Rare Old Detailed Map of Panama by Tallis, 1851: Panama Canal, Pacific Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Chagres River, Cordillera de San Blas

Embark on a historical voyage with the exquisite "Isthmus of Panama" map, a masterpiece crafted in 1851 by the renowned John Tallis & Company, a firm celebrated for its detailed and decorative maps during the 19th century. This map, a testament to the era's cartographic excellence, emerges from a period marked by fervent interest in the Isthmus of Panama, primarily due to the construction endeavors surrounding the Panama Canal. The map's creation in London & New York reflects the global anticipation and engineering marvels of the time, offering a window into the geographical and political landscape that captivated many a navigator and entrepreneur.

John Tallis & Company, with its commitment to precision and aesthetics, presents a map that is not only a navigational tool but also a work of art. The detailed and colorful engraving, adorned with a decorative border, brings to life the physical and political geography of the Isthmus of Panama. The map meticulously outlines the proposed routes of the Panama Canal and the Panama Railway, highlighted in pink, capturing the spirit of innovation and the dreams that fueled the era's ambitious projects. The inclusion of inset illustrations, such as gold seekers traversing the Cordilleras and the fort at Chagres, enriches the narrative, offering glimpses into the challenges and adventures that awaited those drawn to this land of promise.

The "Isthmus of Panama" map covers a vast and vibrant landscape, extending from Honduras to the top of New Granada, now known as Colombia. It delineates not only the geographical features such as the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, the Caribbean Sea, and the myriad rivers that snake through the isthmus but also the political boundaries and cities that dot this crucial land bridge. The map is a treasure trove of information, detailing regions that are part of present-day Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Colombia, thus serving as a historical document that captures the essence of Central America during a pivotal moment in history.

Beyond its geographical and political significance, the map is a cultural artifact, reflecting the aspirations and challenges of a time when the world was rapidly expanding, and new routes were being carved through the earth. The proposed Darien Canal, an ambitious endeavor that sought to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, is a highlight of this map, symbolizing the era's relentless pursuit of progress and connectivity. The detailed depictions of sailing ships, one at sea and one docked at a harbor, further evoke the maritime adventures that were integral to the exploration and exploitation of new lands.

In conclusion, the "Isthmus of Panama" map by John Tallis & Company is more than a mere cartographic creation; it is a historical document that captures the imagination and ambition of the mid-19th century. It offers a detailed and colorful portrayal of a region at the cusp of transformation, marked by the construction of the Panama Canal and the Panama Railway. This map is a valuable collectible for enthusiasts of history, cartography, and maritime exploration, providing a snapshot of a world in transition, where the boundaries of exploration were continually being redrawn.

Cities and towns on this map

• Panama City - 1,821,000
• Colón - 200,000
• David - 144,800
• Santiago de Veraguas - 99,000
• Chitré - 98,000
• Las Tablas - 96,000
• Penonomé - 89,000
• Aguadulce - 84,000
• Arraiján - 83,000
• Chame - 79,000
• San Miguelito - 77,000
• Parita - 76,000
• Pocrí - 75,000
• San José (Costa Rica) - 333,980
• Alajuela (Costa Rica) - 298,000
• Heredia (Costa Rica) - 131,000
• Cartago (Costa Rica) - 129,000
• Liberia (Costa Rica) - 66,000
• Puntarenas (Costa Rica) - 65,000
• Limón (Costa Rica) - 63,000
• Nicoya (Costa Rica) - 59,000
• Cañas (Costa Rica) - 51,000
• Upala (Costa Rica) - 49,000
• Managua (Nicaragua) - 1,048,000
• León (Nicaragua) - 200,000
• Chinandega (Nicaragua) - 134,000
• Masaya (Nicaragua) - 130,000
• Granada (Nicaragua) - 109,000
• Matagalpa (Nicaragua) - 108,000
• Estelí (Nicaragua) - 99,000
• Jinotega (Nicaragua) - 84,000
• Puerto Cabezas (Nicaragua) - 79,000
• Bluefields (Nicaragua) - 77,000

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Inset map of "The Proposed Darien Canal and Isthmus of Panama"
• Illustrations of two sailing ships, one at sea and one docked at a harbor
• A note about the "Proposed Darien Canal and Isthmus of Panama"
• The Isthmus of Panama
• The Pacific Ocean
• The Atlantic Ocean
• The Caribbean Sea
• The Gulf of Panama
• The Bay of Panama
• The Chagres River
• The Rio Grande
• The Tuyra River
• The Atrato River
• The San Juan River
• The Cordillera de San Blas
• The Serrania del Darien

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.

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.

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 unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps 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.