Pictorial Map of Oklahoma by Ruth Taylor White, 1935: Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Oil Fields, Native American Motifs, Dust Bowl Era

Step into the vibrant world of 1930s Oklahoma with the captivating pictorial map titled "Oklahoma," created by the renowned Ruth Taylor White in 1935. This map is a masterful blend of artistry and historical documentation, offering a unique window into the character and culture of the Sooner State during a pivotal era. Richly adorned with whimsical illustrations, the map immediately draws the eye with its playful depictions of everyday life, regional industries, and the natural beauty that defined Oklahoma in the early twentieth century. Each detail is meticulously rendered, making this map not only a navigational tool but also a vivid historical artifact that encapsulates the spirit of its time.

Ruth Taylor White, celebrated for her imaginative cartographic works, brings Oklahoma to life through her signature style—an engaging fusion of humor, color, and cultural insight. Her maps, often produced in collaboration with her husband Frank Taylor, are beloved by collectors for their ability to transform geography into storytelling. Here, White’s artistic vision is on full display: oil derricks tower over the plains, cowboys and ranchers tend to cattle, and Native American motifs honor the state’s deep Indigenous heritage. Every illustration serves a dual purpose, both delighting the viewer and offering a snapshot of Oklahoma’s diverse economy and vibrant traditions.

The map’s design is a testament to the thematic and pictorial approach that defined Ruth Taylor White’s oeuvre. County boundaries are crisply delineated, inviting exploration of Oklahoma’s varied regions, while colorful vignettes highlight the agricultural abundance—wheat fields, cotton plants, and farming equipment abound. The presence of bison, tornadoes, and rivers further anchors the map in the physical realities and natural phenomena of the state. These elements not only enhance the map’s visual appeal but also provide an educational glimpse into the landscapes and livelihoods that shaped Oklahoma’s identity during the 1930s.

Beyond its aesthetic charm, this map offers a remarkable historical context. Created during the Dust Bowl era, it reflects both the challenges and resilience of Oklahomans at a time when the state was undergoing significant transformation. The illustrations capture the interplay between tradition and progress, with scenes of folk music and rodeos standing alongside burgeoning industries. The map’s decorative title cartouche and lively border designs reinforce its role as both a collector’s item and a conversation piece, bridging the gap between past and present with wit and warmth.

For those passionate about American history, vintage cartography, or the unique story of Oklahoma, this map is a treasure trove of discovery. Major cities and towns such as Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman, and Lawton are prominently featured, their modern-day significance foreshadowed by their presence on this historic canvas. The map’s celebration of the state’s cultural icons, natural wonders, and economic milestones ensures it remains a timeless tribute to Oklahoma’s enduring legacy. Ruth Taylor White’s "Oklahoma" is not merely a map—it is a vibrant tapestry, inviting you to journey through a bygone era with every glance.

Cities and towns on this map

• Oklahoma City
• Tulsa
• Norman
• Lawton
• Broken Arrow
• Edmond
• Moore
• Midwest City
• Enid
• Stillwater
• Muskogee
• Bartlesville
• Shawnee
• Owasso
• Yukon
• Ponca City
• Ardmore
• Duncan
• Del City
• Sapulpa

Notable Features & Landmarks

• County boundaries are clearly delineated and labeled throughout Oklahoma.
• Illustrations of oil derricks, referencing the oil industry prominent in Oklahoma.
• Depictions of Native American figures and motifs, reflecting the state's significant Indigenous history.
• Illustrations of cattle and ranching scenes, highlighting Oklahoma's agricultural and ranching economy.
• Images of wheat and farming equipment, representing the importance of agriculture.
• Drawings of cowboys and rodeo scenes, emphasizing Western cultural themes.
• Pictorial representations of bison (buffalo), a symbol of the Great Plains and Oklahoma's wildlife.
• Illustrations of musical instruments and dancers, referencing Oklahoma's folk and musical traditions.
• Images of cotton plants, indicating cotton farming in the state.
• Visual references to tornadoes, alluding to Oklahoma's weather patterns.
• Artistic depictions of the state's rivers and lakes.
• The map includes a decorative title cartouche with the name "Oklahoma."
• Thematic illustrations that evoke the Dust Bowl era, relevant to Oklahoma's 1930s history.

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Oklahoma.
• Mapmaker: Ruth Taylor White.
• Date of creation: 1935.
• Part of a pictorial atlas of the United States, known for its whimsical and entertaining style.
• Artistic style: Richly adorned with vibrant, colorful illustrations and playful, cartoon-like depictions.
• Themes: Stereotypical scenes of Oklahoma's culture, economy, and geography as perceived in the 1930s.
• Purpose: Both navigational and decorative; serves as a historical artifact reflecting societal norms and popular imagery of Oklahoma in the early 20th century.
• Geographic coverage: The entire state of Oklahoma, with county boundaries clearly marked.
• Notable for: Whimsical artistry and informative portrayal, appealing to collectors of vintage maps and those interested in American state history.
• Context about the mapmaker: Ruth Taylor White was known for her pictorial maps that combined humor, artistry, and informative content, often collaborating with her husband Frank Taylor.

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.