Rare Old Map of Western United States by J.H. Colton, 1871: San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Denver, Tucson, and Santa Fe

Step back in time with this beautifully detailed old map of California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and Arizona & New Mexico, created by J.H. Colton in 1871. Colton, widely regarded as the finest American mapmaker of his era, meticulously captured the landscape of the Western United States in the early years of the country's history. This map is a testament to his talent and a fascinating snapshot of a time when the region was still largely uncharted and continuously evolving.

In 1871, the United States was a young nation, its western territories still largely unexplored and unsettled. Many of the settlements that we now know were not yet founded, and the names and borders of those that did exist have likely changed in the last 150 years. This map is a window into that era, offering a unique perspective on the history and development of the Western United States.

The map features the five most notable settlements in these territories as of 1855: San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Denver, Tucson, and Santa Fe. Each of these cities has a rich history, and their inclusion on this map is a testament to their significance during this formative period in American history. The map offers a detailed view of these cities and their surrounding areas, providing a fascinating glimpse into their early development.

The quality of this map is a testament to Colton's craftsmanship. Each detail is meticulously rendered, from the topography of the land to the intricacies of the settlements. The map is not only a historical artifact but also a work of art, a testament to the skill and dedication of its creator.

The map is an excellent addition to any collection, a conversation piece that will undoubtedly draw attention. It's not just a map; it's a piece of history, a snapshot of a time and place that is long gone but still resonates in the present. This map is a tangible connection to the past, a way to explore the history of the United States in a unique and engaging way.

In conclusion, this old map of California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and Arizona & New Mexico by J.H. Colton is a treasure trove of historical information and a beautiful artifact. Its detailed depiction of the Western United States in 1871, featuring the five most notable settlements of the time, makes it a valuable piece for any collector or history enthusiast. This map is more than just a piece of paper; it's a journey back in time, a window into the past, and a testament to the skill and artistry of one of America's finest mapmakers.

California

1. San Francisco (1776): Originally known as Yerba Buena, San Francisco is notable for the Gold Rush of 1849, which dramatically increased its population and economic importance.
2. Los Angeles (1781): Originally named El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles, it's one of the oldest and most populous cities in California.
3. San Diego (1769): The first European settlement in California, known for its natural harbor and strategic location.
4. Sacramento (1848): Founded during the Gold Rush, it served as a key distribution point, commercial center, and agricultural hub.
5. San Jose (1777): Known as El Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe, it was the first civilian town in the Spanish colony of Nueva California.

Nevada

1. Carson City (1858): Named after the famous frontiersman Kit Carson, it became the capital of Nevada in 1864.
2. Virginia City (1859): Known for the Comstock Lode, the first major silver deposit discovery in the United States.
3. Reno (1868): Named after Civil War General Jesse Reno, it's known for its casinos and proximity to Lake Tahoe.

Utah

1. Salt Lake City (1847): Founded by Brigham Young and other Mormon pioneers, it's the world headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
2. Provo (1849): Named for the French-Canadian explorer Étienne Provost, it's home to Brigham Young University.

Colorado

1. Denver (1858): Founded during the Pike's Peak Gold Rush, it's known for its mining history.
2. Colorado Springs (1871): Known for its scenic beauty and proximity to Pikes Peak.
3. Golden (1859): Named for the gold found in the area, it was the territorial capital until 1867.

Arizona & New Mexico

1. Tucson (1775): Originally a Spanish military fort, it's one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the United States.
2. Santa Fe (1610): Known as the oldest state capital in the United States, it was originally occupied by Pueblo Indians.
3. Albuquerque (1706): Founded as a Spanish colonial outpost, it's known for its rich cultural history.
4. Taos (1615): Known for Taos Pueblo, a multi-story adobe complex inhabited for over a thousand years.
5. Las Cruces (1849): Established during the Mexican-American War, it's known for its agriculture and military history.
6. Prescott (1864): Named after historian William H. Prescott, it was the territorial capital of Arizona.
7. Phoenix (1867): Named after the mythical bird, it symbolized the city's emergence from the ruins of the Hohokam civilization.

Native American Tribes

• Navajo Nation: The largest reservation in the United States, located in parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah.
• Ute Indian Tribe: Native to the Great Basin, they inhabited parts of present-day Utah and Colorado.
• Apache Tribes: Known for their fierce resistance against the encroachment of Mexican and American settlers.
• Pueblo Indians: Known for their unique architecture and cultivation of maize.

Natural Attractions

• Grand Canyon: A world-renowned natural wonder located in Arizona.
• Yosemite National Park: Known for its waterfalls, deep valleys, and ancient giant sequoias.
• Death Valley: The hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the United States.
• Rocky Mountains: A major mountain range in western North America, stretching from the northernmost part of British Columbia, in western Canada, to New Mexico.

Historical Events

• Mexican-American War (1846-1848): Led to the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ceded California, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico to the United States.
• California Gold Rush (1848-1855): Attracted hundreds of thousands of prospectors to the region, significantly impacting its demographic, economic, and cultural history.
• Construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad (1863-1869): Connected the Western and Eastern coasts of the United States, significantly reducing travel time across the country.

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: 18x12in (46x30.5cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 24x36in (61x91.5cm), 30x45in (76x114.5cm), 33x50in (84x127cm), 40x60in (102x153cm) and 47x70in (120x178cm), 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 16x20in (40.5x51cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

The labels on this map are very small at 12x16in (30.5x41cm). The map is still very attractive, but you may struggle to read the smallest letters. Please buy a larger map if it's important to be able to read the map easily.

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.