J. H.Colton "Missouri"

J. H.Colton.  "Missouri." New York: J.H. Colton & Co., 1857. 12 1/2 x 14 1/2. Lithograph. Original hand color.  Minor stains in margins.  Else, very good condition.

From the mid-nineteenth century on, the lead in American map publishing swung from Philadelphia to New York. The firm of J.H. Colton and its successors played a large role in this shift, producing accurate and up-to-date maps that had a wide distribution. This striking map of Missouri is an excellent example of the company's fine work. It shows the entire state broken into counties. These political boundaries are nicely set off with contrasting pastel shades applied with hand watercolor. Detail includes cities, roads, railroads, rivers, and other features of interest.