Rare Old Map of New York State by H. S. Tanner, 1836: New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers, Syracuse, Roads, Railway, Canals

Immerse yourself in the intricate historical charm of this exquisite old map of New York State by renowned cartographer H. S. Tanner, published in 1836. This magnificent piece of cartography boasts an extensive record of the era's burgeoning infrastructural feats – canals, roads, railroads, and distances between pivotal points of interest, a testament to the growth and industrialization that was sweeping the state and indeed the nation at the time.

Crafted with unrivaled precision and detail, Tanner's map offers a captivating glimpse into the past, bringing the viewer face-to-face with the socio-economic conditions of New York state in the early 19th century. The map captures a time of explosive growth in commerce and industry, sparked by the completion of major transport routes such as the Erie Canal and the burgeoning railway system. Each city, town, and settlement is marked with remarkable accuracy, while the natural topography is presented in stunning relief. This is more than just a map - it is a beautifully preserved snapshot of a pivotal moment in New York state's history.

Towns, Cities, and Settlements in 1836 New York State:

  
1.     

   New York City (1624) - Known as New Amsterdam when first settled by the Dutch, it became a British colony in 1664 and was renamed New York. Today, it is the most populous city in the United States.

     
  
2.     

   Buffalo (1801) - Grew rapidly due to its strategic location on Lake Erie and the Erie Canal, it was the gateway to the west for settlers and commerce.

     
  
3.     

   Rochester (1817) - Founded by Nathaniel Rochester, it became an important hub for flour milling due to its location on the Genesee River.

     
  
4.     

   Yonkers (1646) - Originally a Dutch settlement, it played an important role in the Revolutionary War. The city's growth was spurred by its proximity to New York City.

     
  
5.     

   Syracuse (1825) - Known as the "Salt City" for its salt production, Syracuse’s growth was facilitated by the Erie Canal, which passed through it.

     
  
6.     

   Albany (1614) - Founded as Fort Nassau by Dutch fur traders, it is the capital of New York state and one of the oldest surviving settlements from the original thirteen colonies.

     
  
7.     

   New Rochelle (1688) - Founded by French Huguenots, it became a popular resort town in the 19th century due to its waterfront location.

     
  
8.     

   Mount Vernon (1664) - Known for its manufacturing industries during the 19th century.

     
  
9.     

   Schenectady (1661) - Established by Dutch colonists, it became a manufacturing center thanks to the Erie Canal.

     
  
10.     

    Utica (1798) - Its location on the Mohawk River and the Erie Canal made it an important transportation hub.

      
  
11.     

    White Plains (1683) - Known for the Battle of White Plains during the Revolutionary War. It became the county seat of Westchester County.

      
  
12.     

    Troy (1787) - Known as the "Collar City" for its shirt, collar, and cuff manufacturing, it was also an early center for steel production.

      
  
13.     

    Niagara Falls (1808) - Known for the spectacular falls, it developed as a tourist destination and a source of hydroelectric power.

      
  
14.     

    Binghamton (1802) - Known as the "Carousel Capital of the World," it was an important center for cigar manufacturing.

      
  
15.     

    Rome (1796) - Named for the classical city, Rome, NY, was a significant stop on the Erie Canal.

      
  
16.     

    Poughkeepsie (1687) - The "Queen City of the Hudson," it is home to Vassar College and the Culinary Institute of America.

      
  
17.     

    North Hempstead (1643) - Originally settled by the Dutch, it was part of the larger town of Hempstead before separating after the Revolutionary War.

      
  
18.     

    Ithaca (1807) - Known for its gorges and waterfalls, it is home to Cornell University.

      
  
19.     

    Newburgh (1709) - A significant river port on the Hudson, it became a major center for the Hudson River School of painting.

      
  
20.     

    Kingston (1652) - Formerly the capital of New York, it was burned by the British during the Revolutionary War but later rebuilt.

      
  
21.     

    Middletown (1744) - Known for its farming and shoemaking industries during the 19th century.

      
  
22.     

    Jamestown (1806) - Named after James Prendergast, who first explored the area, it became a center for furniture manufacturing.

      
  
23.     

    Elmira (1808) - Known for its iron works and railway repair shops.

      
  
24.     

    Saratoga Springs (1819) - Known for its mineral springs, it became a high society resort town in the 19th century.

      
  
25.     

    Glen Cove (1668) - Known for its shipping and manufacturing industries during the 19th century.

      
  
26.     

    Lockport (1824) - Named for the locks on the Erie Canal, it was a major part of western New York's growth.

      
  
27.     

    Ogdensburg (1749) - Known as a port on the Saint Lawrence River, it played an important role in trade with Canada.

      
  
28.     

    Cohoes (1836) - Known for the Cohoes Falls and the Harmony Mills, one of the largest cotton mills in the world.

      
  
29.     

    Rye (1660) - Known for its amusement park, Playland, it became a popular resort town.

      
  
30.     

    Hudson (1783) - Known for its whaling industry, it was a bustling port town in the 19th century.

      

Notable Features and Attractions:

  
• Erie Canal: A man-made waterway that connected the Hudson River to Lake Erie, it played a significant role in the state's growth in the 19th century.
  
• Niagara Falls: A group of three waterfalls at the southern end of Niagara Gorge, it is a major tourist attraction.
  
• Adirondack Mountains: A mountain range in northeastern New York, it is a popular destination for outdoor activities.
  
• Catskill Mountains: A large area in the southeastern portion of New York State, it is known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities.
  
• Seneca Lake: The largest of the glacial Finger Lakes, it is known for its wine production.
  
• Lake George: An elongated lake in the Adirondack Mountains, it is known for its clear waters and outdoor activities.

Historical Events (1810 - 1840):

  
• War of 1812 (1812-1815): Many battles took place in New York, including the significant Battle of Plattsburgh.
  
• Completion of the Erie Canal (1825): The canal was a major engineering feat and greatly facilitated the transportation of goods and people.
  
• Anti-Masonic Party (1828): The first third party in the United States was founded in upstate New York.
  
• Chenango Canal construction (1834-1836): This canal connected the Erie Canal to the Susquehanna River, promoting trade and development in the region.
  
• Panic of 1837: This financial crisis deeply affected the economy of New York State and led to a severe depression.

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 all sizes: 12x16in (30.5x41cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 24x30in (61x76cm), 32x40in (81.5x102cm), 40x50in (102x127cm), 48x60in (122x153cm) and 56x70in (142x178cm), but it looks even better when printed large.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 100in (254cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40.5x51cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

Please note the unframed 24x30in (61x76cm) map has white edges around the map. These edges can help you with framing, or if you don’t need them they are very easy to snip off with scissors. All other maps, including the framed maps, look exactly like the listing images.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my main collection of USA and North America maps.

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.

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 print and frame maps in 22 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 standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

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.

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

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

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.

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.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, 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 The Unique Maps Co.

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.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

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 4,000 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.