Rare Old Map of Massachusetts by J.H. Colton, 1855: Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Lowell, and New Bedford

This map is a remarkable piece of American history, hailing from the mid-19th century, a period of significant growth and change in the United States. Crafted by J.H. Colton, widely recognized as one of the finest American mapmakers of his era, this 1855 map of Massachusetts offers a fascinating glimpse into the early days of the nation. At this time, many settlements that we know today had not yet been founded, and the names and borders of those that had been established were likely different from what we are familiar with today.

The map showcases the detailed and meticulous craftsmanship that Colton was renowned for. It provides a captivating snapshot of Massachusetts as it was in 1855, complete with the most notable settlements of the time. These include Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Lowell, and New Bedford, each of which played a significant role in the history and development of the state.

It's important to remember that this map was created just a few decades after the United States declared its independence. It is a testament to the rapid growth and expansion that characterized this period in American history. The changes in names and borders over the past 150 years reflect the dynamic and evolving nature of the nation, making this map not just a piece of art, but a tangible piece of America's historical narrative.

Massachusetts

• Boston (1630) - Known historically as Shawmut and Trimountaine, Boston is notable as the state's capital and largest city. It was a key location during the American Revolution, with events such as the Boston Massacre and Boston Tea Party.
• Plymouth (1620) - Originally known as Plimouth and Plimoth, this town is famous for being the landing place of the Mayflower and the Pilgrims.
• Salem (1626) - Salem is known for the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692.
• Cambridge (1630) - Historically known as Newtowne, Cambridge is home to Harvard University, the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States.
• Quincy (1625) - Known as Mount Wollaston, Braintree, and Merrymount in the past, Quincy is the birthplace of Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams.
• Worcester (1673) - Worcester played a key role in the American Revolutionary War.
• Springfield (1636) - Known as Agawam during the 1600s, Springfield is the birthplace of basketball.
• Lowell (1826) - Lowell became a prominent manufacturing hub during the Industrial Revolution.
• New Bedford (1640) - Known as Bedford Village and Bedford, it was the world's top whaling port in the 19th century.
• Nantucket (1641) - This island was a major whaling and trading port.
• Martha's Vineyard (1642) - This island was an important whaling base.
• Amherst (1759) - Known for being the home of Emily Dickinson and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
• Pittsfield (1761) - Known as Pontoosuck until 1761, Pittsfield is famous for being the site of the first agricultural fair in the U.S. in 1810.
• Salem (1626) - Known for the Salem Witch Trials of 1692.
• Barnstable (1636) - The largest community on Cape Cod, known for its maritime history.
• Lexington (1642) - Known as Cambridge Farms prior to 1691, Lexington is famous for being the site of the first shot of the American Revolutionary War.
• Concord (1635) - Famous for the Battle of Lexington and Concord, the first battle of the American Revolutionary War.
• Northampton (1654) - Known as Norwottuck, or Nonotuck, the "midst of the river" by its original Pocumtuc inhabitants, it was an important site for abolitionism in the 19th century.
• Gloucester (1623) - America's oldest seaport, Gloucester was an important shipbuilding center.
• Andover (1646) - Known for Phillips Academy, one of the oldest and most prestigious secondary schools in the U.S.

Native American Tribes

• Massachusett Tribe - The tribe for which the state is named, largely located around the Massachusetts Bay area.
• Wampanoag Tribe - This tribe was known for their interaction with the Pilgrims, who settled in their territory.
• Nipmuc Tribe - Located in central Massachusetts, they were key players in King Philip's War.
• Pocumtuc Tribe - Located in western Massachusetts, they were known for their farming and fishing.

Notable Natural Features

• The Berkshires - This mountain range is a popular tourist destination for its beautiful scenery and outdoor activities.
• Cape Cod - Known for its beaches, quaint villages, and seafood.
• Charles River - Famous for its rowing, sailing, and recreational opportunities.
• Mount Greylock - The highest natural point in Massachusetts with panoramic views.
• Quabbin Reservoir - One of the largest man-made public water supplies in the United States.

Historical Events (1810-1855)

• War of 1812 (1812-1815) - Massachusetts played a significant role in this conflict, with several naval and military engagements taking place off its coast.
• Lowell Mills (1826) - The establishment of these textile mills marked the beginning of the Industrial Revolution in America.
• The Boston Brahmins (1800s) - This term was coined to represent the elite class in Boston during this era, known for their philanthropy and influence.
• The Irish Potato Famine (1845-1852) - This event led to a significant influx of Irish immigrants to Massachusetts, particularly Boston.

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 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.

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.