What is william scull?

William Scull was an American cartographer, best known for creating the first published map of Pennsylvania in 1759. This map, titled "A Map of Pennsylvania Exhibiting not only the Improved Parts of that Province, but also its Original Extent", was a landmark achievement in colonial cartography and significantly influenced perceptions of the Pennsylvania landscape.

Scull inherited the mantle of surveyor from his uncle, Nicholas Scull, who was the Surveyor General of Pennsylvania before him. He served as Surveyor General himself from 1761 to 1769. His work was meticulous and reflected a growing understanding of the territory, incorporating details gleaned from surveys, traveler accounts, and Native American sources.

Key aspects of Scull's work include its accuracy for the time, showcasing the Improved Parts of Pennsylvania and providing insights into the land's potential for settlement and development. His map also depicted Pennsylvania's Original Extent, which was important for establishing boundaries and land claims. He produced later versions with corrections. Scull's contributions were instrumental in shaping the geographical understanding of the region during a period of rapid colonial expansion.