Connecticut Map - Vintage State Map by Colton

Discover a Piece of Connecticut History

Step back into the 1850s and see New England as it once was with this beautifully restored 1856 Connecticut Map. Framed by an elegant decorative border and shaded county colors, the map captures a shoreline alive with harbors from Greenwich and New Haven to New London and Stonington, plus inland towns linked by early rail lines and turnpikes. It’s a vivid portrait of Connecticut at the height of the nineteenth century—coastal trade, river valleys, and mill towns all carefully drawn.

Each reproduction includes a custom historical letter that tells the story behind the map, making it an ideal gift for collectors, cartography fans, and anyone who loves New England heritage. Printed on heavyweight archival paper or premium poly-cotton canvas, every label, county line, and coastline is preserved in ultra-high-definition clarity thanks to meticulous digital restoration—rich ink tones, crisp linework, and the warm vintage patina intact.

For protection and presentation, we craft every detail with care. Paper prints are rolled in a sturdy cardboard mailing tube and sized for easy framing. Canvas prints are gallery-wrapped on solid 1.5″ pine stretcher bars and ship in reinforced boxes—ready to hang with a pre-installed sawtooth hanger.

Bring home more than wall art. Bring home a story, a conversation piece, and a striking centerpiece that celebrates Connecticut’s harbors, river towns, and timeless New England charm.

1856 Connecticut: The Story Behind This Colton Map
In the mid-19th century, America was transforming rapidly as railroads, factories, and commerce reshaped the nation’s identity. This 1856 map of Connecticut, created by George Woolworth Colton and published by J.H. Colton & Co. of New York, captures the state during a period of change and growth. It was part of Colton’s Atlas of the World, one of the most respected and accurate cartographic collections of its time.
The map reveals a young state still defining itself within the bustling Northeast. Each county is shaded in soft, alternating tones, making the borders easy to distinguish while preserving an elegant balance of color and detail. Prominent cities such as Hartford, New Haven, and Bridgeport stand out clearly, while dozens of smaller towns and villages fill the spaces between. Colton’s precision allows the viewer to follow roads, rivers, and coastlines that formed the lifelines of daily life in 1856 Connecticut.
Long Island Sound frames the southern edge of the map, reflecting the state’s enduring connection to maritime trade. The Sound linked Connecticut’s ports to New York City and beyond, driving economic development and cultural exchange. Inland, rivers such as the Connecticut, Housatonic, and Thames supported manufacturing and transportation, while the expanding network of railroads hinted at a future powered by industry and innovation.
By the 1850s, Connecticut had become a center of American manufacturing. Clockmakers, arms manufacturers, and textile mills helped fuel the state’s economic rise, and Colton’s map captures the growing importance of these industrial hubs. At the same time, colonial town greens, churches, and farmlands remained central to community life, creating a landscape where tradition and progress existed side by side.
The ornate border surrounding the map reflects Colton’s belief that cartography was both an art and a science. This map was designed not only for study but also for display, serving as a prized piece in libraries, universities, and private homes. Sold by subscription, Colton’s Atlas of the World was regarded as a symbol of prestige and knowledge, providing families with a window into the rapidly changing world.
Today, this map stands as more than a historical document. It invites us to step into 1856 Connecticut, where waterways carried commerce, railroads opened new opportunities, and every boundary line marked a chapter in the state’s evolving story. It remains a stunning work of craftsmanship and a lasting record of a pivotal moment in American history.

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.