A vintage map showing a section of a city divided by a river labeled SIPP. The streets are densely packed with grid-like patterns on either side of the river, and various plots are marked throughout the map.

Topographical Map of New Orleans and its Vicinity, Embracing a distance of twelve miles up and eight and three quarters miles down the Mississippi (part e) Historic New Orleans Collection, The L. Kemper and Leila Moore Williams Founders Collection, 1955.19 a-f

Show-and-Tell

Zimpel Map of New Orleans

One of the most accurate and meticulous maps of antebellum New Orleans is the work of an eccentric 19th-century cartographer.

Show-and-Tell

Zimpel Map of New Orleans

One of the most accurate and meticulous maps of antebellum New Orleans is the work of an eccentric 19th-century cartographer.

1832–34

by Charles F. Zimpel

L. Kemper and Leila Moore Williams Founders Collection, 1955.19 a-f

In 1834, Prussian immigrant Charles F. Zimpel created one of the most accurate and meticulous maps of New Orleans and its surroundings. HNOC cofounder L. Kemper Williams had a particular interest in historical maps, and an original Zimpel mapOpens in new tab hung in the entry foyer of the Williams Residence until it was replaced by a facsimile for preservation purposes.

In this video, Interpretation Assistant Joanna Robinson delves into the details of the map and its eccentric cartographer, revealing how maps can tell us about the interests and intentions of their creators.

By Xiomara Blanco, media producer

October 7, 2020

Search the Online Catalog

Explore HNOC's outstanding collection of historic maps in our online catalog.

View the catalog View the catalog

Antique map of the Americas depicting sea monsters, ships, and detailed coastlines. Illustrative borders show people and mythical figures, hinting at 16th-century cartography style. Landmasses have Latin inscriptions with decorative compass roses.

Related Collection Highlights

An antique wooden box with hinged doors, displaying intricate scenes of grand architecture. The box is open, revealing a light green interior. The exterior paintings feature detailed buildings and trees, with a vintage, ornate style.

Leila’s Collectible Boxes

A look inside the Williams Residence offers insight into some of the interior decorating styles of the late 1940s and early ’50s, as well as Leila Williams’s personal collecting interests.

Learn More