Pictorial Map of Iowa by Ruth Taylor White, 1935: Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Corn Farming, Mississippi River

Step into the vibrant world of 1930s America with “Iowa,” the original title of this captivating pictorial map crafted by Ruth Taylor White in 1935. This map stands as a testament to the era’s fascination with regional identity, rendered in a whimsical, cartoon-like style that immediately draws the eye. It is part of a celebrated series of pictorial atlases, each offering a unique, playful perspective on the cultural and geographical essence of the American states. The map’s lively illustrations are not merely decorative; they are a visual narrative, encapsulating the spirit and charm of Iowa during a pivotal period in its history.

Ruth Taylor White, renowned for her distinctive approach to cartography, infused her maps with a rare blend of artistry and wit. Her work transcends traditional mapmaking, blending geographical accuracy with a keen sense of humor and social observation. In this map of Iowa, White employs bold colors and exaggerated figures to highlight the state’s agricultural heritage, rural landscapes, and vibrant communities. Each illustration serves as a snapshot of 1930s life, capturing both the idyllic and industrious facets of Iowa’s character.

The design of this map is a masterclass in thematic cartography. County boundaries are meticulously delineated, while the state’s iconic rivers, such as the mighty Mississippi along the eastern border, are elegantly woven into the composition. The rolling plains and patchwork fields are brought to life through dynamic illustrations of corn farming, livestock, and rural homesteads. The decorative title cartouche and playful vignettes scattered across the map invite viewers to explore Iowa’s natural bounty and cultural richness, all while maintaining a sense of lighthearted delight.

What sets this map apart is its focus on the people and traditions that define Iowa. Cartoon-style figures in period attire are depicted engaging in quintessential local activities, from tending livestock to celebrating community events. The map eschews the grandiosity of national parks or monumental landmarks, instead spotlighting the everyday scenes that collectively form the state’s unique identity. This approach offers a refreshing, human-centered perspective, making the map not only a navigational tool but also a window into the lived experiences of Iowans during the Great Depression.

The map’s historical significance lies in its ability to encapsulate a moment in time—an era when the Midwest was both the breadbasket of America and a symbol of resilience. Cities and towns such as Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport are prominently featured, their presence anchoring the map in both geography and memory. For collectors and connoisseurs of Americana, this map is more than a decorative piece; it is a cultural artifact, offering a delightful and insightful glimpse into Iowa’s storied past through the eyes of one of the period’s most imaginative cartographers.

Cities and towns on this map

• Des Moines
• Cedar Rapids
• Davenport
• Sioux City
• Waterloo
• Iowa City
• Council Bluffs
• Dubuque
• Ames
• Mason City

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Illustrations of agricultural activities, such as corn farming and livestock (cows, pigs, chickens)
• Depictions of rural life, including farmhouses and barns
• Cartoon-style representations of people in period clothing, engaged in farming and local traditions
• Rivers and water bodies, including the Mississippi River along the eastern border
• County boundaries are clearly marked
• Whimsical drawings of local flora and fauna
• Iconic representations of Iowa’s landscape, such as rolling plains and fields
• Decorative title cartouche with the state name

Historical and design context

• Created by Ruth Taylor White in 1935
• Original title: Iowa
• Part of a fanciful pictorial atlas of the United States
• Vibrant, whimsical, and cartoon-like illustrations, typical of pictorial maps from the era
• Themes highlight stereotypical scenes from 1930s Iowa, focusing on cultural, agricultural, and geographical features
• Artistic approach offers a unique visual record of Iowa’s identity and character during the 1930s
• Considered an intriguing collectible for those interested in historical representations of American life and pictorial cartography

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.

Alcune delle mie vecchie mappe sono ora disponibili come tele incorniciate. Per favore contattami se desideri ordinare una dimensione che non è disponibile nel mio negozio.

Le vecchie mappe su tela sono un'alternativa interessante alle mappe incorniciate in modo convenzionale. A seconda del tuo gusto personale e dell'arredamento della stanza, le mappe su tela possono "risaltare" un po' di più rispetto a una mappa incorniciata.

Scopri di più sulle mie mappe su tela incorniciate.

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.

Se non sei soddisfatto del tuo ordine per qualsiasi motivo, contattami per un rimborso senza problemi. Si prega di consultare la nostra politica di reso e rimborso per ulteriori informazioni.

Sono molto sicuro che ti piacerà la tua mappa restaurata o la stampa d'arte. Lo faccio dal 1984. Sono un venditore Etsy a 5 stelle. Ho venduto decine di migliaia di mappe e stampe d'arte e ho oltre 5.000 recensioni reali a 5 stelle.

Utilizzo un processo unico per restaurare mappe e opere d'arte che richiede molto tempo e lavoro. Trovare le mappe e le illustrazioni originali può richiedere mesi. Utilizzo tecnologia all'avanguardia e incredibilmente costosa per scannerizzare e restaurarle. Di conseguenza, garantisco che le mie mappe e stampe d'arte siano superiori alle altre - ecco perché posso offrire un rimborso senza problemi.

Quasi tutte le mie mappe e stampe d'arte sembrano fantastiche a grandi dimensioni (200 cm, 6,5 piedi+) e posso anche incorniciarle e consegnarle a te, tramite un corriere speciale per oggetti di grandi dimensioni. Contattami per discutere delle tue esigenze specifiche.