Rare Old Map of Carson City, Nevada by USGS, 1956: Lake Tahoe, Genoa & Virginia City
Restored in our London workshop from the original 1963 map and printed to museum-grade archival standards. Full description
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Choose two eligible works and receive 20% off both. Choose three and the lowest-priced one is complimentary, a maximum saving of 33%.
Mix and match eligible standard maps and fine-art prints. No code is required; the offer is applied automatically at checkout.
Standard made-to-order configurations are included. Bespoke sizes, personalised designs and commissioned work are excluded.
Need delivery to different addresses? Contact us before ordering.The Collector’s Offer
Choose two eligible works and receive 20% off both. Choose three and the lowest-priced one is complimentary, a maximum saving of 33%.
Mix and match eligible standard maps and fine-art prints. No code is required; the offer is applied automatically at checkout.
Standard made-to-order configurations are included. Bespoke sizes, personalised designs and commissioned work are excluded.
Need delivery to different addresses? Contact us before ordering.
Restored in London • Printed and framed in the EU
Restored from the original 1963 map and printed to museum-grade archival standards. Full description
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If you want to add a gift message, or a finish (jigsaw, aluminium board, etc.) that is not available here, please request it in the "order note" when you check out.
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Published in 1963 from 1956 survey work, the USGS topographical map titled “Carson City” captures a compelling mid-century portrait of western Nevada...
Continue readingPublished in 1963 from 1956 survey work, the USGS topographical map titled “Carson City” captures a compelling mid-century portrait of western Nevada and the Sierra Nevada’s eastern front. At a scale of 1:62,500, it presents the capital city not as an isolated political center, but as part of a dramatic regional landscape shaped by mountains, valleys, lakes, and routes of passage. Carson City appears alongside Genoa, Washoe Lake, Spooner Lake, the Carson River, and the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe, situating the area within a corridor of settlement, mining heritage, and alpine recreation. The map’s finely drawn contour lines and clear color distinctions give the terrain depth and immediacy, revealing the steep gradients and basin-and-range character that define this borderland between Nevada and California.
The United States Geological Survey brought to this map the institutional precision that made its work indispensable to engineers, geologists, planners, and travelers. Founded in 1879, the USGS became the nation’s great interpreter of land, water, minerals, and elevation, and its topographic sheets are among the most elegant technical documents produced by the federal government. Here, that tradition is evident in the disciplined rendering of relief, hydrography, roads, and settlements. Rather than emphasizing decoration, the map’s beauty lies in its authority: every contour, stream course, road line, and place name contributes to a coherent understanding of the land. It is a cartographic language of measurement and observation, yet it also conveys the grandeur of a mountainous region poised between frontier memory and modern development.
Carson City itself occupies a historically resonant position on the map, near the foot of the Sierra Nevada and within reach of the Comstock mining country. The city’s rise was tied to the silver boom of nearby Virginia City, the creation of Nevada Territory, and the state’s admission to the Union in 1864. By the time this map was compiled, Carson City had evolved from a frontier administrative center into a growing mid-twentieth-century capital, connected by highways and surrounded by ranchlands, foothills, and public lands. US Route 395 traces an important north-south route through the region, while roads toward Kingsbury Grade and Lake Tahoe indicate the increasing significance of mobility, tourism, and mountain access in the postwar American West.
Lake Tahoe forms one of the map’s great visual and geographic anchors, its eastern basin framed by steep slopes, forested uplands, and named features such as Cave Rock, Marlette Lake, Spooner Lake, and the high country near Mount Rose. The lake’s presence adds a striking contrast to the drier Nevada valleys to the east, showing how abruptly alpine water, granite heights, and desert basins meet in this region. Smaller lakes and drainage features, including Eagle Lake, Glacier Lakes, Clear Creek, and the Carson River system, help illustrate the hydrological complexity of the Sierra’s eastern escarpment. The contouring around Tahoe and the surrounding ridges conveys not only elevation, but also the physical drama that has long made the area a destination for recreation, settlement, and scenic admiration.
As a historical document, this map records a moment before the full transformation of the Tahoe-Carson region by later suburban expansion, resort development, and intensified transportation networks. Genoa, one of Nevada’s oldest settlements, appears within the broader geography of Douglas County, while Washoe County and neighboring uplands hint at the layered jurisdictions and land-use patterns of the area. State Route 207 over Kingsbury Grade, links toward South Lake Tahoe, and the roads around Washoe Lake and Carson City reveal an infrastructure already knitting together capital, mountain, and lakeshore. Yet the map remains dominated by terrain: ridgelines, basins, waterways, and contour fields. It is this balance between human occupation and formidable landscape that gives the “Carson City” sheet its enduring historical and visual appeal.
Cities, towns and places on this map
- Carson City
- Genoa
- Lake Tahoe
- Washoe Lake
- Spooner Lake
- Carson River
- Kingsbury Grade
- US Route 395
- State Route 207
- Cave Rock
- Mount Rose
- Eagle Lake
- Marlette Lake
- Douglas County
- Virginia City
- South Lake Tahoe
- Clear Creek
- Washoe County
- Glacier Lakes
Historical context & cartographic details
- Produced by the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
- Historical topographical map at a scale of 1:62,500.
- Created in 1956, with a publication date of 1963.
- The USGS is known for comprehensive mapping and geological surveys, with an important role in environmental science and land-use planning.
- Features detailed contour lines indicating elevation changes and relief.
- Uses color coding to differentiate landforms, vegetation, and water bodies.
- Shows mountainous terrain, valleys, and bodies of water, reflecting the region’s diverse geography.
- Represents a period of growth and development in mid-20th-century Nevada.
- Documents historical land use and infrastructure that differ from the present day.
- Integrates topographical information with detailed geographical features to show the environmental context of the area.
Looking for a particular place? Review the detailed images to confirm that the town, landmark or feature you have in mind appears on the map. If you are unsure, ask our workshop to check before you order.
Detailed maps are especially rewarding at larger sizes, where names, boundaries and decorative features have more room to be appreciated. Use the close-up preview and size guide to choose the right scale for your wall.
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 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.
Where personalisation is available, you can add a short title or dedication, mark one meaningful place, or request one considered visual detail. See personalised map examples.
Every piece is printed to museum-grade archival standards using fade-resistant pigment inks on acid-free matte paper. Choose an unframed map print, framed map or canvas using the finish options above. Framed maps use crystal-clear optical acrylic and arrive ready to hang.
With its rich detail and strong sense of place, this map makes a considered gift for a new home, anniversary, retirement or anyone with a personal connection to the area shown. Still deciding? Explore our collection of rare old and vintage maps to discover another place, period or style.
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.
Published in 1963 from 1956 survey work, the USGS topographical map titled “Carson City” captures a compelling mid-century portrait of western Nevada and the Sierra Nevada’s eastern front. At a scale of 1:62,500, it presents the capital city not as an isolated political center, but as part of a dramatic regional landscape shaped by mountains, valleys, lakes, and routes of passage. Carson City appears alongside Genoa, Washoe Lake, Spooner Lake, the Carson River, and the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe, situating the area within a corridor of settlement, mining heritage, and alpine recreation. The map’s finely drawn contour lines and clear color distinctions give the terrain depth and immediacy, revealing the steep gradients and basin-and-range character that define this borderland between Nevada and California.
The United States Geological Survey brought to this map the institutional precision that made its work indispensable to engineers, geologists, planners, and travelers. Founded in 1879, the USGS became the nation’s great interpreter of land, water, minerals, and elevation, and its topographic sheets are among the most elegant technical documents produced by the federal government. Here, that tradition is evident in the disciplined rendering of relief, hydrography, roads, and settlements. Rather than emphasizing decoration, the map’s beauty lies in its authority: every contour, stream course, road line, and place name contributes to a coherent understanding of the land. It is a cartographic language of measurement and observation, yet it also conveys the grandeur of a mountainous region poised between frontier memory and modern development.
Carson City itself occupies a historically resonant position on the map, near the foot of the Sierra Nevada and within reach of the Comstock mining country. The city’s rise was tied to the silver boom of nearby Virginia City, the creation of Nevada Territory, and the state’s admission to the Union in 1864. By the time this map was compiled, Carson City had evolved from a frontier administrative center into a growing mid-twentieth-century capital, connected by highways and surrounded by ranchlands, foothills, and public lands. US Route 395 traces an important north-south route through the region, while roads toward Kingsbury Grade and Lake Tahoe indicate the increasing significance of mobility, tourism, and mountain access in the postwar American West.
Lake Tahoe forms one of the map’s great visual and geographic anchors, its eastern basin framed by steep slopes, forested uplands, and named features such as Cave Rock, Marlette Lake, Spooner Lake, and the high country near Mount Rose. The lake’s presence adds a striking contrast to the drier Nevada valleys to the east, showing how abruptly alpine water, granite heights, and desert basins meet in this region. Smaller lakes and drainage features, including Eagle Lake, Glacier Lakes, Clear Creek, and the Carson River system, help illustrate the hydrological complexity of the Sierra’s eastern escarpment. The contouring around Tahoe and the surrounding ridges conveys not only elevation, but also the physical drama that has long made the area a destination for recreation, settlement, and scenic admiration.
As a historical document, this map records a moment before the full transformation of the Tahoe-Carson region by later suburban expansion, resort development, and intensified transportation networks. Genoa, one of Nevada’s oldest settlements, appears within the broader geography of Douglas County, while Washoe County and neighboring uplands hint at the layered jurisdictions and land-use patterns of the area. State Route 207 over Kingsbury Grade, links toward South Lake Tahoe, and the roads around Washoe Lake and Carson City reveal an infrastructure already knitting together capital, mountain, and lakeshore. Yet the map remains dominated by terrain: ridgelines, basins, waterways, and contour fields. It is this balance between human occupation and formidable landscape that gives the “Carson City” sheet its enduring historical and visual appeal.
Cities, towns and places on this map
- Carson City
- Genoa
- Lake Tahoe
- Washoe Lake
- Spooner Lake
- Carson River
- Kingsbury Grade
- US Route 395
- State Route 207
- Cave Rock
- Mount Rose
- Eagle Lake
- Marlette Lake
- Douglas County
- Virginia City
- South Lake Tahoe
- Clear Creek
- Washoe County
- Glacier Lakes
Historical context & cartographic details
- Produced by the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
- Historical topographical map at a scale of 1:62,500.
- Created in 1956, with a publication date of 1963.
- The USGS is known for comprehensive mapping and geological surveys, with an important role in environmental science and land-use planning.
- Features detailed contour lines indicating elevation changes and relief.
- Uses color coding to differentiate landforms, vegetation, and water bodies.
- Shows mountainous terrain, valleys, and bodies of water, reflecting the region’s diverse geography.
- Represents a period of growth and development in mid-20th-century Nevada.
- Documents historical land use and infrastructure that differ from the present day.
- Integrates topographical information with detailed geographical features to show the environmental context of the area.
Looking for a particular place? Review the detailed images to confirm that the town, landmark or feature you have in mind appears on the map. If you are unsure, ask our workshop to check before you order.
Detailed maps are especially rewarding at larger sizes, where names, boundaries and decorative features have more room to be appreciated. Use the close-up preview and size guide to choose the right scale for your wall.
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 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.
Where personalisation is available, you can add a short title or dedication, mark one meaningful place, or request one considered visual detail. See personalised map examples.
Every piece is printed to museum-grade archival standards using fade-resistant pigment inks on acid-free matte paper. Choose an unframed map print, framed map or canvas using the finish options above. Framed maps use crystal-clear optical acrylic and arrive ready to hang.
With its rich detail and strong sense of place, this map makes a considered gift for a new home, anniversary, retirement or anyone with a personal connection to the area shown. Still deciding? Explore our collection of rare old and vintage maps to discover another place, period or style.
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.
Many of our maps and art prints are chosen as thoughtful gifts for homes, offices, studies and meaningful places.
Choose a framed option for the easiest ready-to-hang gift, or choose an unframed print if the recipient may prefer to select their own frame.
We make orders locally in 23 countries around the world, so gifts can often be produced close to the recipient. This helps them arrive faster, travel more safely, and avoid customs or import duty surprises.
- We can deliver directly to the recipient
- Framed pieces arrive ready to hang
- Unframed prints are carefully packed in a strong protective tube
- Almost every order is made locally, for faster, safer gifting
- 90-day returns give the recipient time to decide
If you are not sure what to choose, please contact us. We can help you pick the right map, size, finish or delivery option.
Most orders are made locally and delivered in around 2–3 working days, depending on the product, size and destination.
We print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world, so your order is usually made close to you or your recipient. That means faster delivery, less time in transit, and no customs or import duty surprises.
Personalised and customised pieces usually take an extra 1–2 working days, because we prepare your design and send it to you for approval before printing.
Very large framed orders can take a little longer, as they need extra care in production and delivery.
Every order is carefully packaged: unframed prints are sent in a strong protective tube, while framed pieces are securely packed with protective materials around the frame.
If you need your order by a particular date, please contact us before ordering. We’ll check the best production route and delivery option for your location.
Express delivery is available at checkout for most countries. Next-day delivery is available in the UK, US, Singapore and the UAE.
Your order is covered by our 90-day returns policy and 10-year guarantee.
Our standard frame is a gallery-style black ash hardwood frame, with a simple, modern look. It is approximately 20mm (0.8in) wide. You can also view some lovely customer photos of framed maps and art.
We use super-clear acrylic glazing, also known as Perspex or Acrylite, instead of traditional glass. It is lighter, safer, and has lower reflectivity, giving the artwork a clearer, cleaner appearance.
Six standard frame colours are available at no extra cost: black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white, and antique gold. Custom framing and mounting/matting is also available for customers looking for something more specific.
Most maps, art prints, and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced wooden box frame, and then float the piece within a wooden outer frame. The finished result is beautifully presented, with no glazing between you and the artwork.
All frames are supplied ready to hang, with either string or brackets fitted to the back. Very large frames will include heavy-duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
We can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag, and other materials.
If you would prefer to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read our size guide before ordering.
Every Unique Maps piece begins with an authentic cartographic source or an original design from our London studio.
For our historic maps, we source rare originals from libraries, archives, auction houses and private collections around the world. We carefully restore each map for print—repairing age-related damage, balancing colour and improving clarity while preserving its original detail, texture and character.
Once restored, the map is prepared for your chosen size and finish. Your piece is then printed and, where selected, framed close to its delivery destination.
Our map prints use acid-free 200gsm archival matte paper and fade-resistant pigment inks, creating a rich, non-glossy finish designed to last. Framed maps use crystal-clear optical acrylic and arrive ready to hang.
Canvas, cotton-rag and other specialist presentations are also available. Learn more about our materials and finishes.
Personalising your map
You can add a short title or dedication, mark one meaningful place, or request one considered visual detail. For personalised designs, we send a proof before printing and you can request changes before approval.
For more complex bespoke commissions, contact our design team.
Original or Aged
Choose Original for true-to-source colour, or Aged for a warmer, richer antique character created with our specialist ageing process. See examples of our Aged maps.
We’ve been restoring and producing maps and art prints since 1984, and we stand behind every piece.
Every order is covered by our 10-year guarantee and damage-free delivery guarantee. If your piece arrives damaged, we’ll replace or remake it free of charge. If anything else isn’t right, contact our workshop team and we’ll put it right promptly.
See our returns and refund policy for full details.
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