1835 Manuscript Map of Deception Island, Antarctica

This is a beautiful c.1835 schoolgirl or schoolboy manuscript nautical map of Deception Island in Antarctica. The map beautifully details Deception Island, part of the South Shetland Island Archipelago. Depth soundings are noted, especially near the narrow entrance (Neptune’s Bellows). Mount Pond and the site for an observatory is also noted.

In 1829, HMS Chanticleer, under the command of Captain Henry Foster, was sent on a scientific expedition to survey the Pacific and especially the South Shetland Islands. This map is based on Lieutenant R. N. Kendall’s map of the islands during those surveys. Kendall’s map was the first accurately surveyed map of the Antarctic landmass. Modern day port Foster is named after the captain Henry Foster.

Deception Island, known to be one of the safest harbors in Antarctica was an important whaling station once it was first discovered in 1820. It is now a scientific outpost and tourist destination.