Rare Old US Army Map of Arnhem, Operation Market Garden, 1943: Rhine River, Bridges, Polders, Railways

This exquisite map of Arnhem, crafted by the U.S. Army Map Service in 1943, offers a captivating glimpse into a pivotal moment in World War II history. Designed in preparation for Operation Market Garden, this map was an essential tool for military strategists. The operation aimed to secure key bridges in the Netherlands to enable an Allied advance into Germany. The map’s intricate details, from the contour lines to the precise depiction of urban and rural landscapes, reflect the meticulous planning that characterized this ambitious military endeavor.

The map showcases the city of Arnhem and its surrounding areas with remarkable precision. Relief is artfully illustrated through contours and spot heights, while hachures provide additional depth on select sheets. This level of detail was crucial for understanding the terrain and planning troop movements. The Rhine River, prominently featured, was a significant geographical barrier that played a central role in the operation’s strategy, making this map not only a piece of history but a testament to military cartography.

In addition to its military significance, the map is a fascinating representation of Dutch geography. The detailed depiction of polder areas highlights the Netherlands’ unique approach to land reclamation and water management. Roads, railways, and bridges are meticulously plotted, underscoring their importance in wartime logistics. Urban areas like Arnhem and Oosterbeek are rendered with care, offering insights into the region’s infrastructure during the 1940s.

This map also bears historical markings, including a former security classification statement, indicating its exclusive use by War and Navy Department agencies. Such annotations add an element of intrigue and authenticity, transporting the viewer back to a time when these maps were vital to the success of military operations. The inclusion of a source-materials note, glossary, and diagrams further enriches its historical value, providing context and clarity to its intricate details.

Owning this map is like holding a piece of history in your hands. It is not merely a representation of geography but a narrative of strategic planning and historical events that shaped the course of World War II. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a collector of military memorabilia, or someone with an appreciation for cartographic art, this map of Arnhem is a remarkable artifact that speaks volumes about the past.

Places on this map

• Arnhem
• Oosterbeek
• Elden
• Renkum
• Huissen
• Westervoort
• Velp
• Driel
• Doorwerth
• Heveadorp
• Rheden
• Zevenaar
• Loo
• Elst
• Bemmel
• Wageningen
• Nijmegen
• Groessen
• Pannerden
• Duiven

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Rivers and Waterways:
• The Rhine River
• Roads and Railways:
• Detailed road networks and railway lines
• Topographical Details:
• Contours and spot heights
• Urban Areas:
• Layout of Arnhem city and surrounding towns
• Bridges:
• Key bridges, strategic military targets
• Forests and Green Areas:
• Areas of vegetation
• Polder Areas:
• Reclaimed land typical in Dutch geography

Historical and design context

• Creation date: 1943
• Mapmaker/Publisher: U.S. Army Map Service
• Purpose: Preparation for Operation Market Garden in 1944
• Relief and Depths:
• Relief shown by contours and spot heights
• Security Classification:
• Formerly classified for use by War and Navy Department agencies only
• Additional Features:
• Includes source-materials note, glossary, and diagrams
• Themes:
• Military strategy and planning during World War II
• Design/Style:
• Detailed topographical map with military utility
• Historical Significance:
• Used in preparation for a major WWII military operation

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 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 16in (40cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 36x24in (90x60cm) 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.

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.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

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 and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps and art prints are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) 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).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

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, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

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 and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my 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 order for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

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 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

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 - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

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.