PBA Galleries

Engraved map on two sheets joined together, hand-colored. 83.9x101.6 cm. (33x40") including decorative border

Rare and significant map of the United States and its northern and southern neighbors. The Colton map of the U.S., issued in various sizes and formats, was updated yearly, and offers a view of the evolving geographical boundaries, particularly of the West. The present example shows the border between the U.S. and Mexico in its pre-Gadsden configuration, New Mexico occupies present Arizona and portions of Colorado and Nevada, but Nevada is part of Utah, Washington Territory is not yet formed, Nebraska extends to the Canadian border, etc. The elaborate grapevine borders, including 12 vignettes of various places of interest, including Willamette Falls in Oregon, the Capitol Building, an incomplete Washington Monument, Astoria Oregon, Mexicans catching cattle, and the Valley of Connecticut from Roanoke.