Rare Old Large Map of New York City by Phelps, 1857: Central Park, Hudson River, Old Illustrations

Discover the Rich Tapestry of 19th-Century New York with Phelps' Map

Embark on a historical journey through mid-19th century New York City with "Phelps' New York City Map, With Portions of Brooklyn, Jersey City, Williamsburgh, Greenpoint, Astoria, and Hoboken." Crafted meticulously by the esteemed mapmaker Humphrey Phelps in 1857, this map is not merely a navigational tool but a vibrant historical document. It captures the city at a pivotal moment, just as the grand project of Central Park was set to redefine urban public spaces. The map details the burgeoning street grid of Manhattan extending northward, juxtaposed with lingering pastoral elements like the Croton Reservoir and the pastoral expanse of Jones' Wood, offering a unique glimpse into a city on the cusp of modern urbanism.

A Cartographic Chronicle of Expanding Boundaries and Cultural Landmarks

Phelps' map serves as a profound narrative of urban expansion and cultural landmarks. It delineates an array of neighborhoods from the bustling streets of Lower Manhattan to the more sparsely populated regions of Upper Manhattan and beyond. Noteworthy are the detailed depictions of emerging areas like Astoria and Greenpoint, alongside established locales such as Wall Street and The Battery. The map's attention to the Hudson, East, and Harlem Rivers underscores their crucial role in the city's economic and geographical landscape. This map not only charts physical spaces but also celebrates New York's architectural and institutional achievements, from the iconic Castle Garden to the educational bastion of Cooper Union.

Vignettes of Urban Life and Ethos

What sets this map apart are the intricate wood-engraved vignettes that border the map, each telling its own story of New York's multifaceted urban life. From the notorious Tombs prison to the bustling Merchants' Exchange on Wall Street, these illustrations provide a window into the daily lives and social structures of New Yorkers during this era. They reflect a city deeply committed to diverse institutions—be it penal, educational, or mercantile. The inclusion of vignettes like the New York Orphan Asylum and the Deaf and Dumb Institution highlights a compassionate approach to social challenges, portraying a community poised between its storied past and a progressive future.

A Reflection of New York’s Educational and Intellectual Prowess

Amidst the map’s portrayal of streets and landmarks, there is a strong emphasis on New York City's commitment to education and intellectual growth. Institutions like the New York Free Academy (later City College) and the burgeoning Cooper Union are prominently featured, underscoring the city's vision as a hub of knowledge and innovation. This focus is a testament to the city's recognition of education as fundamental to civic improvement and societal advancement. The map, therefore, does more than depict geographical features; it champions the intellectual spirit of its era.

A Cartographic Gem from a Transformative Era

This map is not just a collector's item but a portal to a transformative period in New York City's history. Published on the brink of the Central Park project, it captures the prelude to one of the most significant urban developments in American history. Phelps' map, with its detailed representation of streets, parks, and rivers, along with its rich decorative elements, offers an unparalleled tool for understanding the historical and cultural evolution of New York City. It remains a pivotal piece for historians, cartographers, and anyone fascinated by the complex tapestry that is New York.

Streets and roads on this map

• 10th Avenue
• 12th Street
• 13th Street
• 14th Street
• 15th Street
• 16th Street
• 17th Street
• 18th Street
• 19th Street
• 20th Street
• 21st Street
• 22nd Street
• 23rd Street
• 24th Street
• 25th Street
• 26th Street
• 27th Street
• 28th Street
• 29th Street
• 30th Street
• 31st Street
• 32nd Street
• 33rd Street
• 34th Street
• 35th Street
• 36th Street
• 37th Street
• 38th Street
• 39th Street
• 40th Street

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Central Park
• Croton Reservoir
• Jones' Wood
• Harlem Common
• Mount Morris Square
• Tompkins Square
• Stuyvesant Square
• Washington Square
• The Battery
• Castle Garden
• Ellis Island
• Governor's Island
• Liberty Island
• Blackwell's Island
• Randall's Island
• Wards Island
• Brooklyn Navy Yard
• Wallabout Bay
• Newtown Creek
• Flushing Bay
• Astoria
• Greenpoint
• Williamsburg
• Jersey City
• Hoboken
• Weehawken
• Union City
• Bergen
• Guttenberg
• West Hoboken
• Palisades
• Hudson River
• East River
• Harlem River
• Arthur Kill
• Newark Bay
• Kill Van Kull
• Staten Island
• New Jersey
• New York City

Historical and design context

• Published by Humphrey Phelps in 1857
• Reflects the era just before the creation of Central Park
• Embellished with wood-engraved vignettes highlighting key public buildings and urban life
• Includes thematic maps and detailed political and physical maps
• Features vignettes such as "The City Prison, called The Tombs" and "The Merchants' Exchange, Wall Street"
• Illustrates the city's commitment to varied institutions—educational, penal, religious, and mercantile
• Highlights the city's burgeoning emphasis on education and intellectual growth
• Reveals the urban sprawl's compassionate side and inclusive ethos

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 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 36in (90cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

This map is wider than most maps, which would make it a perfect statement piece above a mantelpiece, sofa or desk.

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.

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. On maps up to 36 inches (91cm) the frame is 1.5-3cm (0.6in to 1in) wide. I use thicker frames on larger maps - usually between 35 and 60mm (1.4in to 2.4in).

In all cases 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.

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.

A few different frame colours are available for free (black, brown, white, oak and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

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 have specialist printing and framing facilities in 17 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) 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).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, extremely 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 how the Unique Maps Co. sources and restores old maps

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.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 1,500 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps 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.