Historical information

Thomas Ham was a cartographer, engraver, lithographer and publisher in Victoria and Queensland. He compiled and printed several editions of his squatting map, beginning with A map of Australia Felix in 1847 and changing its title to Ham's squatting map of Victoria in 1851. The 1851 edition was accompanied by a key listing the names of all the squatters within squatting districts and counties. Later editions show the existing counties, but some areas of Gippsland and the Australian Alps are still described as 'unsurveyed country'. (State Library Victoria https://www.slv.vic.gov.au/squatting-map-victoria)

Physical description

Folding map enclosed in burgundy cover. Map backed by cloth and bound. Rare, early map of Victoria and neighbouring Port Phillip District of New South Wales. Written on bottom RH corner of map: Ham's Squatting Map of Victoria ( Port Phillip District, New South Wales ) carefully corrected to this date from the Colonial Government Surveys, Crown Lands, Commissioners & Explorers Maps, Private Surveys & c. Respectfully inscribed (with permission ) to His Excellency Sir Chas A. Fitz-Roy Knt, Governor of New South Wales &c &c by his Obedient Servant, The Compiler, 1851. Compiled, engraved and published by Thomas Ham, Melbourne. Proposed and original boundary ( in legend) have been coloured in in blue and pink ink ( later addition ?) Number on map show 'reference to proprietor's Printed on back of map ' J.G. AD 1852, with two cross hatched decorations and two hearts entwined. On other back panel in pencil enclosed in a drawn frame ' G.S.H., 1889, Axedale' (George Harris, Axedale, belongs in Harris Collection) Stamped in purple ink 'Royal Historical Society of Victoria, Bendigo Branch. Written 1959, 53.