Antique Wall Maps

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From the sixteenth century maps have been made to be hung on the walls of offices, public buildings, schools, etc. These maps are usually large for ease of reading. Usually they were attached to rollers at the top and bottom for hanging, and they often were varnished to protect them from wear, smoke and bugs.

Condition Note: These are maps were intended for use and with their exposure to flies, poking fingers, tears, and all the other happenstance of such items, means that few survive, and many of those that do are in rough condition. Usually one will find water stains, rubbed sections, cracks and tears, as well as the typical yellowing from the oxidation of the varnish. All wall maps listed here have some typical condition problems, but we have tried to indicate major ones in the descriptions. Please contact us for specific and detailed condition reports on any of the wall maps on our web site.

William E. Morris after John Melish. "Map of Pennsylvania, Constructed from the County Surveys authorized by the State; and other original Documents. Revised And Improved Under the supervision of Wm. E. Morris, Civil Engineer." Philadelphia: R.L. Barnes, [1848]-1849. Copyright, R.L. Barnes 1848. 50 x 74. Engraving by Edward Yeager. Original hand color. Conserved and mounted on new linen backing. Very good condition.

In 1816, the Pennsylvania State legislature passed a law to produce an official state map, and this project was given to the supervision of Philadelphia mapmaker John Melish. Melish called for each county to produce a standardized map, which he would then use to compile a full state map. He worked for six years on this map, which was finally produced in 1822, with revised editions issued in 1824, 1826, and 1832. As each of these maps was produced, one could see the internal growth and development of the state, with new roads and canals, settlements and other features making their appearance with each new issue. By the 1830s, however, it became clear that the tremendous growth of the state demanded an updated and revised version of this official state map. Civil Engineer William E. Morris was authorized to gather updated information from each county, and he proceeded to 'revise and improve' Melish's map, with the new engravings done by Philadelphia craftsman Edward Yeager. The map was copyrighted and first issued in 1848 and this example was issued a year later with some updating. The size of this map and its myriad public uses determined that the map would be issued in the format of a wall map. Its sheets were joined, mounted on canvas, and varnished so that it could be hung in public plates throughout the state. Added along the bottom of the map are several tables of information. These include: "Anthracite Coal Trade of Pennsylvania," "Public Works of Pennsylvania," "Approximate Estimate of Bituminous Coal Mined in 1847," and "Statistical Table Shewing The Prominent Features of each County." It map is a superb picture of Pennsylvania at mid-century and it is the last of the great engraved maps of the state. $6,500

Charles Ellet, Jr. "A Map of the County of Philadelphia From Actual Survey made under the direction of Charles Ellet, Jr. Civil Engineer and in accordance with the Act of Assembly passed June 30th 1839." Philadelphia: C. Ellet, 1843. Separately issued wall map. Surveyor, D.H. Kennedy; Draughtsman, C. Cramer. 34 x 59. Engraving by J.H. Young. Original outline color. On period rollers. Professionally conserved. Occasional cracking, but overall excellent condition for such wall maps.

An excellent wall map of the County of Philadelphia, drawn on a scale of 2 1/2" to a mile, issued about a decade before the county was incorporated as the City of Philadelphia. The county was surveyed by D.H. Kennedy, and then the map drawn by C. Cramer, under the direction of Civil Engineer, Charles Ellet, Jr. Ellet is best remembered for building in 1843 the first large scale suspension bridge in the United States, the bridge over the Schuylkill River at Fairmount, shown on this map. The orientation is to the northwest, so that the county more easily fits onto four sheets, and it shows not only the entire county, but also some information along the New Jersey side of the Delaware River. Wall maps like this one were intended for practical use, so detail on this large format map is superb. Buildings, roads, properties, tolls, townships, rivers, parks and railroads all neatly and clearly illustrated. The large size makes this map an impressive snapshot of Philadelphia shortly before consolidation. In the upper right corner are text blocks about Philadelphia County, as well as an inset plan of Philadelphia proper, with even more detail today's Center City. The best and most detailed map of the date, a treasure for the scholar or collector. $5.200

J.H. Young. "The Empire State. New York With Its Counties, Towns, Cities, Villages: Internal Improvements &c." Philadelphia: S. Augustus Mitchell, 1844. Wall map, mounted on linen, varnished and attached to original wood rollers. 40 x 47 1/2. Engraving by J.H. Young. Original hand color. Map time-toned from varnish and with fly-specs and some scattered stains. Small areas of surface worn off at top. Otherwise, very good condition for separately issued wall map.

An impressive wall map of the Empire State by leading American publisher S. Augustus Mitchell. This is quite an early example of such a wall map, a type of map that would have hung in many schools, government and private offices, as well as homes. As noted in the title, the map has impressive detail of the state, including its many roads and canals. Four decorative vignettes surround the title-the Erie Canal opening celebration, McDonough's victory, the surrender of Burgoyne, and the evacuation of New York during the Revolution-and the whole is surrounded by a typical Mitchell decorative border. Two large tables of statistics on the state are included in the top right corner. $650

J.H. Young. "Mitchell's National Map of the American Republic or United States of North America." Philadelphia: S. Augustus Mitchell, 1844. Separately issued wall map; mounted on linen and with wood rollers. 38 1/4 x 47. Drawn by J.H. Young. Engraving by J.H. Brightly. Full original hand color. With some flaking and small bits of missing surface in top quarter of map; strengthened with new linen. Waterstains, but overall very good appearance. Cf. Ristow, p. 310.

An impressive national statement from early days of the great cartographic publisher S. Augustus Mitchell. This map was the second in an annual series of maps of the United States issued by Mitchell from 1843 to 1850 (except for 1849). The maps were issued both as folding maps and as, in this case, wall maps mounted on linen and hung on rollers. Mitchell's "National Map" summed up cartographic information on the United States from the east coast to the Great Plains, including the eastern part of Texas (shown when it was still a Republic) and Indian territories to the north. Each state and territory is shown with its roads, railroads, canals, towns, and distances between towns. Insets of the tips of Florida and Maine are included, the latter showing the results of the boundary Treaty of 1842. Also indicated are territories of Indian tribes throughout the west. Three tables of population statistics are included. Of particular note are the thirty two plans of major cities that surround the main map. These provide us with a wonderful view of state of urban development in the 'American Republic' towards mid-century. The map and insets are surrounded by a typical Mitchell decorative border, and the whole package is aesthetically and cartographically excellent. $1,800

J.H. Young."Mitchell's National Map of the American Republic or United States of North America. Together with maps of Thirty-Two of the Principal Cities and Towns in the Union." Philadelphia: S. Augustus Mitchell, 1845. Separately issued wall map; mounted on linen and with original wood rollers. 38 1/4 x 47. Engraving by J.H. Brightly. Full original hand color. Archival conservation done by cleaning, subtle patching, new canvas backing, and ribboned sides. Attractive, stable, and in very good condition. Cf. Ristow, p. 310.

An impressive national statement from early days of the great cartographic publisher S. Augustus Mitchell. This map was the third in an annual series of maps of the United States issued by Mitchell from 1843 to 1850 (except for 1849). The maps were issued both as folding maps and as, in this case, wall maps mounted on linen and hung on rollers. Mitchell's "National Map" summed up cartographic information on the United States from the east coast to the Great Plains, including the eastern part of Texas and Indian territories to the north. Each state and territory is shown with its roads, railroads, canals, towns, and distances between towns. Insets of the tips of Florida and Maine are included, the latter showing the results of the boundary Treaty of 1842. Also indicated are territories of Indian tribes throughout the west. Three tables of population statistics are included. Of particular note are the thirty two plans of major cities that surround the main map. These provide us with a wonderful view of state of urban development in the 'American Republic' towards mid-century. The map and insets are surrounded by a typical Mitchell decorative border, and the whole package is aesthetically and cartographically excellent. $2,800

J.W. Otley. "Map of the City of Philadelphia together with the Surrounding Districts Compiled from J.C. Sidney's Map. Reduced & Improved by J.W. Otley, Surveyor." Philadelphia: A. McElroy, 1852. Engraved at No. 15 Minor St. Lettering by G. Kramm. Lining by G. Worley. 32 1/2 x 34 1/4. Original hand color. Wall map, with some minor cracking and occasional minor losses. Expertly conserved and very good condition and appearance.

A rare, separately-issued wall map of Philadelphia issued shortly before consolidation. At that time, the city of Philadelphia extended from the Delaware to the Schuylkill River and from Race to South Street. This map shows the city as well as the immediately surrounding areas, which were the most developed. This included Camden New Jersey, Moyamensing, Southwark, and Passyunk in the south, West Philadelphia across the Schulykill, and as far north as Penn Township and Richmond. In this period of great growth in Philadelphia and region, there was great demand for detailed and accurate maps. The best map of the "developed part" of Philadelphia at the time was a very large map issued in 1849 by J.C. Sidney. This map was "Compiled from J.C. Sideny's Map Reduced & improved" by J.W. Otley. Issued as a wall map, this was intended as a practical, working map, showing an immense amount of detail. Each street, park and building is indicated, with the major public buildings identified. The increasingly important rail lines coming into the city from the north, west and south are also clearly indicated. Each dock or wharf along the river is drawn-in and named. The city proper is broken down by wards, with a lettered key to identify them, and a numbered key at left identifies 91 prominent public buildings. The map includes an inset view of Girard College in the lower left. With this view, the decorative border, the fine calligraphy and hand color, this map is visually impressive, but its historic information makes it one of the most important maps of the city in the nineteenth century. $3,800

"Clark & Tackabury's New Topographical Map of the State of Connecticut�" Philadelphia: Richard Clark and Robt. M. & Geo. N. Tackabury, 1859. 53 x 69. Lithograph. Original hand color. Mounted on canvas. Filled losses. Else, good condition. Thompson 181.

A collaborative effort between map publishers from Philadelphia and Ontario, this map of Connecticut survives as a detailed document of the state's development. With its large scale, the map has room for a level of detail seldom found on smaller maps. Not only does it describe topographical variations, but it also notes political boundaries, school houses, post offices, grist mills, and church buildings. Factories of all sorts are labeled, illustrating the manufacturing industry that was booming across New England. Also marked are the railroads that carried manufactured goods to market, along with proposed routes in development.

Farms and some properties are noted, giving a sense of settlement density that was increasing in many places: indeed, the brand-new township of Morris appears on this map, having been incorporated within months of publication. At the edges of the map are detailed insets of Connecticut's established towns, including Middletown, Waterbury, Stamford, Norwalk, New London, Bridgeport, Hartford, Norwich, and New Haven. A table of 1850 census data occupies the left edge, just inside the decorative floral border. In the lower right corner, an elaborate title cartouche incorporates the state shield and state symbols into a rococo revival vignette. An up-to-date and elaborate map, with every feature one expects in a nineteenth-century wall map. $1,400

"Map of the Vicinity of Philadelphia." C.K. Stone & A. Pomeroy, 1860. 65 x 63. Lithograph with hand color mounted onto linen and then varnished. Varnished has oxidized and the map surface has acquired a light brown patina, as to be expected. However, map is clean and bright. Original rollers attached.

Philadelphia and western suburbs; with parts of southern New Jersey. Including: Philadelphia County, Delaware County, eastern Chester County, Montgomery and Bucks Counties, northern part of state of Delaware, part of Burlington County, part of Gloucester County and part of Trenton. Inset maps: Philadelphia, Norristown, Conshohocken, Barren Hill, Jenkintown, Plymouth, Hatborough, Springmill, Skippackville, Pottstown�

This large, separately issued map of Philadelphia, the western suburbs and parts of southern New Jersey is in surprisingly good condition. As a piece of Philadelphia history, the map stands as an early example of the fully incorporated city, with boundaries extending to its final state. Detail throughout the map is quite amazing, showing the names of specific landowners throughout the large land area as well as roads and landmarks. Also, there are various inset maps of towns in the area which are depicted in great detail. A fascinating and impressive separately-issued map for those with interest in the greater Philadelphia area. $1,400

�Map of the Vicinity of Philadelphia.� C.K. Stone & A. Pomeroy, 1860. 65 x 63. Lithograph with hand color mounted onto linen and then varnished. One five and one two inch tears in upper right hand portion of map; not repaired. Minor water stain at top of map and slight fraying of edges of map top left hand side. Numerous old patches on back, as to be expected. However, map is clean and bright. Original rollers attached.

Philadelphia, and Southern New Jersey; with parts of the western suburbs. Including: Philadelphia County, Delaware County, southern Chester, Montgomery and Bucks Counties, northern Delaware, Camden County, Salem County, Burlington County. Inset maps: Philadelphia, Trenton, Burlington, Mount Holly, Camden, Bordentown and other numerous small towns in New Jersey.

Another map by Stone & Pomeroy focusing more on southern New Jersey. $1,400

"Cram's Superior Map of Pennsylvania showing distances between stations and populations by decimals of all cities and villages with 100 inhabitants and over." Chicago: George F. Cram, 1904. 40 x 48 1/2. Wax engraving, printed in very bright colors. Water stain running along left hand side of map; else, fine condition. With original rollers.

A very colorful and impressive map of Pennsylvania showing population centers and roads, along with eight inset maps of the United States and surrounding states. The inset maps include the states surrounding Pennsylvania and two maps of the United States; an orographical map and a territorial growth map. Fascinating and colorful map of Pennsylvania at the turn of the twentieth century. $325

R. Baxter Blair. "Revolutionary War 1775-1783." From Hart American History Series. Chicago: Denoyer-Geppert Co., 1917, 1926. Credits to: "Albert Bushnell Hart L.L.D., Harvard University" The geographer was "L. Philip Denoyer." "Compiled and drawn by R. Baxter Blair." Lithographed in color. 31 1/2 x 44. Wall map backed on linen and folded into fifteen sections. Insets show: "Operations Near Boston," "Newport 1778," Saratoga Campaign 1777", "Central Campaigns 1776-1778" and "Virginia Campaigns 1781. Grommets along the top for hanging. Some small chips along bottom edge not touching image. Else, very good condition.

This large school map uses colors and codes to show the major theatres of the American Revolution. Movements by American, British and French forces are represented by dramatic arrow tipped solid and dotted lines. Each line is dated to retain information on the chronology of events. $225

R. Baxter Blair. "Secession 1860-1861." From Hart American History Series. Chicago: Denoyer-Geppert Co., 1917, 1926. Credits to: "Albert Bushnell Hart L.L.D., Harvard University" The geographer was "L. Philip Denoyer." Lithographed in color. 31 1/2 x 44 1/4. Wall map backed on linen and folded into fifteen sections. An inset shows a map of Charleston Harbor. Grommets along the top for hanging. Some small chips along bottom edge not touching image. Else, very good.

This fascinating, large school map uses colors and codes to delineate: free states, free territories, loyal slave states, Confederate states that seceded prior to 14 April 1861, and Confederate states that seceded after 14 April 1861. Symbols throughout the map represent forts held by loyal forces, forts seized by seceding forces, arsenals seized by seceding forces, branch mints seized by seceding forces, and navy yards seized by seceding forces. A fine and interesting historical map. $225

�Map of the State of Delaware, Prepared Especially for the State Board of Education.� Philadelphia: Franklin Survey Company, ca. 1930. 56 x 41 1/4. Color lithograph. Wall map, mounted on linen and attached to original rollers. Paper toned; scattered light water stains; some wear at edges. Else, good condition.

This clear, legible map presents a highly informative snapshot of Delaware�s demographics ca. 1930. On the map of the state, railroad lines and major roadways indicate mobility throughout the state, concentrated around the metropolitan Wilmington in the north. Hundred boundary lines denote early land divisions still used to indicate place. Congressional representative and senatorial boundary lines connect the second smallest state in the nation to the federal governmental structure; public schools anchor the map to local authorities. Insets of individual cities offer detailed information on Wilmington, New Castle, Newark, Georgetown, Seaford, Dover, and Laurel. Drawing from the 1930 census, population data is listed for each representative district and every incorporated area. Brightly colored and highly legible, this is a well-executed, informative map. $650

Crawford C. Anderson. �The Pennsylvania Railroad and Connections.� Buffalo: J.W. Clement Co., Matthews-Northrup Works, ca. 1941. 55 1/2 x 32. Cereograph. Full printed color. Full margins. Backed on fabric as issued with original rollers. Very good condition.

A bright railroad map showing the Pennsylvania Railroad System and its connections from Kansas City to Maine and as far south as Kentucky. Dated by internal evidence of rail lines. $475

More separately issued maps:
[ 18th century saddlebag maps | Mail coach era road maps | 19th century travel maps ]
[ Working marine charts | Political case maps ]

Other map pages: [ Locations | Map themes & related | Cartographers ]

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