Maps from History

Maps from history will often help the genealogist understand the geography of their ancestors. The names, locations, and description of the land that was once occupied by the family, help bring to life the collection of facts. Peumansend Creek is shown on the map of Fry and Jefferson, 1754. [Here spelled Pumansend.] It is located below Fredericksburg on the Rappahanock River. Port Royal is the closest city identified, being just up river. Port Tobacco is just down river. Almost due north across the Rappahanock is located Chotank Creek. It empties into the Potomac River just across from Maryland Point. These landmarks are important in the life of Cadwallader Jones of Peumansend Creek 1673! [His code in my Jones family is JT-143, important to keep all these Joneses numbered.] Understanding the geographic relationship of the rivers, creeks, streams, and landmarks are often vital to breaking down many brick walls.

The figure is taken from: "A Map of the moft Inhabited part of Virginia containing the whole Province of Maryland with part of Pensilvania, New Jersey and North Carolina", by Joshua Fry and Peter Jefferson, 1754. [Remember, you can click on the figure to enlarge it. It makes it easier to read.]