Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of American history with this exquisite map of South Carolina, crafted in 1859 by the renowned mapmaker J. H. Colton. This piece hails from a time when the United States was still in its infancy, and the nation's landscape was largely uncharted and ever-changing. As such, this map serves as a fascinating window into the past, providing a snapshot of South Carolina as it was over 150 years ago.

At the time this map was made, many of the settlements we know today were yet to be founded, and many of the names and borders have likely changed. This map features the five most notable settlements in South Carolina in 1855: Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Spartanburg, and Sumter. Each of these locations carries its own unique history and significance, which is beautifully captured in the intricate details of this map.

J. H. Colton, the mapmaker behind this piece, is generally considered the finest American mapmaker of his era. His work is characterized by its meticulous attention to detail and its high level of accuracy. This map of South Carolina is no exception, showcasing Colton's unparalleled skill and dedication to his craft.

This map is more than just a piece of history; it's a testament to the early days of American exploration and the pioneering spirit that defined this era. It's a tribute to the towns and cities that have shaped South Carolina into the state it is today. And most importantly, it's a work of art, meticulously crafted by one of the most esteemed mapmakers of the 19th century. This is more than just a map - it's a piece of American history, and a testament to the timeless art of cartography.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a lover of maps, or simply someone who appreciates fine craftsmanship, this map of South Carolina by J. H. Colton is a must-have. It's not just a map, but a journey back in time, offering a glimpse into the past that is as fascinating as it is educational. So why not take a step back in time and explore the history of South Carolina as it was in 1859? With this map, the past is never far away.

Notable Settlements in South Carolina

1. Charleston (1670): Originally named Charles Town, it was one of the earliest and most significant colonial cities, renowned for its rich history, well-preserved architecture, and distinguished restaurants.
2. Columbia (1786): Known as the "Capital of Southern Hospitality," Columbia was named for Christopher Columbus and became the state capital in 1786.
3. Greenville (1831): Named after Revolutionary War hero Nathanael Greene, Greenville became a major cotton market and industrial center.
4. Spartanburg (1831): Known as the "Hub City" due to its railroad connections, Spartanburg was a major textile manufacturing center.
5. Sumter (1845): Named after General Thomas Sumter, the "Fighting Gamecock" of the American Revolutionary War.
6. Beaufort (1711): The second oldest city in South Carolina, known for its scenic location and historic architecture.
7. Georgetown (1729): Once one of the wealthiest colonies in the world, known for its rice plantations.
8. Camden (1733): The oldest inland city in South Carolina, it played key roles in the Revolutionary War.
9. Orangeburg (1704): Named after William IV, Prince of Orange, it was an important trading center and route to the western territories.
10. Anderson (1826): Known as "The Electric City" for being the first city in the United States with a continuous supply of electric power.
11. Aiken (1835): Known for its health resort, it attracted wealthy Northerners who built winter homes here.
12. Rock Hill (1852): Known for its textile mills and as the largest city in York County.
13. Abbeville (1785): Known as the "Birthplace and Deathbed of the Confederacy."
14. Lexington (1735): Known for its rich soil, it was an important agricultural area.
15. Chester (1785): Known for its historic downtown area and the Chester County Courthouse, designed by Robert Mills.
16. Newberry (1789): Known for Newberry College and the Newberry Opera House.
17. Union (1791): Known for its historic homes and the Battle of Blackstock's Farm during the Revolutionary War.
18. Gaffney (1804): Known for the Gaffney Peachoid, a water tower shaped like a peach.
19. Laurens (1785): Known for its historic downtown area and the Laurens County Courthouse.
20. Clinton (1852): Known for being the home of Presbyterian College.

Native American Tribes in South Carolina

• Cherokee: The largest tribe in South Carolina, they occupied the mountainous region of the state.
• Catawba: Known as "River People," they resided along the Catawba River.
• Yamasee: A multiethnic confederation, they were involved in the Yamasee War against British colonists.
• Congaree: A small tribe, they lived along the Congaree River.

Notable Natural Features

• Blue Ridge Mountains: Part of the Appalachian Mountains, it's known for its scenic beauty.
• Congaree River: Formed by the confluence of the Saluda and Broad Rivers near Columbia.
• Santee River: Known for its surrounding swamp, a unique ecosystem.
• Table Rock State Park: Known for its towering mountain and challenging hiking trails.
• Lake Marion: The largest lake in South Carolina, known for its fishing and boating.

Historical Events (1810-1859)

• Nullification Crisis (1832-1833): A major event in South Carolina's history, it involved a confrontation between South Carolina and the federal government.
• The Burning of Columbia (1865): Towards the end of the Civil War, much of Columbia was destroyed by fire.

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, but it looks even better when printed large.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 70in (178cm). 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.

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.

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.

Read our full delivery and local production guide

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.

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 and I'll get it fixed ASAP, free of charge. Please see my returns and refund policy for more information.

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 5,000 real 5-star reviews. My work has been featured in interior design magazines, on the BBC, and on the walls of dozens of 5-star hotels.

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. I stand by my products and will always make sure you're 100% happy with what you receive.

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.