Pictorial Map of Georgia by Ruth Taylor White, 1935: Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, Macon, Riverboats

Step into the vibrant world of 1930s Georgia with the exquisitely illustrated map titled simply "Georgia," crafted by the celebrated Ruth Taylor White in 1935. This pictorial masterpiece is far more than a mere geographical record—it is a joyful celebration of the state’s unique character, rendered in a style that is both whimsical and meticulously detailed. Every inch of the map is alive with color and energy, inviting viewers to experience Georgia as it was imagined during a period marked by both hardship and hope. The map’s playful artistry and engaging vignettes evoke a sense of nostalgia, making it a captivating conversation piece for collectors and connoisseurs alike.

Ruth Taylor White, renowned for her work in the pictorial map genre, brings her signature flair to this depiction of Georgia. Alongside her husband, Frank Taylor White, she created a series of cartoon atlases that redefined how Americans viewed their own geography. Her approach is instantly recognizable: bold, saturated hues, lively caricatures, and a gentle humor that invites exploration. Each county boundary is carefully drawn, while the illustrations—depicting everything from bustling riverboats to tranquil pine forests—capture the essence of the state’s diverse landscapes and storied past.

The map is a thematic tapestry, interweaving Georgia’s agricultural heritage with scenes of daily life and industry. Cotton fields and peach orchards sprawl across the countryside, while images of livestock and rural workers reflect the rhythms of the land. Steamboats ply the illustrated rivers, recalling the vital role of waterways in the state’s development. The coastline is rendered with a flourish, hinting at maritime traditions and the importance of Georgia’s Atlantic seaboard. Through these images, the map tells a story of a state shaped by its natural resources and the perseverance of its people.

What truly distinguishes this map is its ability to blend historical context with artistic expression. Created during the Great Depression, it offers a glimpse into the optimism and resilience of the era, even as it gently caricatures the customs and costumes of Georgia’s inhabitants. The map’s playful scenes—fishing, hunting, and rural festivities—are balanced by a respectful attention to the state’s demographic and economic realities. While it does not specifically label national parks or historic landmarks, the map’s illustrations evoke the natural beauty and cultural richness that define Georgia.

Anchoring the map are the state’s most prominent cities and towns, each carefully positioned amidst the illustrated landscape. Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, and Macon stand out as centers of commerce and culture, while smaller towns like Albany, Athens, and Brunswick are depicted with equal charm. The map’s meticulous attention to both geography and imagination ensures that every viewer is drawn into a delightful journey across Georgia—a testament to Ruth Taylor White’s enduring legacy as one of America’s great pictorial cartographers.

Cities and towns on this map

• Atlanta
• Augusta
• Savannah
• Macon
• Columbus
• Albany
• Athens
• Rome
• Brunswick
• Valdosta

Notable Features & Landmarks

• County boundaries and names are clearly marked throughout the state.
• Illustrations of agricultural activities, such as cotton picking and peach harvesting, representing Georgia’s agricultural heritage.
• Cartoon depictions of people in traditional Southern attire.
• Drawings of steamboats and river scenes, highlighting Georgia’s river transportation history.
• Pictorial representation of pine forests and lumber activities.
• Illustrations of livestock and farm animals, emphasizing rural life.
• Images of African American workers, reflecting the demographics and social context of the era.
• Depiction of the coastline and maritime activities along the Atlantic coast.
• Cartoonish renderings of recreational activities, such as fishing and hunting.
• Artistic representations of Georgia’s natural landscapes, including hills and forests.

Historical and design context

• Original mapmaker: Ruth Taylor White, renowned for her pictorial maps in the 1930s.
• Date of creation: 1935.
• Part of a cartoon atlas series representing the United States, known for its distinctive pictorial and thematic style.
• Features vibrant, colorful, and whimsical illustrations, with cartoon-like depictions of people, activities, and landmarks.
• Designed to be both entertaining and informative, capturing the spirit and charm of Georgia through playful visuals.
• Created during the Great Depression era, the map reflects both the optimism and the popular culture of the time.
• Notable for its blend of geography and art, making it both a collectible and an educational piece.

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.