalie’s street grid is clearly detailed, with major thoroughfares, public squares, and prominent buildings accurately depicted. Important streets and areas are labeled to facilitate navigation and identification. The map highlights residential, commercial, and administrative areas, illustrating the diverse functions and vibrant activity within the city. 

The bustling harbor of Charlotte Amalie is a focal point of the map, illustrating the city’s significance as a major port. Detailed depictions of docks, warehouses, and ships in the harbor emphasize the maritime activities that were central to the city’s economy. The map captures the dynamic nature of the harbor, with vessels of various sizes depicted, reflecting the city’s role in regional and international trade.

This 1875 view of Charlotte Amalie serves as an important historical document, capturing the city during a period of growth and development. It provides valuable insights into the urban planning, architecture, and infrastructure of the time.
The Fuchs view is a testament to the cartographic and artistic skills of the 19th century. The bird’s-eye perspective and detailed illustration reflect the advanced techniques and craftsmanship involved in creating such maps. The map’s accuracy and artistic quality make it both an informative guide and a piece of art, appreciated for its aesthetic and historical value.

The 1875 bird's eye view of Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, is a richly detailed and artistically rendered map that captures the essence of the city during a significant period of its history. Through its detailed urban layout, depiction of key landmarks and harbor activities, and artistic embellishments, the map provides a comprehensive and engaging portrayal of Charlotte Amalie. It serves as an invaluable historical document, a testament to 19th-century cartographic skill, and a fascinating resource for historians, researchers, and map enthusiasts alike.