Rare Old Map of Georgia by J.H. Colton, 1871: Savannah, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, and Athens

Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the United States with this exquisite old map of Georgia, crafted by J.H. Colton in 1871. Colton, widely recognized as the preeminent American mapmaker of his time, has beautifully captured the essence of Georgia in the early years of the nation's history. This map serves as a testament to the dynamic nature of human civilization, reflecting the growth and evolution of the region over the last 150 years.

In 1871, many of the settlements we are familiar with today were yet to be founded, and many of the names and borders that existed then have undergone significant changes. This map provides a snapshot of Georgia's past, featuring the five most notable settlements of the time: Savannah, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, and Athens. Each city holds a unique place in Georgia's history, contributing to the state's rich cultural tapestry.

The historical significance of this map is undeniable. It is not just a map, but a piece of history that allows us to travel back in time and explore Georgia as it was in the early years of the United States. The detailed work of J.H. Colton provides an unparalleled glimpse into the past, offering a deeper understanding of the evolution of American society and the development of its cities and towns.

The map is an excellent example of Colton's meticulous attention to detail and his ability to balance aesthetics with accuracy. It showcases the distinctive style that has made his work highly sought after by collectors and history enthusiasts alike. The map is adorned with intricate detailing, carefully delineated borders, and clearly marked settlements, providing a comprehensive view of Georgia in 1871.

The five cities highlighted—Savannah, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, and Athens—were pivotal in shaping the state's history. Savannah, the oldest city in Georgia, was an important Atlantic seaport and a key player in the cotton industry. Augusta, located along the Savannah River, was a major center for trade and transportation. Columbus, situated on the Chattahoochee River, was a significant industrial city. Macon, known for its rich Southern culture and heritage, was a hub for music, arts, and education. Athens, home to the University of Georgia, was a center for learning and innovation.

This map is more than just a collector's item—it's a conversation starter, a piece of art, and a historical document all in one. It offers a unique perspective on the past, providing a tangible connection to the history of the United States. Whether you're a history buff, a map enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates fine craftsmanship, this old map of Georgia by J.H. Colton is a must-have addition to your collection.

Notable Settlements in Georgia, Founded Before 1871

1. Savannah (1733): Known as the oldest city in Georgia, Savannah was a major seaport and significant player in the cotton industry.
2. Augusta (1736): Located along the Savannah River, Augusta was a crucial center for trade and transportation.
3. Athens (1801): Home to the University of Georgia, Athens was a center for learning and innovation.
4. Macon (1823): Known for its rich Southern culture and heritage, Macon was a hub for music, arts, and education.
5. Columbus (1828): Situated on the Chattahoochee River, Columbus was a significant industrial city.
6. Marietta (1834): The county seat of Cobb County, Marietta was a major railroad hub.
7. Roswell (1839): Known for its cotton mills powered by the local waterways.
8. Atlanta (1847): Originally named Marthasville, Atlanta became the state capital in 1868.
9. Albany (1836): Founded on the Flint River, Albany was a center for trade and shipping.
10. Decatur (1822): Named after naval hero Stephen Decatur, it was the original county seat for DeKalb County.
11. Valdosta (1860): Known as the "Azalea City," Valdosta was a center for cotton production.
12. Rome (1834): Named for the Italian city, Rome is situated on seven hills with rivers in between.
13. Dalton (1847): Known as the "Carpet Capital of the World," Dalton had a significant textile industry.
14. Brunswick (1771): An important seaport and shipbuilding center.
15. Thomasville (1826): Known for its thriving cotton industry.
16. Gainesville (1821): Known as the "Poultry Capital of the World" due to its large poultry industry.
17. Milledgeville (1803): Georgia's capital from 1804 to 1868.
18. Americus (1832): Known for its historic Victorian architecture.
19. Douglasville (1870): Named after Stephen A. Douglas, a senator from Illinois.
20. Carrollton (1829): Known for its vibrant arts scene and historic downtown.

Indian Tribes and Territories

• Creek Indians: Occupied a large portion of Georgia in the early 19th century.
• Cherokee Indians: Lived in the northern part of Georgia, forcibly removed during the Trail of Tears in 1838.

Notable Natural Features

• Chattahoochee River: One of the major rivers of Georgia, important for trade and transportation.
• Savannah River: Forms most of the border between Georgia and South Carolina.
• Okefenokee Swamp: One of the largest intact freshwater ecosystems in the world.
• Stone Mountain: Known for its geology and enormous bas-relief, one of the largest in the world.
• Tallulah Gorge: A two-mile-long canyon that attracts tourists for its stunning views.

Historical Events (1810-1871)

• War of 1812 (1812-1815): Georgia played a key role as a supply state.
• Cherokee Indian Removal (1838): Known as the Trail of Tears, thousands of Cherokee were forcibly removed from their lands.
• Civil War (1861-1865): Georgia was a key battleground state, with significant battles such as the Battle of Atlanta.
• Reconstruction (1865-1871): Georgia underwent significant changes during the Reconstruction era following the Civil War.

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.

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.