Old Map of New York by J.H. Colton, 1874: New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, Albany, Syracuse

This extraordinary piece of cartographic history is a meticulously detailed map of New York, created in 1874 by J.H. Colton, widely recognized as the premier American mapmaker of his time. This map provides a unique snapshot of the region's geography and settlement patterns at a time when the United States was still in its infancy. It is an exceptional opportunity to own a piece of history, offering a glimpse into the evolution of this dynamic region over the past 150 years.

In the mid-19th century, many of the settlements we know today were yet to be founded, and the borders and names of those that did exist have likely changed significantly. This map, therefore, serves not only as a beautiful work of art but also as a fascinating historical document, charting the growth and development of one of the most populous states in the U.S.

The map highlights five notable settlements that existed in New York in 1855. These include New York City, already a bustling metropolis, Buffalo, a key gateway to the west, Rochester, an emerging industrial hub, Albany, the state capital, and Syracuse, a vital transportation and manufacturing center. Each settlement is intricately detailed, providing a wealth of information about the early urban landscapes of these cities.

This map is a testament to Colton's unparalleled skill and precision. His commitment to accuracy and detail is evident in every aspect of this map, from the intricate border designs to the carefully plotted city streets and natural features. Colton's maps are renowned for their beauty and craftsmanship, and this map of New York is no exception.

The map also offers a fascinating insight into the socio-political climate of the time. It reflects a period of rapid growth and change in the United States, with the country still recovering from the Civil War and the Industrial Revolution transforming cities and towns across the nation. This map captures this pivotal moment in history, offering a unique perspective on the past.

In conclusion, this 1874 map of New York by J.H. Colton is more than just a map - it's a window into the past, a piece of art, and a historical document all in one. It's a must-have for any collector of historical maps or anyone with an interest in the history of New York or the United States. It's not just a map - it's a journey through time, a journey that tells the story of a nation in the making.

Notable Settlements within the Historical Boundaries of New York

1. New York City (1624): Originally known as New Amsterdam, it became a major trading city under British rule. It's now the most populous city in the United States.
2. Albany (1614): Originally known as Fort Nassau, it's notable for being the oldest continuous settlement in the original thirteen English colonies.
3. Buffalo (1789): Known for its strategic location on Lake Erie, it became a bustling grain and steel port.
4. Rochester (1817): Known as the Flour City in the 19th century, it was one of the largest flour-producing cities in the United States.
5. Syracuse (1825): Known for its salt production, it was a significant contributor to the Erie Canal project.
6. Yonkers (1646): Originally a Dutch settlement, it played a key role in the early industrial development of New York.
7. Ithaca (1800): Known for its scenic beauty, it's home to Cornell University, founded in 1865.
8. Schenectady (1661): Known as "the place beyond the pines," it was a major hub for the American railroad industry.
9. Poughkeepsie (1686): Known as the "Queen City of the Hudson," it's home to Vassar College, founded in 1861.
10. Newburgh (1709): Known for its architecture, it's home to a number of historic buildings and landmarks.
11. Utica (1773): Known for its textile industry, it was a significant center of manufacturing during the 19th century.
12. Binghamton (1802): Known for its cigar manufacturing, it was a major industrial center in the 19th century.
13. Kingston (1652): Known as the first capital of New York, it's home to a number of historic buildings.
14. Troy (1787): Known for its iron and steel production, it was a significant industrial center in the 19th century.
15. Niagara Falls (1808): Known for its hydroelectric power, it's home to one of the world's most famous waterfalls.
16. Elmira (1808): Known for its prison camp during the Civil War, it's home to the Elmira Correctional Facility.
17. Cooperstown (1786): Known for its baseball history, it's home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
18. Plattsburgh (1785): Known for the Battle of Plattsburgh during the War of 1812, it's home to the Plattsburgh Air Force Base.
19. Saratoga Springs (1819): Known for its mineral springs, it's a popular tourist destination.
20. Hudson (1785): Known for its whaling industry, it's home to a number of historic buildings.

Indian Tribes within the Historical Boundaries of New York

• Iroquois Confederacy: Also known as the Five Nations, it included the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca tribes.
• Algonquin: A group of tribes living in the northeastern United States, including parts of New York.
• Lenape: Also known as the Delaware Indians, they were originally based in what is now New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, and southern New York.

Notable Natural Phenomena

• Hudson River: Named after Henry Hudson, it's a major waterway in the eastern United States.
• Adirondack Mountains: Known for their scenic beauty, they're a popular destination for outdoor activities.
• Niagara Falls: One of the world's most famous waterfalls, it's a major tourist attraction.
• Finger Lakes: Known for their wine production, they're a popular destination for wine tasting.
• Catskill Mountains: Known for their scenic beauty, they're a popular destination for hiking and fishing.

Historical Events (1810-1874)

• War of 1812 (1812-1815): A significant conflict between the United States and the United Kingdom, it included several battles in New York.
• Erie Canal (1825): A major engineering project that significantly improved transportation in the northeastern United States.
• Seneca Falls Convention (1848): The first women's rights convention, it marked the start of the women's suffrage movement in the United States.
• Draft Riots (1863): A series of violent disturbances in New York City that were the culmination of working-class discontent with new laws passed by Congress to draft men to fight in the ongoing Civil War.
• Opening of the Brooklyn Bridge (1874): A major milestone in New York's history, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time.

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 all sizes: 18x12in (46x30.5cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 24x36in (61x91.5cm), 30x45in (76x114.5cm), 33x50in (84x127cm), 40x60in (102x153cm) and 47x70in (120x178cm), but it looks even better when printed large.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 100in (254cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.

The model in the listing images is holding the 24x36in (61x91.5cm) version of this map.

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

The labels on this map are very small at 12x16in (30.5x41cm). The map is still very attractive, but you may struggle to read the smallest letters. Please buy a larger map if it's important to be able to read the map easily.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my main collection of USA and North America maps.

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.

Alcune delle mie vecchie mappe sono ora disponibili come tele incorniciate. Per favore contattami se desideri ordinare una dimensione che non è disponibile nel mio negozio.

Le vecchie mappe su tela sono un'alternativa interessante alle mappe incorniciate in modo convenzionale. A seconda del tuo gusto personale e dell'arredamento della stanza, le mappe su tela possono "risaltare" un po' di più rispetto a una mappa incorniciata.

Scopri di più sulle mie mappe su tela incorniciate.

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.

Se non sei soddisfatto del tuo ordine per qualsiasi motivo, contattami per un rimborso senza problemi. Si prega di consultare la nostra politica di reso e rimborso per ulteriori informazioni.

Sono molto sicuro che ti piacerà la tua mappa restaurata o la stampa d'arte. Lo faccio dal 1984. Sono un venditore Etsy a 5 stelle. Ho venduto decine di migliaia di mappe e stampe d'arte e ho oltre 5.000 recensioni reali a 5 stelle.

Utilizzo un processo unico per restaurare mappe e opere d'arte che richiede molto tempo e lavoro. Trovare le mappe e le illustrazioni originali può richiedere mesi. Utilizzo tecnologia all'avanguardia e incredibilmente costosa per scannerizzare e restaurarle. Di conseguenza, garantisco che le mie mappe e stampe d'arte siano superiori alle altre - ecco perché posso offrire un rimborso senza problemi.

Quasi tutte le mie mappe e stampe d'arte sembrano fantastiche a grandi dimensioni (200 cm, 6,5 piedi+) e posso anche incorniciarle e consegnarle a te, tramite un corriere speciale per oggetti di grandi dimensioni. Contattami per discutere delle tue esigenze specifiche.