Rare Old Map of Virginia, Delaware, Maryland and Washington D.C. by H. S. Tanner (1820): Featuring Baltimore, Alexandria, Norfolk, Richmond, and Wilmington

Introducing an exquisite piece of cartographic history, the Old Map of Virginia, Delaware, and Maryland by H. S. Tanner, published in 1820. This meticulously crafted map showcases the territorial boundaries and topographical details of these three states during a pivotal era in American history. With its delicate engravings and intricate cartographic techniques, this map serves as a remarkable window into the past, transporting you to a time when these settlements and colonies were taking their first steps towards shaping the future of the United States. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of this region as you explore the following notable towns, cities, counties, settlements, and colonies founded before 1820:

This map also includes Washington D.C., which had been founded 30 years earlier in 1790.

Settlements on this map include...

Virginia:

• Alexandria (1749): Founded as a major port city along the Potomac River, Alexandria played a significant role in colonial and early American history, serving as a vital trade hub and a key center of culture and learning.
• Norfolk (1682): Established as a prosperous port town, Norfolk became an important maritime and commercial center in the region, attracting settlers from various backgrounds.
• Richmond (1737): Rising as the capital of Virginia, Richmond grew rapidly due to its strategic location along the James River, becoming an economic powerhouse and later a critical city during the Civil War.
• Petersburg (1748): Known for its strategic location on the Appomattox River, Petersburg evolved into a bustling manufacturing and transportation hub, facilitating trade between the coast and the interior.
• Fredericksburg (1728): Founded along the Rappahannock River, Fredericksburg witnessed notable events during the American Revolution and the Civil War, preserving its historical charm.

Delaware:

• Wilmington (1731): Established as a thriving port city along the Delaware River, Wilmington grew into an industrial and financial center, contributing to Delaware's prominence in commerce and trade.
• New Castle (1651): Founded by the Dutch, New Castle served as an influential colonial settlement and a vital trading post, leaving a lasting impact on the history and culture of Delaware.
• Dover (1683): Chosen as the capital of Delaware, Dover emerged as a political and administrative center, hosting key governmental institutions and embodying the state's heritage.
• Lewes (1631): One of the earliest European settlements in the region, Lewes boasts a rich history and picturesque charm, featuring historic landmarks and a deep connection to Delaware's maritime traditions.
• Milford (1787): Established along the Mispillion River, Milford developed into a thriving agricultural and manufacturing town, playing a role in Delaware's economic growth.

Maryland:

• Baltimore (1729): Founded as a bustling port city on the Patapsco River, Baltimore grew rapidly into a major industrial and cultural center, renowned for its vibrant harbor, architecture, and historical significance.
• Annapolis (1649): Selected as the capital of Maryland, Annapolis became a focal point of political and cultural life in the state, known for its colonial-era charm and its status as a sailing destination.
• Frederick (1745): Established in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Frederick evolved into a bustling market town, reflecting Maryland's agricultural and trading heritage.
• Hagerstown (1762): Settled near the crossroads of important trade routes, Hagerstown prospered as a center for commerce and transportation, embodying the spirit of westward expansion.
• Salisbury (1732): Located along the Wicomico River, Salisbury developed into a thriving commercial and agricultural center, with a vibrant downtown and a strong sense of community.

In addition to these historical settlements, this remarkable map showcases notable natural features and boundaries that played a role in shaping the region's development. Explore the meandering paths of the Chesapeake Bay, trace the course of the Potomac and James Rivers, and discover the early territories of Native American tribes. Gain a deeper appreciation for the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Furthermore, between 1810 and 1830, this region witnessed significant historical events that shaped the course of American history. Some notable events during this period include the War of 1812 and the subsequent burning of Washington, D.C., the Missouri Compromise of 1820, which aimed to address the issue of slavery expansion, and the construction of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, a groundbreaking engineering feat.

This Old Map of Virginia, Delaware, and Maryland by H. S. Tanner, published in 1820, is a treasured artifact that offers a captivating glimpse into the past. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a cartography connoisseur, or someone seeking a unique decorative piece, this map will undoubtedly enrich your understanding of this region's historical legacy and serve as a conversation starter for generations to come.

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), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 24x36in (61x91.5cm), 30x40in (76x101.5cm), 37x50in (94x127cm), 45x60in (114x152.5cm) and 52x70in (132x178cm), but it looks even better when printed large.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 100in (254cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45.5x61cm) 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.