Old Map of Virginia, Delaware, Maryland and Washington D.C. by H. S. Tanner (1820): Featuring Baltimore, Alexandria, Norfolk, Richmond, and Wilmington

Introducing an exquisite piece of cartographic history, the Old Map of Virginia, Delaware, and Maryland by H. S. Tanner, published in 1820. This meticulously crafted map showcases the territorial boundaries and topographical details of these three states during a pivotal era in American history. With its delicate engravings and intricate cartographic techniques, this map serves as a remarkable window into the past, transporting you to a time when these settlements and colonies were taking their first steps towards shaping the future of the United States. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of this region as you explore the following notable towns, cities, counties, settlements, and colonies founded before 1820:

This map also includes Washington D.C., which had been founded 30 years earlier in 1790.

Settlements on this map include...

Virginia:

• Alexandria (1749): Founded as a major port city along the Potomac River, Alexandria played a significant role in colonial and early American history, serving as a vital trade hub and a key center of culture and learning.
• Norfolk (1682): Established as a prosperous port town, Norfolk became an important maritime and commercial center in the region, attracting settlers from various backgrounds.
• Richmond (1737): Rising as the capital of Virginia, Richmond grew rapidly due to its strategic location along the James River, becoming an economic powerhouse and later a critical city during the Civil War.
• Petersburg (1748): Known for its strategic location on the Appomattox River, Petersburg evolved into a bustling manufacturing and transportation hub, facilitating trade between the coast and the interior.
• Fredericksburg (1728): Founded along the Rappahannock River, Fredericksburg witnessed notable events during the American Revolution and the Civil War, preserving its historical charm.

Delaware:

• Wilmington (1731): Established as a thriving port city along the Delaware River, Wilmington grew into an industrial and financial center, contributing to Delaware's prominence in commerce and trade.
• New Castle (1651): Founded by the Dutch, New Castle served as an influential colonial settlement and a vital trading post, leaving a lasting impact on the history and culture of Delaware.
• Dover (1683): Chosen as the capital of Delaware, Dover emerged as a political and administrative center, hosting key governmental institutions and embodying the state's heritage.
• Lewes (1631): One of the earliest European settlements in the region, Lewes boasts a rich history and picturesque charm, featuring historic landmarks and a deep connection to Delaware's maritime traditions.
• Milford (1787): Established along the Mispillion River, Milford developed into a thriving agricultural and manufacturing town, playing a role in Delaware's economic growth.

Maryland:

• Baltimore (1729): Founded as a bustling port city on the Patapsco River, Baltimore grew rapidly into a major industrial and cultural center, renowned for its vibrant harbor, architecture, and historical significance.
• Annapolis (1649): Selected as the capital of Maryland, Annapolis became a focal point of political and cultural life in the state, known for its colonial-era charm and its status as a sailing destination.
• Frederick (1745): Established in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Frederick evolved into a bustling market town, reflecting Maryland's agricultural and trading heritage.
• Hagerstown (1762): Settled near the crossroads of important trade routes, Hagerstown prospered as a center for commerce and transportation, embodying the spirit of westward expansion.
• Salisbury (1732): Located along the Wicomico River, Salisbury developed into a thriving commercial and agricultural center, with a vibrant downtown and a strong sense of community.

In addition to these historical settlements, this remarkable map showcases notable natural features and boundaries that played a role in shaping the region's development. Explore the meandering paths of the Chesapeake Bay, trace the course of the Potomac and James Rivers, and discover the early territories of Native American tribes. Gain a deeper appreciation for the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Furthermore, between 1810 and 1830, this region witnessed significant historical events that shaped the course of American history. Some notable events during this period include the War of 1812 and the subsequent burning of Washington, D.C., the Missouri Compromise of 1820, which aimed to address the issue of slavery expansion, and the construction of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, a groundbreaking engineering feat.

This Old Map of Virginia, Delaware, and Maryland by H. S. Tanner, published in 1820, is a treasured artifact that offers a captivating glimpse into the past. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a cartography connoisseur, or someone seeking a unique decorative piece, this map will undoubtedly enrich your understanding of this region's historical legacy and serve as a conversation starter for generations to come.

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), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 24x36in (61x91.5cm), 30x40in (76x101.5cm), 37x50in (94x127cm), 45x60in (114x152.5cm) and 52x70in (132x178cm), 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 18x24in (45.5x61cm) 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.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

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 and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

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

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

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

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, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

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 and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

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

Alcune delle mie vecchie mappe sono ora disponibili come tele incorniciate. Per favore contattami se desideri ordinare una dimensione che non è disponibile nel mio negozio.

Le vecchie mappe su tela sono un'alternativa interessante alle mappe incorniciate in modo convenzionale. A seconda del tuo gusto personale e dell'arredamento della stanza, le mappe su tela possono "risaltare" un po' di più rispetto a una mappa incorniciata.

Scopri di più sulle mie mappe su tela incorniciate.

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.

Se non sei soddisfatto del tuo ordine per qualsiasi motivo, contattami per un rimborso senza problemi. Si prega di consultare la nostra politica di reso e rimborso per ulteriori informazioni.

Sono molto sicuro che ti piacerà la tua mappa restaurata o la stampa d'arte. Lo faccio dal 1984. Sono un venditore Etsy a 5 stelle. Ho venduto decine di migliaia di mappe e stampe d'arte e ho oltre 5.000 recensioni reali a 5 stelle.

Utilizzo un processo unico per restaurare mappe e opere d'arte che richiede molto tempo e lavoro. Trovare le mappe e le illustrazioni originali può richiedere mesi. Utilizzo tecnologia all'avanguardia e incredibilmente costosa per scannerizzare e restaurarle. Di conseguenza, garantisco che le mie mappe e stampe d'arte siano superiori alle altre - ecco perché posso offrire un rimborso senza problemi.

Quasi tutte le mie mappe e stampe d'arte sembrano fantastiche a grandi dimensioni (200 cm, 6,5 piedi+) e posso anche incorniciarle e consegnarle a te, tramite un corriere speciale per oggetti di grandi dimensioni. Contattami per discutere delle tue esigenze specifiche.