Published by William Faden in 1777 in London, this map shows the city and environs of Philadelphia, the American capital. The largest city in British North America, it had a population of 30,000 and was a center of trade, culture, and science. The nation's first medical school (later the University of Pennsylvania) was founded there in 1765. Neatly laid out between the broad Delaware River and the Schuylkill River, it was only 90 miles--across the plains of New Jersey--from British Headquarters in New York City. General Howe believed that capturing Philadelphia would take the heart from the rebellion. By late spring, he received approval from Lord Germain in London to take the American capital.
Library of Congress
