Pictorial Map of Arkansas by Ruth Taylor White, 1935: Little Rock, Hot Springs, Agriculture, Mississippi River, Timber

Step into the vibrant world of 1930s Americana with "Arkansas," a captivating pictorial map crafted by the renowned Ruth Taylor White in 1935. This original work is a dazzling blend of cartography and artistry, capturing the essence of Arkansas through a whimsical lens. Each county is meticulously outlined and adorned with playful illustrations that transport the viewer to a bygone era, offering not only a geographic guide but also a rich cultural tapestry. The map’s title, simply “Arkansas,” reflects its focus on the state’s unique character, inviting collectors and history enthusiasts alike to explore its storied past.

Ruth Taylor White, celebrated for her innovative approach to mapmaking, was a trailblazer in the creation of pictorial atlases during the early twentieth century. Alongside her husband Frank Taylor, she produced a series of maps that are now highly prized for their distinctive style and historical resonance. White’s artistic vision shines through in this piece, where vibrant colors and charming cartoons evoke the optimism and curiosity of the Depression-era United States. Her work stands as a testament to the era’s fascination with regional identity and the power of visual storytelling.

The map is a visual feast, brimming with lively depictions of Arkansas’s agricultural heritage. Scenes of cotton picking, rice farming, and livestock grazing illustrate the economic backbone of the state, while references to timber and logging underscore the importance of its vast forests. The state’s rich natural resources are further highlighted by illustrations of diamond and bauxite mining, offering a window into the industries that shaped Arkansas’s development. Each vignette is thoughtfully placed, making the map as informative as it is delightful.

Beyond its economic motifs, the map captures the spirit of Arkansas’s landscape and people. Steamboats glide along the mighty Mississippi River, a nod to the region’s historic trade routes, while Native American figures and local folklore characters add depth and narrative to the composition. Recreational pursuits such as hunting and fishing are also celebrated, painting a picture of daily life and leisure in the state. The map’s playful design invites viewers to linger, discovering new details with each glance.

A remarkable feature of this map is its inclusion of Arkansas’s principal cities and towns, each illustrated with care and positioned within their respective counties. From the bustling capital of Little Rock to the storied streets of Fort Smith, Pine Bluff, and Hot Springs, the map charts the heart of Arkansas’s civic life. These settlements, ordered by their modern-day prominence, anchor the map in both time and place, providing a tangible link between past and present. As a whole, “Arkansas” by Ruth Taylor White is not merely a map—it is a vibrant celebration of a state’s identity, history, and enduring charm.

Cities and towns on this map

• Little Rock
• Fort Smith
• Pine Bluff
• Hot Springs
• Jonesboro
• Texarkana
• El Dorado
• Fayetteville
• Helena
• Camden
• Batesville
• Harrison
• Hope
• Conway
• Searcy
• Paragould
• Newport
• Morrilton
• Russellville
• Clarksville

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Illustrations of agricultural activities, such as cotton picking and rice farming, representing Arkansas's economy in the 1930s
• Drawings of livestock, including cattle and pigs, highlighting animal husbandry in the state
• Depictions of timber and logging, indicating the importance of forestry in Arkansas
• Representation of hunting and fishing, reflecting recreational and subsistence activities
• Images of Native American figures, referencing the indigenous history of the region
• Illustrations of steamboats and river activity, emphasizing the significance of the Mississippi River and river transport
• Cartoon depictions of local folklore and characters, adding a whimsical touch to the map
• Drawings of natural features such as forests, rivers, and hills, showcasing the state's varied landscape
• Visual references to Arkansas's mineral resources, such as diamonds and bauxite
• The map includes county boundaries and names

Historical and design context

• The map is titled "Arkansas" and was created by Ruth Taylor White in 1935
• This is a county or state thematic and pictorial map, focusing on Arkansas, USA
• The map was published as part of a whimsical, cartoon-style atlas of the United States, known for its playful and colorful illustrations
• Ruth Taylor White, along with her husband Frank Taylor, produced a series of pictorial maps in the 1930s, which are now considered collectible for their artistic and historical value
• The map uses vibrant, cartoonish illustrations to depict stereotypical scenes and cultural elements representative of Arkansas in the 1930s
• The style is highly decorative, with hand-drawn illustrations and a bright color palette, making it both a geographical and cultural snapshot
• The map reflects the attitudes, imagery, and stereotypes prevalent in the United States during the 1930s
• Thematic elements include agriculture, industry, local customs, and notable features of Arkansas life at the time
• The map serves as both an entertaining and educational artifact, providing insight into how Arkansas was perceived and represented in the early 20th century
• The map is significant for its combination of cartography and illustration, offering a unique perspective on American regional identity during the Depression era

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.