Historical Map of New York in 1789

Hand colored plan of the city of New York in 1789. Authors: John McComb (1763-1853) and Cornelius Tiebout (1777-1832). Wheat & Brun. Maps and Charts (1978 ed.). Source: Library of Congress Geography and Map Division. Below, enlargement of part of Manhattan.

Nature was an important issue to establish New York as a great metropolis. When the time came for North American colonies to sever their relations with the British Crown, the possession of Manhattan was fundamental in the contest. New York was destined to be the greatest commercial city and the largest manufacturing centre on the American side of the Atlantic.