Rare Old Historical Map of Williamsburg, VA in 1722 by Patterson: Governor's Palace, College, Capitol, Gaol, Tavern

Step back in time with this exquisite pictorial map of Williamsburg, once the illustrious capital of Virginia. Crafted in 1940 by the renowned Frank E III Patterson, this map is a vivid portrayal of the town as it stood in 1722. The map is a treasure trove of historical insights, depicting not only the layout of the city blocks and streets but also the significant buildings and events that shaped Williamsburg's storied past. The intricate illustrations and vibrant colors bring to life the rich history of this colonial town, making it a captivating piece for any history enthusiast or collector.

One of the standout features of this map is its detailed representation of key landmarks such as The Governor's Palace, The College of William & Mary, and the Duke of Gloucester Street. These sites were central to the town's role as the political and cultural hub of colonial Virginia. The map also highlights other important structures like The Courthouse, The Capitol, and The Powder Magazine, each playing a pivotal role in the daily life and governance of the colony. The inclusion of these landmarks provides a comprehensive view of Williamsburg's architectural and historical significance.

In addition to its architectural details, the map is adorned with illustrations of significant historical events that occurred in Williamsburg. The lower panel features scenes such as The Palisade against the Indians and The Palisade Club Begun, offering a glimpse into the town's early defenses and social life. These illustrations are not only artistically pleasing but also serve as educational vignettes that enrich the viewer's understanding of the town's history. The map's artistic elements, including the coat of arms and compass rose, further enhance its visual appeal and historical value.

The map also serves as a valuable educational tool, providing context about Williamsburg's role in the broader history of Virginia and the American colonies. As the capital of Virginia from 1699 to 1780, Williamsburg was a focal point for political and social activities. The map's detailed depiction of the town's layout and landmarks offers insights into the daily life of its inhabitants and the significant events that took place there. This historical context makes the map an essential piece for anyone interested in colonial American history.

Finally, the map's design and style reflect Frank E III Patterson's dedication to historical accuracy and artistic excellence. His use of color and detailed illustrations create a vivid and engaging representation of Williamsburg. The map not only serves as a historical document but also as a piece of art that captures the essence of the town's colonial past. Whether you are a history buff, a collector, or simply someone who appreciates fine cartography, this map of Williamsburg is a timeless piece that will add depth and beauty to any collection.

Places on this map

• Duke of Gloucester Street
• The Governor's Palace
• The College of William & Mary
• The Courthouse
• The Capitol
• The Gaol
• The Powder Magazine
• Francis Street
• Nicholson Street
• Scotland Street
• The Bruton Parish Church
• The Secretary's Office
• The Printing Office
• The Raleigh Tavern
• Market Square
• The Public Hospital
• The Gaol Yard
• The Magazine Yard
• The Court House Yard
• The Capitol Yard

Notable Features & Landmarks

• The Governor's Palace
• The College of William & Mary
• Duke of Gloucester Street
• The Courthouse
• The Capitol
• The Gaol (jail)
• The Powder Magazine
• The Palisade against the Indians
• The Palisade Club Begun
• The Arms of the Crown
• The Arms of the Colony
• Phi Beta Kappa
• The House of Burgesses
• The Public Hospital
• The Market Square
• The Bruton Parish Church
• The Secretary's Office
• The Printing Office
• The Raleigh Tavern
• The Governor's Garden

Historical and design context

• Color pictorial map of Williamsburg, once the capital of Virginia
• Depicts historical buildings and events, city blocks, and streets
• Includes a coat of arms
• Features illustrations of significant historical events on the lower panel
• Contains a compass rose for orientation
• Accompanied by text and an index for reference
• Created in 1940 by Frank E III Patterson
• Williamsburg was the capital of Virginia from 1699 to 1780
• The map provides a historical snapshot of the town, showcasing its layout and significant landmarks during its time as the capital
• Pictorial and illustrative style, rich in historical details and artistic elements
• Use of color to highlight significant features and events

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 90in (230cm). 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 16in (40cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 24x36in (60x90cm) 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 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.

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.