Rare Old Map of Missouri by J. H. Colton, 1860: St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, Independence, Jefferson City
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FREE delivery in 2 to 3 days
Free delivery in 2 to 3 days
Your map should be delivered in 2 to 3 working days with free delivery, worldwide.
We make maps by hand locally in 23 countries, including the USA
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. If you're buying a gift for someone in another country, we will make the map locally to them.You will never pay import tax or customs duty.
Free delivery will gradually get slower towards Christmas, as postal services start to struggle with larger volumes of post. I recommend ordering sooner rather than later to make sure you get everything with time to spare.
Express delivery is available at checkout which can reduce the delivery time to 1-2 days.
Please note that personalised maps, and larger framed maps, can take longer to produce and deliver.
If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, contact me and we can discuss your options.
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Certified sustainable +
we plant trees🌳
Sustainability & Tree Planting
Here at The Unique Maps Co., we have an unusually high affinity for paper. After all, without paper, there can be no maps!
That's why all of our paper, frames and packaging are from FSC certified sources.
But we don't stop there. We've partnered with Treeapp to plant trees around the world.
If you spend $60 or more, we'll plant a tree in your name.
- Framing & personalisation available
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30 day money back guarantee
30 days to return and refund
Products can be returned within 30 days for a full refund, or exchange for another product.
During the Christmas period, we have an extended returns period of 60 days.
For personalised and customised items, we may offer you a non-expiring gift card, as we cannot resell your personalised order.
If you have any questions, get in touch. For more information, see our full returns & exchanges policy.
My maps are rare, museum-grade, restored old maps sourced from libraries, auction houses and private collections across the globe.
- The model holds the 16x20in (40x50cm) map
Custom size and finish
If you are looking for a size or finish that is not available here, please request it in the "order note" when you check out.
Every order is custom made, so if you need the size adjusted slightly, or printed on an unusual material, just let us know. We've done thousands of custom orders over the years, so there's (almost) nothing we can't manage.
You can also contact us before you order, if you prefer!
Immerse yourself in the fascinating past of the United States with this captivating old map of Missouri, meticulously crafted by the esteemed mapmaker J. H. Colton in 1860. This piece offers a unique glimpse into a formative period in American history, a time when the nation was still in its infancy and the landscape of Missouri was markedly different from what we know today. It's an extraordinary testament to the relentless march of time, a reminder of how far we've come and how much has changed in the last 150 years.
This map is a treasure trove of historical detail, showcasing the Missouri of yesteryear with the five most notable settlements of the time: St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, Independence, and Jefferson City. Each of these places holds a significant place in the history of the state, and this map serves as a testament to their enduring legacy. It's an invitation to journey back in time, to explore the roots of these settlements and imagine what life might have been like in the heart of America during the mid-19th century.
What sets this map apart is its origin in the hands of J. H. Colton, widely regarded as the finest American mapmaker of his era. Colton's meticulous attention to detail and commitment to accuracy are evident in every inch of this map. It's a testament to his skill and craftsmanship, a piece of history that not only depicts the past but also tells a story about the art of mapmaking itself.
As you explore this map, you'll discover a wealth of fascinating details. Note how the borders and place names may have changed over the years, reflecting the evolving political and cultural landscape of the time. This map is a window into the past, offering a unique perspective on the history of the United States and the state of Missouri. It's a remarkable piece of history, perfect for any collector or history enthusiast.
In conclusion, this old map of Missouri by J. H. Colton is more than just a historical artifact. It's a journey into the past, a celebration of the art of mapmaking, and a tribute to the enduring legacy of the settlements that have shaped the state of Missouri. It's a piece of history that you can explore, ponder, and appreciate, a testament to the remarkable journey that has led us to where we are today.
Missouri Settlements
- St. Louis (1764): Known as the "Gateway to the West," St. Louis was a major port on the Mississippi River and the starting point for the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
- Kansas City (1838): Originally called the Town of Kansas, it became a crucial hub for westward expansion due to its strategic location on the Missouri River.
- Springfield (1830): Known as the "Queen City of the Ozarks," Springfield was a key site during the Civil War.
- Independence (1827): The starting point for the Oregon Trail and the hometown of President Harry S. Truman.
- Jefferson City (1821): Named after Thomas Jefferson, it became the state capital in 1826.
- Columbia (1821): Home to the University of Missouri, the first public university west of the Mississippi River.
- Hannibal (1819): Hometown of Mark Twain and the setting for his novels "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn."
- Boonville (1810): A key location on the Santa Fe Trail.
- Cape Girardeau (1793): Known as "The City of Roses," it was a strategic Union stronghold during the Civil War.
- Liberty (1822): Site of the first daylight bank robbery in the United States.
- St. Charles (1769): Known as Les Petites Côtes, it served as Missouri's first state capital.
- Weston (1837): Once the second largest port on the Missouri River and a major outfitting point for the California Gold Rush.
- Sedalia (1857): Known for hosting the Missouri State Fair since 1901.
- Neosho (1839): Known as the "Gateway to the Ozarks" and the site of the pro-Southern Missouri State Convention during the Civil War.
- St. Joseph (1843): The starting point of the Pony Express and the death place of Jesse James.
- Fayette (1823): Home to Central Methodist University, one of the oldest colleges west of the Mississippi.
- Marshall (1839): Named after Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall.
- Carthage (1842): Site of the Battle of Carthage, an early engagement in the Civil War.
- Jackson (1814): Named after President Andrew Jackson, it was a major center for the Southeast Missouri Lead District.
- Lexington (1822): Known for its historic architecture and the Battle of Lexington during the Civil War.
Native American Tribes
- Osage Nation: The dominant tribe in Missouri during the early 19th century, known for their warrior culture.
- Missouria Tribe: The tribe that gave Missouri its name, largely displaced by the time of this map.
- Otoe Tribe: Originally part of the Winnebago Tribe in the Great Lakes region, they migrated west to Missouri and Nebraska.
Natural Features
- Mississippi River: The second-longest river in North America, a major transportation route for centuries.
- Missouri River: The longest river in North America, explored by Lewis and Clark.
- Ozark Mountains: Known for their natural beauty, with numerous recreational areas and parks.
- Mark Twain National Forest: Established long after this map, but the area was known for its extensive hardwood forests.
Historical Events
- Missouri Compromise (1820): Admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state, maintaining the balance of power in the Senate.
- Dred Scott Case (1857): A landmark Supreme Court case that originated in St. Louis, ruling that African Americans could not be U.S. citizens.
- Kansas-Nebraska Act (1854): Led to violent conflict along the Missouri-Kansas border over the issue of slavery, known as "Bleeding Kansas."
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 70in (178cm). 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.
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.
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.
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.
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