Rare Old Pictorial Map of the United States by Clegg, 1926

The "Historical Map of the United States of America," crafted by the illustrious Ernest Clegg in 1926, is a remarkable testament to the rich tapestry of American history and geography. This map, a product of Clegg's profound expertise as an illustrator and cartographer, beautifully encapsulates the nation's past through detailed illustrations and thematic elements. Clegg, a British-born artist who spent significant periods in the United States, imbued this map with a unique blend of American and British cartographic traditions, making it a captivating piece for both history enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Ernest Clegg's meticulous craftsmanship is evident in every corner of this map. His illustrations bring to life significant historical events and landmarks, from the bustling streets of New York to the serene landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. The map not only charts the physical terrain of the United States but also narrates its storied past through vignettes and decorative elements. Clegg's ability to merge cartographic precision with artistic flair results in a map that is as informative as it is visually stunning.

The map's depiction of cities and towns offers a fascinating glimpse into the urban landscape of early 20th-century America. Major cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles are prominently featured, reflecting their burgeoning importance during this period. Smaller towns and settlements are also meticulously marked, providing a comprehensive overview of the nation's urban development. This detailed representation of human settlements underscores the dynamic growth and expansion that characterized the United States in the early 1900s.

Beyond its urban centers, the map highlights the natural beauty and geographical diversity of the United States. From the majestic Rocky Mountains to the vast expanses of the Great Plains, Clegg's illustrations capture the varied landscapes that define the American continent. Bodies of water such as the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, as well as the Gulf of Mexico, are elegantly rendered, emphasizing their significance in the nation's history and development. The inclusion of these natural features adds depth and context to the map, making it a comprehensive portrayal of the United States.

The historical significance of this map is further enhanced by its thematic elements and decorative illustrations. Clegg's artistic renditions of historical events, maritime activities, and notable landmarks provide a rich narrative that complements the geographical information. The ornate compass roses, cartouches, and border designs add a touch of elegance and sophistication, reflecting the map's dual purpose as an educational tool and a decorative piece. This map is not merely a representation of the United States; it is a celebration of its history, culture, and enduring legacy.

Cities and towns on this map

• United States:
• New York
• Chicago
• Los Angeles
• Philadelphia
• Detroit
• San Francisco
• Boston
• St. Louis
• Washington, D.C.
• Baltimore
• Cleveland
• Pittsburgh
• New Orleans
• Cincinnati
• Minneapolis
• Kansas City
• Seattle
• Denver
• Atlanta
• Milwaukee
• Portland
• San Antonio
• San Diego
• Dallas
• Houston
• Buffalo
• Phoenix
• Salt Lake City
• Indianapolis
• Columbus
• Omaha
• Memphis
• Louisville
• Richmond

• Nashville

• Canada:

• Toronto
• Montreal

• Vancouver

• Mexico:

• Mexico City
• Guadalajara
• Monterrey

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Inset maps:
• Several inset maps depicting historical events and regions.
• Illustrations:
• Various historical vignettes and illustrations throughout the map.
• Illustrations of significant events and figures in U.S. history.
• Landmarks:
• Illustrations of historical landmarks and buildings.
• Bodies of water:
• Pacific Ocean
• Atlantic Ocean
• Gulf of Mexico
• Borders:
• U.S. borders with Canada and Mexico.
• Mountains:
• Various mountain ranges depicted through illustrations.
• Other notable features:
• Decorative compass roses.
• Ornate cartouches and border designs.
• Illustrations of ships and maritime activities.

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Historical Map of the United States of America
• Date of creation: 1926
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Ernest Clegg
• Interesting context about the mapmaker: Ernest Clegg was known for his detailed and artistic cartographic works. His dual national experiences in Britain and the United States influenced his cartographic style and content.
• Topics and themes shown on the map:
• The map depicts historical events and landmarks of the United States.
• Illustrations and thematic elements reflect significant historical moments and cultural aspects.
• Countries and regions shown on the map:
• United States of America
• Parts of Canada
• Parts of Mexico
• Caribbean region
• Design or style of the map:
• The map is a pictorial and thematic representation.
• It includes detailed illustrations, historical vignettes, and decorative elements.
• Historical significance or context:
• The map reflects the historical understanding and artistic interpretation of the United States in the early 20th century.
• It serves as both an educational tool and a decorative piece, illustrating the rich history and geography of the United States.

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 100in (250cm). 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 20in (50cm) 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.