Old Map of Chestnut & Chinquapin Tree Distribution in the USA, 1884

Step into the rich tapestry of North American botanical history with the "Map Showing the Distribution of the Genera Castanea & Castanopsis (The Chestnuts & Chinquapins) in North America Exclusive of Mexico," a masterwork prepared under the direction of C.S. Sargent for the Tenth Census of the United States in 1884. This remarkable thematic map is more than a scientific document—it is a vivid snapshot of a landscape before the devastation of the American chestnut, capturing the native range of chestnuts and chinquapins at a pivotal moment in ecological history. The map’s careful delineation of these genera’s habitats reveals the profound relationship between geography and the continent’s once-abundant hardwood forests.

Produced by the renowned Julius Bien & Co., this map is a testament to the era’s finest color-lithographic techniques. Julius Bien, a luminary in American cartography and lithography, brought scientific precision and artistic elegance to every project. His firm was celebrated for its collaborations with leading scientists and government agencies, making this map not only a functional resource but also a collector’s treasure. The involvement of draughtsman Harry King and compiler Henry Gannett—both pivotal figures in American mapping—ensures the highest standards of accuracy and detail.

The map’s thematic focus on the distribution of Castanea and Castanopsis sets it apart as a unique artifact of environmental and economic history. At a time when the American chestnut was a keystone species in eastern forests, this map provided critical insight for botanists, foresters, and policymakers. The shaded regions, meticulously rendered, chart the natural ranges of these trees across the eastern United States, with particular density along the Appalachian Mountains and the Atlantic seaboard. These visual cues invite the viewer to explore the interplay between topography, climate, and botanical diversity.

Geographically, the map offers a comprehensive view of the United States, with state and county boundaries crisply outlined to provide a sense of scale and place. Major rivers, such as the mighty Mississippi and its tributaries, flow through the landscape, echoing the routes of exploration and commerce that shaped the nation. The Appalachian Mountains rise prominently within the chestnut’s range, their contours subtly shaded to reflect both elevation and ecological significance. The Atlantic coastline, with its gentle curves, frames the eastern extent of these storied woodlands.

What sets this map apart is its singular focus on the natural world, eschewing the clutter of cities and towns in favor of pure ecological storytelling. There are no urban centers or settlements to distract from the botanical narrative; instead, the viewer’s eye is drawn to the grand sweep of nature itself. As a piece of scientific cartography, it stands as both a work of art and a historical document—an enduring reminder of a lost landscape and the enduring legacy of the cartographers and botanists who sought to understand it.

Cities and towns on this map

• No cities or towns are labelled or marked on this map. The map is focused on botanical distribution and does not include human settlements.

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Distribution shading: Areas of the United States are shaded or colored to show the natural range of chestnuts and chinquapins.
• State boundaries: Clearly marked throughout the United States.
• County boundaries: Visible in some states, providing finer geographic detail.
• Major rivers: Several large rivers are depicted, including the Mississippi River and its tributaries.
• The Appalachian Mountains: The range is indicated by shading and topographic lines, as this region is significant for chestnut distribution.
• The Atlantic coastline: Clearly delineated, as the distribution of chestnuts extends along this area.
• Borders: The U.S.-Canada border is shown, as well as the southern border with Mexico (though Mexico is excluded from the mapped area).

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Map Showing the Distribution of the Genera Castanea & Castanopsis (The Chestnuts & Chinquapins) in North America Exclusive of Mexico.
• Date created: 1884.
• Mapmaker/publisher: Julius Bien & Co., a prominent American lithography and mapmaking firm in the 19th century, known for high-quality color lithographs and significant contributions to scientific and government publications.
• Prepared under the direction of C.S. Sargent, Special Agent, with draughting by Harry King and compilation by Henry Gannett, both notable figures in American cartography and census work.
• Created for: The Tenth Census of the United States (1880), reflecting the era's focus on documenting natural resources and scientific data.
• Type of map: Country Thematic map, specifically showing botanical/geographical distribution.
• Topics/themes: Distribution of chestnuts (Castanea) and chinquapins (Castanopsis) in North America, excluding Mexico; highlights the natural range of these tree genera.
• Design/style: Color-lithographed, with thematic shading or coloring to indicate the distribution areas of the tree genera; typical of late 19th-century scientific mapping.
• Historical significance: Reflects the importance of chestnut and chinquapin species in North American forestry, ecology, and economy before the devastation caused by chestnut blight in the 20th century; part of a broader movement to scientifically document the continent’s flora.
• Contextual note: The map is an example of early scientific cartography in the United States, produced for a federal census, and illustrates the collaboration between botanists, cartographers, and lithographers.

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 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 20in (50cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 24x36in (60x90cm) 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.