Early 18th Century

Early 18^th century British cartography reflected the general ignorance and inaccuracies of the geography of Africa. During this time, cartographers such as John Senex, “one of the leading English cartographers of the 18^th century,”[1] sought to accurately depict the geography of Africa. His work, A new Map of Africa, From the latest Observations (1721), represented the latest installment of what was known about Africa.[2] The map gives large borders to the different areas of Africa, labeling these places, “Terra Nigrata” (Negroland), “Nubia”, “Habissinia.” The map doesn’t offer readers the necessary cartographic expertise and accuracy to be a reliable source. Senex’s further motives were to gain good standing with politicians of the time. [3]His A New General Atlas, along with his maps of Africa, landed him in the companionship of Queen Anne, via a group of highly touted cartographers called, “Geographers to the Queen.”[4]

James Rennell, who mapped Mungo Park’s journey in Park’s Travels in the Interior Districts of Africa, comments on the “imperfect state of his knowledge of African geography; and should induce a degree of caution in receiving other opinions.”[5] Rennell voices the concern of the assumptive and generalized depictions of Africa. He doesn’t believe that Park’s placement of certain landmarks, including the Mountains of Kong, or the measurements of his travels are accurate reflections into the geography of Africa, “I can only, that since the information itself could not, from its nature be correct.”[6] These inaccuracies sparked the change in cartography during the 18^th century.