Step into the past with the meticulously crafted "Old Map of Arkansas" by renowned cartographer H. S. Tanner, published in 1836. This extraordinary relic of time offers a detailed snapshot of the early 19th-century Arkansas, depicting not only its settlements and geography but also the intricate network of canals and roads that served as the lifelines of communication and commerce. This valuable piece is not just a map, but a comprehensive narrative of the times, reflecting the distances between towns and colonies that were of paramount importance in the pre-railway era.

H. S. Tanner’s map, apart from its precise representation of early Arkansas, bears a historic and aesthetic charm that appeals to collectors, history enthusiasts, and lovers of vintage art. The map illustrates a vibrant tableau of the state before its industrial bloom, featuring the settlements that would later shape the state's cultural, economic, and political landscapes. The cartographer’s keen attention to details and accurate depiction of the era make this piece an invaluable artifact that captures the spirit of 1836 Arkansas.

Notable Settlements

• Little Rock (1821): Now the capital city, it was a hub of trade and transport due to its strategic location by the Arkansas River.
• Fort Smith (1817): Founded as a western frontier military post, it played a vital role in the westward expansion of the United States.
• Pine Bluff (1832): Nestled by the Arkansas River, it was an important center of transport and trade in the 19th century.
• Batesville (1810): As one of the oldest towns, it served as a significant port along the White River.
• Washington (1824): A pivotal site during the Civil War, it served as Arkansas's capital after Little Rock was captured by Union troops.
• Fayetteville (1828): Famous for its picturesque landscape, this city later housed the University of Arkansas.
• Helena (1833): This town was a vital depot for the Union troops during the Civil War.
• Van Buren (1831): Named after Martin Van Buren, it has a rich history steeped in Arkansas's early statehood.
• Benton (1833): The town derived its name from Thomas Hart Benton, a senator who played a crucial role in advocating Arkansas's statehood.
• Camden (1824): Known for its prosperous cotton trade, Camden thrived as a river port.
• Dover (1821): Situated in the beautiful Ozark Mountains, this town provided an important north-south pass.
• Pocahontas (1835): Situated near the Black River, it served as a hub for agricultural and timber trades.
• Powhatan (1811): Once the county seat of Lawrence County, it was an important river port on the Black River.
• Jacksonport (1831): This town thrived as a steamboat stop at the confluence of the White and Black Rivers.
• Mammoth Spring (1836): Named for the large spring in the area, it was a key resource for settlers.
• Cherokee Bay (1820s): This settlement was an important gathering place for the Cherokee before the Trail of Tears.
• Cadron (1818): This town was a significant stop on the Butterfield Overland Mail route.
• Arkadelphia (1836): Known for its timber and cotton industries, this town was a commercial hub.
• Napoleon (1829): Once a thriving river port, it was eventually deserted due to frequent flooding.
• Davidsonville (1815): Home to the first post office and land office in Arkansas, this town played a key role in the region's development.
• Evening Shade (1810s): Named for its unusually shaded evenings, this town was a waypoint for westward travelers.
• Monticello (1836): This town became the seat of Drew County just a year after its founding.
• New Gascony (1797): Known as the oldest permanent settlement of Europeans in Arkansas, it was an important hub in the fur trade.
• Cotton Plant (1820s): As the name suggests, this town was a center of cotton farming.
• Augusta (1820): Situated along the White River, it became an important transportation hub.
• Clarendon (1824): Located at the confluence of the Cache and White Rivers, this town was an essential transport and trade center.
• Hamburg (1821): This town thrived as a center for timber and agriculture.
• Princeton (1833): Named after the Revolutionary War hero, Princeton was an important stop for travelers and traders.
• Lewisburg (1832): This town was a key site for trade, particularly cotton and timber.
• Ozark (1820s): Named after the Ozark region, this settlement provided a gateway to the fertile Arkansas River Valley.

The map also showcases several geographical features and boundaries that are now notable tourist attractions, such as the majestic Arkansas and Mississippi Rivers, the lush and scenic Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, and the designated Indian Territory to the west, which later became modern-day Oklahoma.

In terms of historical events, the map encapsulates a period of significant transformations: the establishment of the Arkansas Territory in 1819, the state's admission into the Union as the 25th state in 1836, and the tragic Trail of Tears (1838-1839), which saw thousands of Native Americans forcibly relocated through Arkansas. These historical milestones further amplify the significance of this map, making it not just an antique but a visual chronicle of the past.

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 all sizes, but it looks even better when printed large.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 100in (254cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40.5x51cm) 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 main collection of USA and North America maps.

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.

Many of our maps and art prints are chosen as thoughtful gifts for homes, offices, studies and meaningful places.

Choose a framed option for the easiest ready-to-hang gift, or choose an unframed print if the recipient may prefer to select their own frame.

We make orders locally in 23 countries around the world, so gifts can often be produced close to the recipient. This helps them arrive faster, travel more safely, and avoid customs or import duty surprises.

• We can deliver directly to the recipient
• Framed pieces arrive ready to hang
• Unframed prints are carefully packed in a strong protective tube
• Almost every order is made locally, for faster, safer gifting
• 90-day returns give the recipient time to decide

If you are not sure what to choose, please contact us. We can help you pick the right map, size, finish or delivery option.

Most orders are made locally and delivered in around 2–3 working days, depending on the product, size and destination.

We print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world, so your order is usually made close to you or your recipient. That means faster delivery, less time in transit, and no customs or import duty surprises.

Personalised and customised pieces usually take an extra 1–2 working days, because we prepare your design and send it to you for approval before printing.

Very large framed orders can take a little longer, as they need extra care in production and delivery.

Every order is carefully packaged: unframed prints are sent in a strong protective tube, while framed pieces are securely packed with protective materials around the frame.

If you need your order by a particular date, please contact us before ordering. We’ll check the best production route and delivery option for your location.

Express delivery is available at checkout for most countries. Next-day delivery is available in the UK, US, Singapore and the UAE.

Your order is covered by our 90-day returns policy and 10-year guarantee.

Read our full delivery and local production guide

Our standard frame is a gallery-style black ash hardwood frame, with a simple, modern look. It is approximately 20mm (0.8in) wide. You can also view some lovely customer photos of framed maps and art.

We use super-clear acrylic glazing, also known as Perspex or Acrylite, instead of traditional glass. It is lighter, safer, and has lower reflectivity, giving the artwork a clearer, cleaner appearance.

Six standard frame colours are available at no extra cost: black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white, and antique gold. Custom framing and mounting/matting is also available for customers looking for something more specific.

Most maps, art prints, and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced wooden box frame, and then float the piece within a wooden outer frame. The finished result is beautifully presented, with no glazing between you and the artwork.

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

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

If you would prefer to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read our size guide before ordering.

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 and I'll get it fixed ASAP, free of charge. Please see my returns and refund policy for more information.

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 5,000 real 5-star reviews. My work has been featured in interior design magazines, on the BBC, and on the walls of dozens of 5-star hotels.

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. I stand by my products and will always make sure you're 100% happy with what you receive.

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.