1856 Delaware and Maryland Map by Colton – Restored Vintage Wall Art

Step back into the mid-19th century and experience Delaware and Maryland as they once were with this beautifully restored 1856 G.W. Colton Map of Delaware and Maryland. Originally published by J.H. Colton & Co. in Colton’s Atlas of the World, this rare map showcases two states at a time of growth and change, with a detailed inset of the District of 

Each reproduction includes a custom historical letter telling the story behind the map, making it the perfect gift for collectors, history lovers, and anyone who appreciates the heritage of the Mid-Atlantic. Printed on heavyweight archival paper or premium polycotton canvas, every county line, rail line, and river 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 Delaware, Maryland, and the nation’s capital.

1856 Delaware, Maryland & Washington, D.C.: A Region on the Rise
In 1856, Delaware, Maryland, and the nation’s capital stood at a moment of growth and transformation. The Colton map captures this era with striking detail, freezing a region where commerce, transportation, and culture were rapidly evolving.
Maryland was one of the mid-Atlantic’s most important hubs. Baltimore, a thriving port city, bustled with ships carrying tobacco, grain, and seafood to distant markets. Railroads and turnpikes extended outward, linking farms, mills, and smaller towns to the Chesapeake Bay. Annapolis, the state capital, remained a center of government and maritime tradition, while countryside communities thrived along rivers and early roadways.
Delaware, though small in size, played an outsized role. Wilmington’s industries were booming, from shipbuilding to milling to manufacturing goods that supplied neighboring states and beyond. Its location along the Delaware Bay made it a gateway for trade between Philadelphia, Baltimore, and coastal markets. Across the state, farming villages dotted the landscape, their connections to larger commercial routes growing steadily.
At the heart of the map lies the District of Columbia — Washington City and Georgetown — depicted in an inset based on the 1850 census. Still a young capital, Washington was steadily rising in prominence, with new roads, bridges, and buildings shaping its future. Georgetown, once an independent port, had become part of this expanding center while holding onto its historic character.
The region’s waterways dominate the map, from the Potomac River past the capital to the Chesapeake Bay reaching deep into Maryland’s heart. These rivers carried goods and ideas, while expanding rail networks opened new paths for trade and opportunity. Together, they made the area one of the most connected and economically active regions in the country.
The Colton map reflects a world in motion — towns expanding, roads extending, and communities linking together. It invites us to picture daily life in the mid-19th century: merchants charting routes, families planning new settlements, and lawmakers shaping growth. More than geography, it captures a region poised between tradition and progress.
Today, this 1856 map preserves a defining moment for Delaware, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., revealing how waterways, towns, and trade built the foundation for the region’s enduring influence.unities 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.