North Carolina Map - Vintage 1855 Colton Historical Map with Beaufort Harbor
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Discover the Tar Heel State
Journey into the rich history of the Old North State with this meticulously restored 1855 North Carolina Map by J.H. Colton, featuring the detailed Beaufort Harbor inset. This exceptional cartographic treasure captures North Carolina during a pivotal era of American development, showcasing the detailed county boundaries, coastal features, and thriving communities that defined this influential Southern state.
Created during the mid-19th century era of agricultural expansion and coastal commerce, this map illustrates North Carolina at a time when tobacco cultivation, naval stores production, and maritime trade were flourishing throughout the state. The intricate detail shows every county, township, and geographic feature with the precision and artistry that made Colton maps the premier choice of their era.
From the majestic Appalachian Mountains in the west to the Outer Banks and coastal plains in the east, this map captures the essence of North Carolina's diverse geography and rich heritage. The special Beaufort Harbor inset provides detailed navigation information for one of the state's most important colonial and antebellum ports, showcasing the maritime heritage that shaped coastal Carolina.
Each reproduction includes a custom historical letter detailing the map's significance, making it perfect for collectors, North Carolina history enthusiasts, and anyone with Tar Heel State connections. Printed on heavyweight archival paper or premium canvas, every county line, mountain range, and coastal feature is preserved with museum-quality clarity through expert digital restoration.
For protection and presentation, paper prints arrive rolled in sturdy mailing tubes, while canvas prints come gallery-wrapped on solid pine stretcher bars with pre-installed hanging hardware—ready to display immediately.
Bring home a piece of Tar Heel heritage and celebrate North Carolina's rich history with this stunning cartographic centerpiece.
The Map Story
Discover the history of the map
Materials
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.
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Why Choose Us?
| Feature | Us | Competitor A | Competitor B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hand Crafted | |||
| Museum Quality | |||
| 100 Year Guarantee | |||
| Restored by Hand | |||
| Certificate of Authenticity |
Art Prints
Archival quality colors. Best option if you'd like to frame it yourself
The Best Materials
We hand-stretched our canvas on solid American-grown pine stretcher bars. We use quality canvas and fade-resistant inks to create the lasting art. Canvases come with hardware already installed and ready to hang.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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All of our maps are meticulously restored reproductions of historic originals. Each piece is digitally repaired and color-corrected to bring out the finest details while preserving its authentic, vintage character.
Yes. All Archive Prints products are printed to order in the USA with archival materials.
We offer two premium formats:
- High-Quality Paper Posters – Printed on thick, archival-grade matte paper for rich, vibrant detail.
- Hand-Stretched Canvas Prints – Printed on premium polycotton canvas and mounted on 1.5" solid American pine stretcher bars for a gallery-quality finish.
We carefully digitally restore each map to enhance clarity and color while preserving its original look and historic charm. You’ll enjoy sharp details and a timeless vintage aesthetic that feels true to the original piece.
Currently, we don’t offer framing or personalization. However, our posters are printed in standard sizes, making it easy to find a ready-made frame. For a polished, gallery-style look, our stretched canvas prints arrive ready to hang right out of the box.
Yes! We offer free shipping on all products within the United States. Each map is carefully packaged to ensure it arrives in perfect condition.
If you’re not completely satisfied, you can return your order in new condition for a full refund. Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer.
Absolutely! Our maps make thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gifts for history lovers, map collectors, or anyone looking to add vintage character to their home or office. Choose between paper prints for framing or stretched canvas for a ready-to-hang presentation.
- Paper Posters → Shipped in durable, protective tubes to prevent creasing.
- Canvas Prints → Carefully wrapped, padded, and boxed to ensure safe delivery.
Our maps look stunning in a variety of settings, including:
- Living rooms and home offices
- Libraries and studies
- Corporate offices and conference rooms
- Restaurants, cafes, and boutique spaces