Rare Old Map of Arkansas by H. S. Tanner, 1836: Little Rock, Fort Smith, Pine Bluff, Batesville, Washington, Roads, Railway, Canals

Step into the past with the meticulously crafted "Old Map of Arkansas" by renowned cartographer H. S. Tanner, published in 1836. This extraordinary relic of time offers a detailed snapshot of the early 19th-century Arkansas, depicting not only its settlements and geography but also the intricate network of canals and roads that served as the lifelines of communication and commerce. This valuable piece is not just a map, but a comprehensive narrative of the times, reflecting the distances between towns and colonies that were of paramount importance in the pre-railway era.

H. S. Tanner’s map, apart from its precise representation of early Arkansas, bears a historic and aesthetic charm that appeals to collectors, history enthusiasts, and lovers of vintage art. The map illustrates a vibrant tableau of the state before its industrial bloom, featuring the settlements that would later shape the state's cultural, economic, and political landscapes. The cartographer’s keen attention to details and accurate depiction of the era make this piece an invaluable artifact that captures the spirit of 1836 Arkansas.

Notable Settlements

• Little Rock (1821): Now the capital city, it was a hub of trade and transport due to its strategic location by the Arkansas River.
• Fort Smith (1817): Founded as a western frontier military post, it played a vital role in the westward expansion of the United States.
• Pine Bluff (1832): Nestled by the Arkansas River, it was an important center of transport and trade in the 19th century.
• Batesville (1810): As one of the oldest towns, it served as a significant port along the White River.
• Washington (1824): A pivotal site during the Civil War, it served as Arkansas's capital after Little Rock was captured by Union troops.
• Fayetteville (1828): Famous for its picturesque landscape, this city later housed the University of Arkansas.
• Helena (1833): This town was a vital depot for the Union troops during the Civil War.
• Van Buren (1831): Named after Martin Van Buren, it has a rich history steeped in Arkansas's early statehood.
• Benton (1833): The town derived its name from Thomas Hart Benton, a senator who played a crucial role in advocating Arkansas's statehood.
• Camden (1824): Known for its prosperous cotton trade, Camden thrived as a river port.
• Dover (1821): Situated in the beautiful Ozark Mountains, this town provided an important north-south pass.
• Pocahontas (1835): Situated near the Black River, it served as a hub for agricultural and timber trades.
• Powhatan (1811): Once the county seat of Lawrence County, it was an important river port on the Black River.
• Jacksonport (1831): This town thrived as a steamboat stop at the confluence of the White and Black Rivers.
• Mammoth Spring (1836): Named for the large spring in the area, it was a key resource for settlers.
• Cherokee Bay (1820s): This settlement was an important gathering place for the Cherokee before the Trail of Tears.
• Cadron (1818): This town was a significant stop on the Butterfield Overland Mail route.
• Arkadelphia (1836): Known for its timber and cotton industries, this town was a commercial hub.
• Napoleon (1829): Once a thriving river port, it was eventually deserted due to frequent flooding.
• Davidsonville (1815): Home to the first post office and land office in Arkansas, this town played a key role in the region's development.
• Evening Shade (1810s): Named for its unusually shaded evenings, this town was a waypoint for westward travelers.
• Monticello (1836): This town became the seat of Drew County just a year after its founding.
• New Gascony (1797): Known as the oldest permanent settlement of Europeans in Arkansas, it was an important hub in the fur trade.
• Cotton Plant (1820s): As the name suggests, this town was a center of cotton farming.
• Augusta (1820): Situated along the White River, it became an important transportation hub.
• Clarendon (1824): Located at the confluence of the Cache and White Rivers, this town was an essential transport and trade center.
• Hamburg (1821): This town thrived as a center for timber and agriculture.
• Princeton (1833): Named after the Revolutionary War hero, Princeton was an important stop for travelers and traders.
• Lewisburg (1832): This town was a key site for trade, particularly cotton and timber.
• Ozark (1820s): Named after the Ozark region, this settlement provided a gateway to the fertile Arkansas River Valley.

The map also showcases several geographical features and boundaries that are now notable tourist attractions, such as the majestic Arkansas and Mississippi Rivers, the lush and scenic Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, and the designated Indian Territory to the west, which later became modern-day Oklahoma.

In terms of historical events, the map encapsulates a period of significant transformations: the establishment of the Arkansas Territory in 1819, the state's admission into the Union as the 25th state in 1836, and the tragic Trail of Tears (1838-1839), which saw thousands of Native Americans forcibly relocated through Arkansas. These historical milestones further amplify the significance of this map, making it not just an antique but a visual chronicle of the past.

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: 12x16in (30.5x41cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 24x30in (61x76cm), 32x40in (81.5x102cm), 40x50in (102x127cm), 48x60in (122x153cm) and 56x70in (142x178cm), 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 16x20in (40.5x51cm) version of this map.

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

Please note the unframed 24x30in (61x76cm) map has white edges around the map. These edges can help you with framing, or if you don’t need them they are very easy to snip off with scissors. All other maps, including the framed maps, look exactly like the listing images.

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.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

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 in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

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

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) 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).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

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 are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

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 on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map 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 unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

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

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

Almost all of my maps 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.