1886 Alaska Territory Map – Restored Vintage Wall Art by Colton

Discover a Piece of Alaska History

Step back into the late 19th century and experience Alaska as it once was with this beautifully restored 1886 Colton Map of the Territory of Alaska (Russian America). Originally published by G.W. & C.B. Colton & Co., this rare historical map captures Alaska during a remarkable period of transition — just decades after its purchase from Russia by the United States in 1867.

Each reproduction includes a custom historical letter telling the story behind the map, making it an ideal gift for collectors, history enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates Alaska’s unique heritage. Printed on heavyweight archival paper or premium polycotton canvas, every line, label, and detail is preserved in ultra-high-definition clarity thanks to our meticulous digital restoration process.

To ensure your map arrives safely, paper prints are carefully rolled in a sturdy cardboard mailing tube, while canvases ship in reinforced boxes for maximum protection. From presentation to preservation, every detail is crafted with care.

Bring home more than wall art — bring home a story, a conversation piece, and a striking centerpiece that celebrates the enduring history of Alaska.

Mapping Alaska: A Cartographic Journey, 1886
In 1886, G. W & C. B. Colton & Co. published this atlas map of Alaska titled 'Colton's Territory of Alaska (Russian America) Ceded by Russia to the United States. Published By G. W & C. B. Colton & Co., No. 182 William St. New York.'. It captures a moment when the identity of Alaska was still forming and cartographers sought to convey its contours and character with precision. Every boundary, label and ornament demonstrates the blend of artistry and science typical of nineteenth-century mapmaking.
County and territorial boundaries are shaded with contrasting hues, while the decorative border frames Alaska like a stage. Rivers and streams snake across the landscape, mountains rise in delicate hachures and towns are marked with neat dots and names. Adjacent territories are distinguished by color, highlighting how Alaska fits within the broader region and encouraging viewers to explore its relationships with its neighbors.
Upon closer inspection, the map reveals rivers, mountains and towns rendered with impressive detail. Subtle gradients convey elevation, giving depth to rolling plains and emphasis to rugged ranges. Major rivers, minor streams and early transportation routes weave together, hinting at the networks that connected distant settlements. Even isolated hamlets earn their place, underscoring the mapmaker’s commitment to thoroughness.
This Atlas Map
emerged during a time of transformation for Alaska. Population shifts, economic growth and political changes underscored the need for accurate geographic information. Maps like this were consulted by lawmakers drafting legislation, entrepreneurs planning ventures and families seeking new beginnings. These documents were treasured by those who needed to navigate across territories and plan their futures.
At a scale of 1:7,500,000, the cartographer balances sweeping overviews with meticulous detail. Latitude and longitude lines form a subtle grid that helps readers orient themselves, while legends, insets and bar scales provide additional context. The use of prime meridians anchors local geography to global coordinates, blending clarity with ornament and revealing the mapmaker’s desire to situate Alaska within a larger world.
Today this map invites us to imagine journeys across Alaska long before highways and digital navigation. By tracing its lines, we follow explorers, surveyors and Indigenous peoples who shaped the region’s story. Preserving and revisiting such works deepens our appreciation for Alaska's diverse landscapes and for the communities that have grown along its rivers, roads and trails.

Archival-Grade Paper: Your map is printed on thick, acid‑free paper designed to resist yellowing and fading. The high‑resolution printing process captures every detail, ensuring a crisp, vibrant image that lasts for generations.

Hand‑Stretched Canvas: If you choose canvas, we use a premium cotton‑poly blend stretched over solid pine frames. Each canvas is carefully hand‑stretched for a tight, gallery‑quality finish that’s ready to hang right out of the box.

Vivid, Fade‑Resistant Inks: We use professional‑grade inks that are UV‑resistant, so your print retains its rich colors even when displayed in bright rooms.

Expert Restoration: Every map is digitally restored by skilled artisans. We preserve the character of the original while enhancing clarity, so you see the map as it was meant to be seen.

Secure Packaging: Paper prints are rolled in heavy‑duty mailing tubes, and canvases are cushioned in reinforced boxes to ensure they arrive in pristine condition.

Choosing one of our prints means investing in craftsmanship. We combine historical authenticity with modern print technology and premium materials, giving you a work of art built to stand the test of time.