Rare Old Map of Delaware, Maryland & Washington D.C. by J.H. Colton, 1859: Wilmington, Baltimore, Annapolis, Dover

This exceptional piece is an old map of Delaware, Maryland, and Washington D.C., created by the renowned mapmaker J.H. Colton in 1859. Colton is widely recognized as one of the finest American mapmakers of his era, and his meticulous attention to detail is evident in this beautiful representation of the region. The map dates back to a time when the United States was in its infancy, and the region was still largely unexplored and undeveloped.

The map captures the region in its early stages of development, at a time when many of the settlements that we know today were yet to be founded. It is a testament to the rapid growth and transformation of the region, showcasing the five most notable settlements of the time: Wilmington, Baltimore, Annapolis, Dover, and Washington D.C. Each of these settlements played a crucial role in the history and development of the region, and their depiction in this map offers a fascinating glimpse into their origins.

It's important to note that many of the names and borders on this map may have changed over the last 150 years. The map serves as a snapshot of a bygone era, providing a unique perspective on the evolution of the region. It offers an intriguing contrast to the modern landscape, highlighting the changes that have occurred over time.

In the hands of J.H. Colton, this map becomes more than just a geographical representation; it's a work of art that captures the spirit of a time and place. The map is a testament to Colton's mastery and his ability to bring the past to life. It's a piece that will undoubtedly spark conversations and inspire a sense of wonder and curiosity about the history of the United States.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a cartography aficionado, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty and craftsmanship of old maps, this piece is sure to be a cherished addition to your collection. It's not just a map; it's a piece of history, a work of art, and a conversation starter all rolled into one. This old map of Delaware, Maryland, and Washington D.C. by J.H. Colton is a treasure that offers a unique glimpse into the past, and a reminder of how far we've come.

Delaware

• Wilmington (1731) - Originally known as Fort Christina, it was the first Swedish settlement in North America. It is notable for its vibrant history and its role as a major player in the American industrial revolution.
• Dover (1683) - The capital of Delaware, known historically as the Court Town, it played a key role in the state's political and judicial affairs.
• New Castle (1651) - Originally named Fort Casimir by the Dutch, it was a strategic point of contention between the Dutch and the English.
• Lewes (1631) - Known as the first European settlement in Delaware, originally named Zwaanendael. It was a whaling and trading post.
• Smyrna (1716) - Originally called Duck Creek Cross Roads, it was a significant trading and shipping center due to its access to the Delaware Bay.

Maryland

• Baltimore (1729) - Known for its bustling port, it was a major shipbuilding and trading center.
• Annapolis (1649) - Originally called Providence, it served as the capital of Maryland and was a major center for the transatlantic slave trade.
• Frederick (1745) - Known for its rich history and as a gateway to the western part of the state.
• Hagerstown (1762) - Known as Jonathan Hager's Town, it was a strategic location during the Civil War.
• Cumberland (1787) - Known as the "Gateway to the West," it was a key transportation hub during the 19th century.

Washington D.C.

• Georgetown (1751) - Before becoming part of Washington D.C., it was a major port and commercial center.
• Alexandria (1749) - Known for its rich history and well-preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture.
• Foggy Bottom (1763) - One of the oldest late 18th and 19th-century neighborhoods in D.C., known for its historic buildings.
• Capitol Hill (1799) - Home to the U.S. Capitol Building, it's one of the city's oldest residential neighborhoods.
• Dupont Circle (1870s) - Known for its iconic traffic circle and historic homes, it's one of D.C.'s trendiest neighborhoods.

Native American Tribes

• Nanticoke Tribe - Indigenous people of Delaware and Maryland, known for their agricultural practices.
• Piscataway Tribe - Native tribe in Maryland, known for their trade networks.
• Powhatan Confederacy - A group of indigenous tribes in the Virginia and Maryland area.

Notable Natural Features

• Chesapeake Bay - The largest estuary in the U.S., offering a variety of recreational activities.
• Appalachian Mountains - The range extends into Maryland, providing scenic beauty and outdoor activities.
• Potomac River - A major waterway in D.C., offering boating, fishing, and scenic views.

Historical Events (1810-1859)

• War of 1812 - Significant battles took place in Baltimore and Washington D.C., including the burning of the White House.
• Baltimore Riots (1812) - Violent demonstrations by anti-war Federalists.
• Chesapeake and Ohio Canal (1828-1850) - The construction of this canal had a significant impact on transportation and trade in the region.
• The Compromise of 1850 - A series of laws passed to maintain the balance of power between slave and free states, had significant implications for the region.

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.

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.