Pictorial Map of Washington D.C. by Ruth Taylor White, 1935: Capitol, White House, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Potomac River

Step into the vibrant heart of America’s capital with the captivating “District of Columbia” map, originally titled “District of Columbia.” Crafted in 1935 by the celebrated Ruth Taylor White, this pictorial map is a visual feast that brilliantly encapsulates the social and cultural essence of Washington, D.C. during the mid-1930s. White’s original title signals a direct and unembellished focus on the nation’s capital, yet the map itself is anything but plain. It brims with whimsical illustrations and vivid colors, inviting the viewer into a playful yet informative journey through one of the most historically significant cities in the United States.

Ruth Taylor White, renowned for her imaginative and engaging cartographic style, was a trailblazer in thematic and pictorial mapping. Her work transcended mere geography, weaving together elements of humor, artistry, and cultural commentary. In this map, White’s signature flair is unmistakable: each landmark is rendered with charming exaggeration, and every corner of the district is alive with scenes of daily life and historical resonance. Her maps, highly collectible today, serve as both decorative art and cultural documents, capturing the zeitgeist of their era with remarkable clarity and warmth.

The design of this map is a masterclass in 1930s pictorial cartography. Rather than offering a utilitarian navigation tool, White presents a visual narrative of Washington, D.C., highlighting its most iconic features through lively, cartoon-like depictions. The United States Capitol, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and the White House all take center stage, each rendered with distinctive personality. The Potomac River and Tidal Basin meander gracefully across the composition, anchoring the city’s landscape and providing a sense of place that is both accurate and artistically evocative.

A closer look reveals an abundance of historical and cultural treasures. The Smithsonian Institution, Jefferson Memorial, Library of Congress, and Supreme Court building are all present, their significance amplified by White’s playful touch. The map also celebrates the city’s green spaces, such as Rock Creek Park and the U.S. Botanic Garden, while bridges like the Arlington Memorial Bridge and notable sites like the U.S. Naval Observatory and Washington National Cathedral add further depth. Through these illustrations, White not only maps the city’s geography but also its spirit, offering glimpses into the daily activities and public life that defined the capital in the 1930s.

What truly sets this map apart is its ability to transport viewers back in time. Each scene, from bustling government buildings to leisurely strolls along the National Mall, is imbued with the optimism and dynamism of the era. White’s “District of Columbia” map stands as a testament to the enduring allure of pictorial cartography—a genre that transforms the map from a mere navigational aid into a work of art and a historical snapshot. For collectors and enthusiasts alike, this map offers not only a window into the physical landscape of Washington, D.C., but also an evocative portrait of its cultural and historical identity.

Cities and towns on this map

• Washington, D.C. (the only major human settlement depicted, as the map covers only the District of Columbia)

Notable Features & Landmarks

• The United States Capitol building is prominently illustrated.
• The Washington Monument is depicted.
• The Lincoln Memorial is shown.
• The White House is illustrated.
• The Potomac River is labeled and illustrated.
• The Tidal Basin is shown.
• The Smithsonian Institution is depicted.
• The Jefferson Memorial is illustrated.
• The Library of Congress is shown.
• The Supreme Court building is depicted.
• The Arlington Memorial Bridge is illustrated.
• The National Mall is visually represented.
• The U.S. Treasury building is shown.
• The Bureau of Engraving and Printing is depicted.
• The U.S. Naval Observatory is illustrated.
• The Washington National Cathedral is shown.
• Rock Creek Park is depicted.
• The U.S. Botanic Garden is illustrated.
• The map includes playful illustrations of people engaging in activities typical of the era (e.g., sightseeing, government work).

Historical and design context

• Created in 1935 by Ruth Taylor White, a renowned mapmaker known for her imaginative and engaging pictorial cartographic style.
• The map is part of a whimsical, entertaining pictorial atlas of the United States, designed to capture the culture and social atmosphere of the era.
• Features vibrant, colorful illustrations and cartoon-like depictions, characteristic of 1930s pictorial maps.
• Serves as both a decorative art piece and a historical document, reflecting the attitudes, fashions, and social norms of the mid-1930s.
• Focuses exclusively on the District of Columbia, highlighting its most iconic landmarks and green spaces.
• Intended as a visual narrative and cultural snapshot rather than a precise navigational tool.

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 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) 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.