Pictorial Map of Connecticut by Ruth Taylor White, 1935: Bridgeport, New Haven, Yale, Long Island Sound, Connecticut River

Step into the vibrant world of 1930s Connecticut with the original pictorial map titled simply "Connecticut," crafted by the renowned Ruth Taylor White in 1935. This enchanting map is more than a geographic document; it is a captivating work of art that transports viewers to a time when the Nutmeg State was bustling with industry, academic excellence, and bucolic charm. The map’s playful title cartouche, set amidst a riot of color and whimsy, immediately signals the delightful journey ahead—one that weaves together the cultural, historical, and natural tapestry of Connecticut as it was seen nearly a century ago.

Ruth Taylor White, a celebrated illustrator of her era, was famed for her ability to infuse maps with both humor and historical insight. Her unique style is evident throughout this piece, where vibrant colors and cartoon-like illustrations breathe life into Connecticut’s counties and landscapes. White’s approach to cartography was to entertain as much as to inform, making her maps highly sought after by collectors and history enthusiasts alike. Each element is meticulously rendered, offering not just accuracy in boundaries and rivers, but also a sense of the local character and industry that defined Connecticut in the early twentieth century.

The map is a visual celebration of Connecticut’s diverse geography, from the rolling hills and fertile valleys to the bustling coastline along Long Island Sound. The mighty Connecticut River meanders gracefully across the state, its importance underscored by lively illustrations of boats and riverside activity. County boundaries are clearly delineated, while the state seal stands proudly as a symbol of Connecticut’s storied past. Throughout the map, one finds nods to agricultural heritage—fields of tobacco, orchards, and farm animals—reflecting the state’s economic backbone during the era.

What truly sets this map apart are the whimsical vignettes that capture Connecticut’s rich cultural and educational legacy. Yale University, one of America’s oldest and most prestigious institutions, is depicted with a flourish, while colonial scenes and images of early settlers evoke the deep historical roots of the region. Recreational pursuits such as boating and fishing are playfully illustrated along the rivers and coast, highlighting the state’s longstanding connection to both land and water. These charming details provide a nostalgic glimpse into the everyday life and leisure of Connecticut’s residents during the 1930s.

A tour of the map’s settlements reveals the enduring prominence of cities like Bridgeport, New Haven, Stamford, and Hartford—each depicted with care and personality. Smaller towns such as Winsted, Derby, and Ansonia are also represented, underscoring the map’s comprehensive approach to Connecticut’s human geography. The careful inclusion of these communities, ordered by their modern-day significance, invites viewers to reflect on the dynamic growth and transformation of the state over time. In every brushstroke and label, Ruth Taylor White’s "Connecticut" map stands as a testament to the artistry, humor, and historical curiosity that defined an era of American cartography.

Cities and towns on this map

• Bridgeport
• New Haven
• Stamford
• Hartford
• Waterbury
• Norwalk
• Danbury
• New Britain
• West Hartford
• Greenwich
• Bristol
• Meriden
• Milford
• Middletown
• Shelton
• Torrington
• New London
• Ansonia
• Derby
• Winsted

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Major rivers, including the Connecticut River, are illustrated and labeled.
• The coastline along Long Island Sound is depicted with artistic embellishments.
• Illustrations of local industries, such as agriculture (e.g., tobacco farming), are visible.
• Pictorial representations of Yale University and other educational institutions.
• Drawings of recreational activities, such as boating and fishing, along the coast and rivers.
• Whimsical illustrations of local wildlife and farm animals.
• County boundaries are outlined and labeled.
• The state seal of Connecticut is illustrated.
• Various historical and cultural motifs, such as early American settlers and colonial scenes, are depicted.
• The map includes a decorative title cartouche with the map’s name and date.

Historical and design context

• Original mapmaker: Ruth Taylor White.
• Date of creation: 1935.
• Map type: County or State Thematic and Pictorial map.
• Part of a whimsical pictorial atlas of the United States, known for its entertaining and fanciful illustrations.
• Features vibrant, colorful, cartoon-like illustrations that capture stereotypical scenes and local culture of Connecticut in the 1930s.
• Depicts Connecticut’s unique culture, industries, and landmarks through playful, imaginative artwork.
• Offers a nostalgic and lighthearted glimpse into Connecticut’s past, reflecting both the culture and popular perceptions of the era.
• The map immerses viewers in a playful depiction of the state, combining artistic flair with geographic and cultural information.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps and art prints are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your order for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore maps and artwork that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps and illustrations can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore them. As a result, I guarantee my maps and art prints are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps and art prints look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.