Rare Old Map of Pittsburgh, 1891: Allegheny, East Liberty, Highland Park, Schenley Park, Monongahela River

Embark on a journey back to the bustling streets of late 19th-century Pennsylvania with the exquisite "Map of Pittsburgh and Allegheny." Crafted in 1891 by the esteemed D. Appleton & Co., a New York publishing house renowned for its wide array of scholarly and leisure publications, this map stands as a testament to the rich history and rapid development of this pivotal American region. The detailed lithograph, with its color-coded design and perspective view, offers a three-dimensional glimpse into the past, showcasing the intricate layout of streets, railroads, and streetcar lines that once defined the city's landscape.

The map covers the area from the Allegheny River to the Monongahela River, and from the Ohio River to the city limits, encapsulating the heart of Pittsburgh along with its neighboring Allegheny. This region, known for its significant contribution to America's industrial revolution, is vividly brought to life through the map's meticulous detailing of neighborhoods such as the bustling East Liberty, the historic Allegheny, and the scenic Duquesne Heights. Each neighborhood is a story in itself, revealing the city's multifaceted character and its evolution into a major industrial and cultural hub.

Noteworthy landmarks and features are elegantly illustrated, offering a window into the city's architectural and social heritage. From the serene Lake Elizabeth to the expansive greenery of Highland Park and the Allegheny Cemetery, the map highlights the city's commitment to creating oases of tranquility amidst industrial growth. The inclusion of major parks like Riverview and Schenley Park further emphasizes Pittsburgh's blend of urban development with natural beauty, a characteristic that continues to define the city to this day.

The map also serves as a historical document, detailing the infrastructure that powered the city's growth. The intricate network of railways and streetcar lines illustrates Pittsburgh's role as a transportation nexus, vital for the movement of goods and people during a period of exponential industrial expansion. The detailed enumeration of streets, from 10th Street to 39th Street, alongside depots, hotels, churches, and other points of interest, provides an unparalleled insight into the city's bustling activity and architectural diversity at the turn of the century.

In essence, the "Map of Pittsburgh and Allegheny" is not merely a cartographic artifact but a vibrant narrative of urban development, industrial might, and community spirit. It captures a moment in time when Pittsburgh was on the cusp of transformation, poised to become a leading force in America's march towards modernity. For historians, cartographers, and enthusiasts of American heritage, this map offers a rare and fascinating glimpse into the life and times of a city that has played a pivotal role in shaping the nation's destiny.

Streets and roads on this map

• 10th Street
• 11th Street
• 12th Street
• 13th Street
• 14th Street
• 15th Street
• 16th Street
• 17th Street
• 18th Street
• 19th Street
• 20th Street
• 21st Street
• 22nd Street
• 23rd Street
• 24th Street
• 25th Street
• 26th Street
• 27th Street
• 28th Street
• 29th Street
• 30th Street
• 31st Street
• 32nd Street
• 33rd Street
• 34th Street
• 35th Street
• 36th Street
• 37th Street
• 38th Street
• 39th Street

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Illustrations: Etna, St. Mary's Church
• Neighbourhoods: Allegheny, Birmingham, Chartiers, Duquesne Heights, East Birmingham, East Liberty, Glenwood, Greenfield, Hazelwood, Homewood, Lawrenceville, Manchester, Oakland, Park Place, Pittsburg, Soho, South Side, West End
• Lakes: Lake Elizabeth
• Large parks: Allegheny Cemetery, Highland Park, Riverview Park, Schenley Park

Historical and design context

• Title: Map of Pittsburg and Allegheny
• Date: 1891
• Mapmaker/Publisher: D. Appleton & Co., a New York publishing house known for its maps and wide range of publications.
• Topics: Detailed map showing streets, railroads, streetcar lines, parks, and landmarks.
• Region: Covers the area from the Allegheny River to the Monongahela River, and from the Ohio River to the city limits.
• Design/Style: Color-coded lithograph drawn in a perspective view, giving it a three-dimensional appearance.
• Historical significance: Provides a snapshot of Pittsburgh and Allegheny's growth and development in the late 19th century.

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 16x20in (40x50cm) 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.

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.