1492–1788: (Colonial Mapping and Early Sketches): The historical record begins with a map of Haiti’s north coast specifically drawn by Christopher Columbus i…

1492–1788: (Colonial Mapping and Early Sketches): The historical record begins with a map of Haiti’s north coast specifically drawn by Christopher Columbus in 1492. This early geographic documentation is followed in the volume by visual evidence of the colonial social structure, such as a 1759 drawing of enslaved people. These illustrations provide a primary visual baseline for the era described as “A Very Great Island” in the table of contents. The inclusion of these items reflects the authors’ intent to anchor the narrative in early primary source materials. Together, they represent the transition from initial European encounter to the peak of the French colonial system.