This map was drawn in 1858 by German cartographer Maximilian von Sonnenstern at the request of the Nicaraguan government.

This is the country's first methodological survey and the first official map of the country since its independence in 1839. The eastern part of the country, known as the Mosquito Coast, is uncharted, with a note acknowledging the lack of information given the depopulation of the region at that time.

The map is an important piece of Nicaraguan history, as it highlights the problems the country faced during the early years of independence. At the top, there are maps of the cities of Granada and León, the two cities that were vying for power in the country at that time. Granada was the centre of conservative power, while León was the seat of the liberal government. Interestingly, in 1855, the capital of the country had already moved to Managua, although this is not yet reflected on this map.

In the upper right corner, there is also a regional map showing the location of León Viejo, where one of Nicaragua's first major settlements was established. León Viejo was abandoned after several earthquakes and volcanic eruptions in the late 16th century and has since been buried by lake sediments and ash from various eruptions. At the time this map was published, the exact location of the ancient settlement was unknown, as the site was only discovered in 1931.

Sources

• 1858 Sonnenstern Map of Nicaragua