Rare Old Map of California & Nevada by J.H. Colton, 1875: San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Carson City, and Virginia City

Step back in time with this exquisite map of California and Nevada from 1875, masterfully crafted by the renowned American mapmaker, J.H. Colton. This piece is not just a map, but a window into the early history of the United States, offering a unique perspective on the evolution of these two significant states. The map, which is a testament to Colton's exceptional skill and precision, captures the landscape as it was in the late 19th century, a time when many of the settlements we know today were yet to be founded.

The map provides a fascinating glimpse into the past, revealing how much the names and borders have changed over the past 150 years. The settlements of San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Carson City, and Virginia City are prominently featured, standing as testament to the enduring spirit of exploration and expansion that characterized this era. This map is a must-have for history enthusiasts, map collectors, and anyone interested in the intricate tapestry of America's past.

This map is a remarkable artifact from a pivotal time in American history. The 1870s were a period of rapid growth and change in the American West. The Gold Rush had brought a flood of settlers to California, and Nevada was experiencing its own silver boom. This map captures this dynamic period, with its detailed renderings of the towns and cities that were springing up amidst the wild, untamed landscape. It's a tangible connection to an era that shaped the course of American history, and a unique piece of art that will add a touch of elegance and intrigue to any space.

This map is not only a valuable historical document but also a work of art. The fine detailing, the delicate coloration, and the careful representation of topographical features all speak to the skill and artistry of J.H. Colton. This is a rare opportunity to own a piece of history, meticulously preserved and beautifully presented. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the world of antique maps, this piece is sure to captivate and inspire.

California Settlements

1. San Francisco (1776): Originally known as Yerba Buena, San Francisco was a key hub during the Gold Rush and remains a major global city today.
2. Sacramento (1848): Founded during the Gold Rush, Sacramento became the state capital in 1854.
3. Los Angeles (1781): Originally El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles, it's now the largest city in California.
4. San Diego (1769): The first Spanish mission in California, it's now a major city and naval base.
5. San Jose (1777): Known as El Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe, it's now the heart of Silicon Valley.
6. Monterey (1770): Once the capital of Alta California under both Spain and Mexico.
7. Santa Barbara (1786): Home to the Presidio of Santa Barbara, a Spanish military installation and mission.
8. Sonoma (1835): The site of the Bear Flag Revolt, which led to California becoming part of the U.S.
9. Fresno (1872): Founded by the Central Pacific Railroad Company.
10. Stockton (1849): Known as Mudville, it was a major supply center during the Gold Rush.

Nevada Settlements

1. Carson City (1858): Named after the famous frontiersman Kit Carson, it's the state capital.
2. Virginia City (1859): The discovery of the Comstock Lode here triggered a silver rush.
3. Reno (1868): Known as "The Biggest Little City in the World," it was a key railroad town.
4. Elko (1869): Established as a railroad town along the Central Pacific Railroad.
5. Dayton (1849): Known as Nevada's first settlement, it was a key supply center for gold miners.
6. Genoa (1851): Nevada's first permanent non-native settlement.
7. Eureka (1864): The "Pittsburgh of the West" during the silver boom.
8. Winnemucca (1863): A key transportation and trading hub for settlers.
9. Wells (1869): Established by Central Pacific Railroad as a watering station for steam engines.
10. Silver City (1859): A mining boomtown after silver was discovered in the Comstock Lode.

Native American Tribes

• Shoshone: Occupied parts of eastern Nevada.
• Paiute: Lived in the northern and central parts of Nevada and eastern California.
• Washoe: Inhabited the Lake Tahoe region.
• Miwok: Occupied areas in central California.
• Yokuts: Lived in the San Joaquin Valley in California.

Notable Natural Features

• Sierra Nevada: A major mountain range, home to Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe.
• Death Valley: The lowest, driest, and hottest area in North America.
• Mojave Desert: The driest desert in North America.
• Colorado River: Known for its dramatic canyons, including the Grand Canyon.
• San Francisco Bay: One of the world's largest natural harbors.

Historical Events

• California Gold Rush (1848-1855): This massive gold strike led to a wave of immigration to California.
• Comstock Lode Discovery (1859): The first major silver deposit discovery in the United States, located under what is now Virginia City, Nevada.
• Admission of California (1850) and Nevada (1864) to the Union.
• Transcontinental Railroad Completion (1869): The railroad's western terminus was in Sacramento.

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: 12x16in (30.5x41cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 24x36in (61x91.5cm), 30x40in (76x101.5cm), 37x50in (94x127cm), 45x60in (114x152.5cm) and 52x70in (132x178cm), 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 18x24in (45.5x61cm) version of this map.

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

The labels on this map are very small at 12x16in (30.5x41cm). The map is still very attractive, but you may struggle to read the smallest letters. Please buy a larger map if it's important to be able to read the map easily.

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.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

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 in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

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

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) 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).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

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 are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

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 on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map 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 unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

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

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

Almost all of my maps 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.