Immerse yourself in the rich history of the United States with this meticulously crafted old map of Iowa from 1856, published by the esteemed mapmaker J. H. Colton. This piece offers a unique glimpse into the nation's past, at a time when many settlements were still in their infancy, and the borders and names we are familiar with today were still evolving. This map is a testament to the country's dynamic history, offering a snapshot of a time that has been etched into the annals of American history.

J. H. Colton, the mapmaker behind this work, is widely regarded as one of the finest American mapmakers of his era. His attention to detail and commitment to accuracy are evident in this map of Iowa, providing a precise representation of the region as it was in the mid-19th century. Colton's maps are renowned for their intricacy and precision, and this map of Iowa is no exception. It is a testament to his skill and dedication, making it a truly exceptional piece for any collector or history enthusiast.

This map of Iowa from 1856 is from a time when the United States was still very young. Many of the settlements that we know today had not yet been founded, and the names and borders that are now familiar to us were still in flux. The map features the five most notable settlements in Iowa at the time: Des Moines, Iowa City, Dubuque, Davenport, and Burlington. These settlements, some of which have grown into major cities today, provide a fascinating insight into the early development of the region.

The map offers a detailed view of the region, with each settlement marked and labeled. The level of detail allows you to trace the growth and development of these settlements over time, providing a tangible link to the past. The map also features the natural geography of the region, including rivers and other landmarks, providing a comprehensive view of the region as it was in 1856.

This old map of Iowa by J. H. Colton is more than just a historical artifact. It is a piece of art, a window into the past, and a testament to the skill and dedication of one of America's finest mapmakers. Whether you are a history buff, a collector, or simply someone who appreciates fine craftsmanship, this map is sure to be a treasured addition to your collection.

Notable Settlements in Iowa (Founded before 1856)

1. Des Moines (1843): Known as Fort Des Moines until 1857, it became the state capital in 1858. It's notable for its role in the insurance industry and as the headquarters for many national political campaigns.
2. Iowa City (1839): The original state capital of Iowa, it's home to the University of Iowa, one of the oldest and most prestigious public universities in the U.S.
3. Dubuque (1833): Named after French-Canadian fur trader Julien Dubuque, it's known for its rich mining and river trading history.
4. Davenport (1836): Named after Colonel George Davenport, it's recognized for its historic architecture and vibrant arts scene.
5. Burlington (1833): Known as Flint Hills until 1834, it's famous for its Snake Alley, once labelled the most crooked street in the world.
6. Keokuk (1837): Named after the Sauk chief Keokuk, it's notable for its historic role in the American Civil War.
7. Fort Madison (1808): The site of the first U.S. military fort on the Upper Mississippi, it's known for its historic architecture and the annual Tri-State Rodeo.
8. Muscatine (1833): Known as Bloomington until 1849, it's famous for its pearl button manufacturing history.
9. Council Bluffs (1837): Known as Kanesville until 1852, it's notable as a starting point for Mormon pioneers heading west.
10. Sioux City (1854): Named after the Sioux tribe, it's recognized for its rich agricultural history.
11. Clinton (1835): Known for its lumber mills and as the eastern terminus of the Lincoln Highway, the first transcontinental highway.
12. Marion (1839): Named after Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion, it's known for its historic buildings and annual Swamp Fox Festival.
13. Bettendorf (1844): Part of the Quad Cities, it's known for its high quality of life and strong school system.
14. Oskaloosa (1844): Named after a Creek princess, it's notable for its coal mining history.
15. Fairfield (1839): Known for its vibrant arts scene and as the home of Maharishi University of Management.
16. Mount Pleasant (1835): Known for its historic architecture and the annual Midwest Old Thresher's Reunion.
17. Ottumwa (1843): Known as the "City of Bridges" for its numerous bridges over the Des Moines River.
18. Decorah (1849): Known for its Norwegian-American culture and the annual Nordic Fest.
19. Pella (1847): Known for its Dutch heritage and the annual Tulip Time festival.
20. Le Claire (1834): Known for its historic downtown and as the home of the American Pickers television show.

Indian Tribes and Territories

• Meskwaki Tribe: Known as the "Red Earth People", they are the only federally recognized tribe in Iowa.
• Sauk Tribe: Known for their warrior society and their notable chief, Black Hawk.
• Sioux Tribe: Known for their hunting and warrior culture.

Notable Natural Phenomena

• Mississippi River: The largest river system in North America, it's a major route for trade and travel.
• Des Moines River: A major tributary of the Mississippi River, it's known for its recreational opportunities.
• Loess Hills: Unique formations of wind-deposited soil, they are a National Natural Landmark.
• Effigy Mounds National Monument: Prehistoric mounds built by Native Americans, they are a major archaeological site.

Historical Events (1810-1856)

• Black Hawk War (1832): A brief conflict between the United States and Native Americans led by Black Hawk, a Sauk leader.
• Iowa becomes a state (1846): Iowa was admitted to the Union as the 29th state on December 28, 1846.
• First Iowa State Fair (1854): The first state fair was held in Fairfield in 1854, showcasing the state's agricultural achievements.

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, 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.

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.

Many of our maps and art prints are chosen as thoughtful gifts for homes, offices, studies and meaningful places.

Choose a framed option for the easiest ready-to-hang gift, or choose an unframed print if the recipient may prefer to select their own frame.

We make orders locally in 23 countries around the world, so gifts can often be produced close to the recipient. This helps them arrive faster, travel more safely, and avoid customs or import duty surprises.

• We can deliver directly to the recipient
• Framed pieces arrive ready to hang
• Unframed prints are carefully packed in a strong protective tube
• Almost every order is made locally, for faster, safer gifting
• 90-day returns give the recipient time to decide

If you are not sure what to choose, please contact us. We can help you pick the right map, size, finish or delivery option.

Most orders are made locally and delivered in around 2–3 working days, depending on the product, size and destination.

We print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world, so your order is usually made close to you or your recipient. That means faster delivery, less time in transit, and no customs or import duty surprises.

Personalised and customised pieces usually take an extra 1–2 working days, because we prepare your design and send it to you for approval before printing.

Very large framed orders can take a little longer, as they need extra care in production and delivery.

Every order is carefully packaged: unframed prints are sent in a strong protective tube, while framed pieces are securely packed with protective materials around the frame.

If you need your order by a particular date, please contact us before ordering. We’ll check the best production route and delivery option for your location.

Express delivery is available at checkout for most countries. Next-day delivery is available in the UK, US, Singapore and the UAE.

Your order is covered by our 90-day returns policy and 10-year guarantee.

Read our full delivery and local production guide

Our standard frame is a gallery-style black ash hardwood frame, with a simple, modern look. It is approximately 20mm (0.8in) wide. You can also view some lovely customer photos of framed maps and art.

We use super-clear acrylic glazing, also known as Perspex or Acrylite, instead of traditional glass. It is lighter, safer, and has lower reflectivity, giving the artwork a clearer, cleaner appearance.

Six standard frame colours are available at no extra cost: black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white, and antique gold. Custom framing and mounting/matting is also available for customers looking for something more specific.

Most maps, art prints, and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced wooden box frame, and then float the piece within a wooden outer frame. The finished result is beautifully presented, with no glazing between you and the artwork.

All frames are supplied ready to hang, with either string or brackets fitted to the back. Very large frames will include heavy-duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

We can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag, and other materials.

If you would prefer to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read our size guide before ordering.

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 and I'll get it fixed ASAP, free of charge. Please see my returns and refund policy for more information.

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 5,000 real 5-star reviews. My work has been featured in interior design magazines, on the BBC, and on the walls of dozens of 5-star hotels.

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. I stand by my products and will always make sure you're 100% happy with what you receive.

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.