This significant map represents an important link in the chain of ‘modern’ American map making in the 19^th century.  Not only was it surveyed, engraved and published by the foremost American map makers in the business at the time, but it is also a rarely seen edition of what later became a well-known and important map of the region.  Later editions of this map were frequently colored and included updated information such as extensions to the railways.

Joseph Hutchins Colton became renowned for his wide and elaborate decorative borders, and all of his prints were engraved using expensive steel plates rather than the more popular (and cheaper) wax engraving techniques.  This particular chart was originally printed on four separate sheets.  At the time this chart was produced, Colton did not have an ‘in-house’ engraver and he relied upon purchasing the copyrights from other map-makers such as Stiles and co.