Rare Old Map of Nebraska & Kansas by Colton, 1856: Omaha, Bellevue, Nebraska City, Leavenworth, Lawrence

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of American history with this exquisitely detailed old map of Nebraska and Kansas from 1856. Crafted by the renowned mapmaker J. H. Colton, widely acclaimed as the finest American mapmaker of his era, this map offers a unique glimpse into the early days of these territories, a time when the United States was still in its formative years. The map showcases the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail that are the hallmarks of Colton's work, and it stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of exploration and discovery that defined this epoch.

This map hails from a period when many of the settlements we know today were yet to be founded. It paints a vivid picture of a time when Nebraska and Kansas were largely uncharted territories, waiting to be explored and settled. The names and borders of these territories have changed significantly over the last 150 years, and this map offers a fascinating insight into the fluidity of geographical and political boundaries. The settlements of Omaha, Bellevue, Nebraska City, Leavenworth, and Lawrence, which are among the most notable on the map, have played pivotal roles in the shaping of modern-day Nebraska and Kansas.

As a piece of historical cartography, this map is not just a geographical representation, but a narrative of the human journey. It is a testament to the courage and ambition of the pioneers who ventured into the unknown, and the transformative power of human endeavor. This map offers a rare opportunity to delve into the past and experience the world as it was seen by those who lived and breathed the spirit of the American frontier. It is a remarkable testament to the ever-evolving story of the United States, and a priceless artifact for anyone with an appreciation for history and cartography.

Nebraska

1. Omaha (1854): Known as the "Gateway to the West," Omaha was a major transportation hub on the Missouri River.
2. Bellevue (1822): The oldest continuous town in Nebraska, Bellevue was a fur trading post and Indian Agency.
3. Nebraska City (1854): A major hub on the Missouri River, it was an important site for westward expansion.
4. Fort Kearny (1848): A military outpost established to protect travelers on the Oregon Trail.
5. Brownville (1854): An important river port and a contender for the state capital.
6. Fontenelle (1854): Named after Logan Fontenelle, an Omaha tribe interpreter.
7. Florence (1854): Home to the Winter Quarters, a temporary settlement for Mormon pioneers.
8. Dakota City (1855): One of the oldest settlements in Nebraska, it was a key trading and transportation center.
9. Saratoga (1854): Now part of Omaha, it was originally founded as an independent city.
10. Dodge (1855): Named after Iowa Senator Augustus C. Dodge, it was a significant frontier settlement.

Kansas

1. Leavenworth (1854): The first city incorporated in Kansas, it was a key supply base during the Civil War.
2. Lawrence (1854): Founded by anti-slavery settlers, it was the site of the infamous "Bleeding Kansas" battles.
3. Fort Scott (1842): Established to keep peace between settlers and Native Americans.
4. Manhattan (1855): Known as the "Little Apple," it's home to Kansas State University.
5. Atchison (1854): Named after Senator David Rice Atchison, it was a key river port.
6. Topeka (1854): Now the state capital, it was a Free-State town during the "Bleeding Kansas" era.
7. Burlington (1857): Founded by pro-slavery settlers, it was a center of the "Bleeding Kansas" conflict.
8. Emporia (1857): Named after ancient Carthage's marketplace, it's home to the first Normal School (teacher's college) in Kansas.
9. Osawatomie (1854): Site of the Battle of Osawatomie between pro-slavery and abolitionist forces.
10. Lecompton (1854): Once the pro-slavery capital of Kansas, it's now a National Historic Landmark.

Native American Tribes

• Omaha Tribe: Inhabited northeastern Nebraska.
• Otoe Tribe: Occupied central and eastern Nebraska.
• Pawnee Tribe: Resided in central and northern Nebraska.
• Kansa Tribe: Inhabited the area that is now Kansas.
• Osage Tribe: Lived in southern Kansas.

Natural Features

• Missouri River: Forms the eastern boundary of both states and was a vital transportation route.
• Platte River: Crosses Nebraska and was a key route for westward expansion.
• Kansas River: Flows through Kansas and was an important waterway for Native Americans and settlers.
• Chimney Rock: A prominent landmark in western Nebraska for Oregon Trail travelers.

Historical Events

• Kansas-Nebraska Act (1854): Created the territories of Kansas and Nebraska, opening new lands for settlement and allowing the question of slavery to be decided by residents.
• Bleeding Kansas (1854-1859): A series of violent civil confrontations over the question of whether Kansas would enter the Union as a slave state or a free state.

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.