- Title: COLTON'S NEW MAP of the State of TEXAS | Compiled from J. De Cordova's Large Map
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Author: J.H. Colton
- Date: c.1866
- Condition: Issued centerfold - age related toning and trimmed margins
- Inches: 28 x 17 [Paper]
- Centimeters: 71.12 x 43.18 [Paper]
- Product ID: 308488
This is a finely detailed historical map of Texas presents Texas as it appeared during the post-Civil War period. The map features Texas’s county boundaries in pastel shades of pink and green, highlighting the evolving administrative divisions of the state at that time. Major cities, towns, rivers, roads, and railroads are clearly marked, providing important geographic reference points across the state.
Special insets appear in the lower left corner, offering close-up plans of the northern part of Texas, Sabine Lake, and Galveston Bay, illustrating areas of particular navigational or strategic significance. The border is adorned with a decorative geometric pattern, typical of Colton’s cartographic style from the mid-19th century. Prominent features include the depiction of a large “Presidio” county in West Texas—much larger than its modern-day counterpart—reflecting ongoing westward settlement and the fluid nature of county borders during that era. Early neighboring states, territories, and portions of Mexico are shown, giving context to Texas’s place in the broader regional landscape.
Background on Creator
Joseph Hutchins Colton (1800–1893) was a prominent American mapmaker and publisher whose name became synonymous with high-quality maps during the 19th century. Born in Longmeadow, Massachusetts, Colton started his career in the publishing business, eventually turning his attention to cartography. In 1833, he founded J.H. Colton & Company in New York City, a firm that would become one of the most successful and prolific map-publishing houses in the United States. Colton's maps were known for their precision, attention to detail, and decorative elements, making them popular among government officials, academics, travelers, and the general public.
One of Colton's most notable contributions was the publication of the "Colton Atlas," first released in 1855. This atlas featured a comprehensive collection of maps covering the world, individual continents, and various countries. Colton's maps were characterized by vibrant coloring, intricate border designs, and up-to-date geographical information. The success of the "Colton Atlas" solidified Colton's reputation as a leading map publisher in the United States during the 19th century.
Joseph Hutchins Colton's legacy extended beyond his own career, as his sons George Woolworth Colton and Charles B. Colton continued the family's mapmaking tradition after his death in 1893. The Colton firm remained influential in the map-publishing industry well into the 20th century. Today, Colton's maps are prized by collectors for their aesthetic appeal and historical significance, representing a key chapter in the development of American cartography.