Pictorial Map of Illinois by Ruth Taylor White, 1935: Chicago, Springfield, Peoria, Mississippi & Illinois Rivers, County Boundaries

Step into the vibrant world of 1930s America with “Illinois,” the original title of this captivating pictorial map created by Ruth Taylor White in 1935. A true celebration of the Prairie State, this map is a centerpiece from a celebrated series of whimsical atlases that brought each U.S. state to life through bold colors and playful illustration. With its vivid, cartoon-like style, the map is more than a geographic reference—it is a visual narrative, capturing the energy, optimism, and spirit of Illinois during a transformative era in American history.

Ruth Taylor White, renowned for her artistic ingenuity, was a trailblazer in the realm of pictorial cartography. Her maps are instantly recognizable for their dynamic use of color, meticulous attention to regional detail, and affectionate humor. This map of Illinois is no exception, blending artistry and information to offer a unique window into the state’s culture, geography, and daily life. White’s approach transcends traditional cartography, transforming the map into a lively tableau that invites viewers to explore both the familiar and the unexpected.

The map’s design is a masterful interplay of geography and storytelling. County boundaries are clearly delineated, while the mighty Mississippi River and the winding Illinois River are rendered with flowing grace along the landscape. Scattered across the state are charming vignettes: industrious farmers harvesting corn, robust livestock grazing on open prairies, and bustling factories with their smokestacks reaching skyward. These illustrations are not merely decorative; they serve as cultural touchstones, reflecting the agricultural heritage and industrial might that have long defined Illinois.

A particular delight lies in the map’s depiction of human settlement and activity. Major cities such as Chicago, Springfield, and Peoria are featured alongside a constellation of other towns, each brought to life with characteristic scenes—trains chugging through the heartland, riverboats gliding along the water, and communities engaged in music, dance, and daily labor. These lively illustrations evoke a sense of place and time, grounding the viewer in the social and economic rhythms of 1930s Illinois. The state’s prairie landscape, dotted with local wildlife and punctuated by the gentle curves of its rivers, forms a picturesque backdrop to this vibrant tableau.

Historically, this map stands as both an artifact and a work of art, encapsulating the optimism and regional pride of Depression-era America. It offers not only a snapshot of Illinois’ geography but also a reflection of the values and aspirations of its people. Through its playful yet precise illustrations, the map reveals how Illinois was seen—and celebrated—by its contemporaries. For collectors and connoisseurs of cartographic history, Ruth Taylor White’s “Illinois” is a singular treasure: a testament to the enduring power of maps to inform, delight, and inspire.

Cities and towns on this map

• Chicago
• Peoria
• Springfield
• Rockford
• Decatur
• Quincy
• East St. Louis
• Cairo
• Kankakee
• Joliet
• Alton

Notable Features & Landmarks

• County boundaries are clearly delineated throughout the state
• The Mississippi River is illustrated along the western border of Illinois
• The Illinois River is depicted running through the state
• The map features illustrations of agricultural activities, such as corn farming and livestock raising
• Industrial scenes, including factories and smokestacks, are shown in the northern part of the state
• Transportation is highlighted with images of trains and riverboats
• There are illustrations of people engaged in various activities, such as dancing, playing music, and working in fields
• The map includes depictions of local wildlife, such as cattle and horses
• The state’s flat prairie landscape is represented in the background illustrations
• Stereotypical representations of regional culture and customs are scattered across the map

Historical and design context

• Original title: Illinois (1935), created by Ruth Taylor White
• Part of a pictorial atlas of the United States, known for its entertaining and whimsical style
• Vibrant, colorful, and cartoon-like illustrations represent the culture, geography, and lifestyle of Illinois in the 1930s
• Intended as both a geographical reference and an artistic, humorous, and educational piece
• Reflects 1930s perspectives and cultural attitudes, providing insight into how Illinois was viewed and represented at the time
• The map is part of a larger series that aimed to capture the "spirit and character" of each U.S. state through illustration

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps and art prints are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your order for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore maps and artwork that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps and illustrations can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore them. As a result, I guarantee my maps and art prints are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps and art prints look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.