1898 Vallardi Map of Cuba and Puerto Rico During the Spanish-American War

This is an 1898 Antonio Vallardi map of Cuba and Puerto Rico during the Spanish-American War - the war that made the United States a global power. This piece highlights international interest in the conflict.

A Closer Look

Focusing on the Greater Antilles, the map depicts from Cuba to Puerto Rico and illustrates those two islands and Hispaniola, Jamaica, and the Bahamas. Colors identify colonial powers, such as Spain (yellow) and England (orange), as well as the independent nations of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Extreme southern Florida appears along the top border. An extensive railway network appears in Cuba, with cities and towns labeled, along with coastal capes, points, and smaller islands. The same detail is provided for the other islands, although no other railways exist. Dashed lines highlight shipping routes from Florida through the islands. An inset in the upper right corner situates Cuba and Puerto Rico in relation to the two belligerents, the United States and Spain.

The Spanish-American War

The Spanish-American War was fought between Spain and the United States between April 21, 1898, and August 13, 1898. The war started after the USS Maine suffered a massive explosion and sank in Havana Harbor. Tensions had been rising between the two countries for some time, with the U.S. showing support for Cuban independence while Spain claimed Cuba to be a province of Spain. The Spanish were quickly outclassed and outnumbered by the U.S. forces and surrendered after minimal conflict. After the fighting ended, the U.S. received the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico along with Cuba as a U.S. protectorate.

Publication History and Census

This map was created and published by Antonio Vallardi in 1898 in a supplement to the Corriere della Sera. A single example is cataloged in OCLC - Biblioteca Civica di Arco. A handful of examples have appeared on the private market.