1859
Maker: Colton
Antique hand-colored map from Colton's Atlas of America Illustrating the Physical and Political Geography of North and South America and the West India Islands by George W. Colton, 1859. The atlas title page indicates the atlas was published by J.H. Colton and Company, but each map in the atlas says it was published by Johnson & Browning (the addresses for both Colton/Johnson & Browning are the same). This map shows the newly formed state of Oregon (admitted to the union in Februrary 1859) and Washington as a territory (1853 to 1889). What had been Oregon Territory included the current states of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, as well as parts of Wyoming and Montana. This map shows early towns, cities, and counties, wagon trails, proposed railroads, etc. Colton's unique decorative border surrounds the map. The Colton firm refused to compromise quality, choosing to compete for sales in the finer quality international market rather than the inexpensive domestic one. Because of this, all maps were engraved by steel plates rather than by wax engraving which became the most common method used in the US. Very good antique condition with some tiny mild spots/foxing and signs of age and one darker spot on the right. Measures approx. 13 x 16 inches to the outside of the decorative border.
Item Number: WES498