Rare Old map of Washington & Oregon by Colton, 1859: Olympia, Vancouver, Salem, Portland, Walla Walla

Immerse yourself in the rich history of the United States with this exquisite old map of Washington & Oregon from 1859, crafted by the esteemed mapmaker J. H. Colton. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and the exceptional quality of his work, Colton is widely recognized as one of the finest American mapmakers of his era. This map is a testament to his skill and dedication, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past.

This map hails from a time when the United States was still in its infancy, with many settlements yet to be founded. It provides a snapshot of a moment in history when the West was still largely uncharted territory, waiting to be explored and settled. The region's history is etched into every line and marking on this map, telling a story of a time when the future of these states was still being written.

Over the past 150 years, many names and borders have inevitably changed, adding another layer of intrigue to this historical artifact. The settlements of Olympia, Vancouver, Salem, Portland, and Walla Walla, which were among the most notable of the era, are all prominently featured. Each of these settlements has its own unique history and significance, contributing to the rich tapestry of the region's past.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a cartography aficionado, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty and craftsmanship of old maps, this piece is sure to captivate and inspire. It's not just a map—it's a journey into the past, a chance to explore the history of Washington & Oregon as it was in 1859, through the eyes of one of America's most respected mapmakers. This is more than just a purchase—it's an investment in a piece of history, a conversation starter, and a stunning addition to any collection. Don't miss out on the opportunity to own this remarkable piece of American history.

Settlements in Washington (1859)

• Olympia (1850): Known as the end of the Oregon Trail, Olympia became the capital of Washington Territory in 1853.
• Vancouver (1825): Originally Fort Vancouver, it was a major fur trading post for the Hudson's Bay Company.
• Walla Walla (1818): Established as a fur trading post by the Hudson's Bay Company, it was known as Fort Nez Perces.
• Steilacoom (1851): The oldest incorporated town in Washington, it was known for its large military presence.
• Seattle (1851): Named after Chief Sealth, Seattle was a major port for lumber and coal industries.
• Tacoma (1852): Known as the "City of Destiny", it was the western terminus of the Northern Pacific Railroad.
• Spokane (1810): Known as Spokane House, it was one of the earliest European settlements in Washington.
• Bellingham (1852): Originally known as Whatcom, it was a key location during the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush.
• Port Townsend (1851): Known as the "City of Dreams", it was a bustling seaport in the mid-19th century.
• Everett (1852): Known for its natural resources, it was a hub for lumber and mining industries.

Settlements in Oregon (1859)

• Salem (1842): The capital of Oregon, it was a key location for early Methodist missionaries.
• Portland (1845): Known as "Stumptown" due to its rapid growth, it was a major port in the Pacific Northwest.
• Astoria (1811): The oldest American settlement west of the Rockies, it was a key fur trading post.
• Eugene (1846): Known for its fertile farmland, it was a popular destination for settlers on the Oregon Trail.
• Oregon City (1829): The original capital of the Oregon Territory, it was the end of the Oregon Trail.
• Bend (1858): Known for its timber industry, it was a key location for pioneers.
• Medford (1852): Known for its orchards and vineyards, it was a key location for the California Gold Rush.
• Corvallis (1845): Home to Oregon State University, it was a center for education and culture.
• Roseburg (1851): Known for its timber industry, it was a key location for pioneers.
• Pendleton (1851): Known for its woolen mills, it was a key location for pioneers.

Native Tribes

• Chinook: Occupied the lower Columbia River region.
• Nez Perce: Inhabited the plateau region of Washington.
• Yakama: Occupied the south-central region of Washington.
• Umatilla: Lived in the northeastern region of Oregon.
• Kalapuya: Inhabited the Willamette Valley region of Oregon.

Natural Attractions

• Columbia River: The largest river in the Pacific Northwest.
• Mount Rainier: An active stratovolcano and the highest mountain in Washington.
• Crater Lake: The deepest lake in the United States, located in Oregon.
• Multnomah Falls: A waterfall located in the Columbia River Gorge.
• Hells Canyon: The deepest river gorge in North America.

Historical Events

• Oregon Trail (1811-1850): Over 400,000 settlers migrated west on this trail during the mid-19th century.
• Whitman Massacre (1847): A tragic event where Cayuse Indians killed Marcus and Narcissa Whitman and 12 others.
• Treaty of 1855: Several treaties signed by the U.S. government and tribes in Washington and Oregon, resulting in significant land loss for the tribes.

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.