Colton. G.W. & C.B. "Colton's Illinois" 1866

G.W. & C.B. Colton. "Colton's Illinois."

New York: G.W. & C.B. Colton & Co., 1866. 12 3/4 x 15 1/2. Lithograph. Original hand color. Very good condition. With inset: "Vicinity of Chicago." With decorative strap work border.  

In the mid-nineteenth century, the center of map publishing in America moved from Philadelphia to New York. The Colton publishing firm played a large role in this shift. This map of Connecticut with its fine detail, is a strong example of their successful work. Both New York City and Long Island are shown along with a portion of Rhode Island. Not only is it informative, with it's depictions of towns, roads and railroads but it is also decorative. The counties are depicted in subtle pastel shades and the entire map is surrounded by a decorative Victorian border.