"Knowing where things are, and why, is essential to rational decision making."
—Jack Dangermond
—Jack Dangermond
 | 1865 Map of Montgomery County |
 | (Click to enlarge) |
Despite the state's appetite for the maps, the firm still found itself with unsold inventory. At left is an 1879 advertisement for pocket maps, at half price.
Other Maps
Other maps were based upon the firm's work, but were apparently not produced by the firm. In 1856, James Scott, of Philadelphia, published a map of the City of Baltimore "From the latest records and actual surveys by Simon J. Martenet, C.E. No.6 South Street." Martenet acted as sole agent for this work and solicited subscriptions on behalf of Scott prior to its publication, in addition to adding corrections based on his surveys. Perhaps this effort induced him to plunge into the market himself. Similarly, Felix Klemm published in 1872 a "Map of Baltimore and the Proposed Extension of the City Limits from Actual Surveys by S.J. Martenet, City Surveyor." Other than some field notes, no internal records survive about either of these two efforts, probably the result of them having been lost in the fire.
 | (Click to enlarge) |
Concluding Thoughts
So the "sideline" proved profitable for both the public and the firm, lasting, on and off, for almost 40 years of active firm participation, and for over 100 years afterward by the public, both as a planning tool and as an educational reference. The maps are valued today for their genealogical content as well as for being a snapshot into a bygone era. Nearly as popular as ever, a current Google search for "Martenet Map" yields over 2 million hits. Mr. Martenet would be pleased.
Interested in having one of these maps on your wall? We have carefully restored all of the county maps produced by the firm and offer high-quality reproductions of them. Call our office or write to maps@martenet.com for details.
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