Old Map of Forests & National Parks in the Western USA by USGS, 1900: Yellowstone, Sierra Nevada, Etc.

Step into the dawn of American conservation with "Plate I. The Forest Reserves and National Parks in Western United States, 1899," a masterwork of cartographic history crafted by the venerable US Geological Survey (USGS) in 1900. This map is a visual testament to a pivotal era, when the United States first turned its attention to preserving the wild grandeur of its western lands. The map’s original title alone evokes the ambition and vision of the age, as it meticulously charts the newly established National Parks and Forest Reserves west of the 97th meridian. This was a time when the boundaries of wilderness and civilization were still being negotiated, and the contours of the American landscape were being formally inscribed for the very first time.

The USGS, established in 1879, was at the forefront of this monumental task, bringing scientific rigor and artistic precision to the mapping of the nation’s most treasured natural regions. Their expertise is evident in the elegant use of contour lines and subtle color gradations, which together bring to life the rugged relief of the Sierra Nevada, Cascade Range, and Rocky Mountains. Every detail, from the demarcation of state borders to the careful shading of protected lands, reflects the Survey’s dual commitment to accuracy and beauty. This map is not only a navigational tool but a work of art, capturing the interplay of geography, policy, and natural wonder at the turn of the 20th century.

The map’s thematic focus is both timely and visionary. At its heart are the great National Parks and Forest Reserves—Yellowstone, Lewis and Clarke, Mount Rainier, Olympic, Cascade Range, Stanislaus, and Lake Tahoe—each boldly delineated as beacons of the nascent conservation movement. These protected areas, highlighted in distinct colors, stand in contrast to the surrounding unreserved lands, underscoring the early federal commitment to safeguarding America’s forests and watersheds. The map also captures the sweep of major mountain ranges and the subtle undulations of the western landscape, inviting the viewer to trace the paths of rivers, follow the rise of peaks, and imagine the forests as they once stood.

Beyond its visual allure, this map is a key to understanding the historical context of American land management. Published as part of a monumental 711-page collection, it was accompanied by detailed reports on the classification of lands and the condition of timber resources, authored by some of the era’s leading scientific minds. These documents provide a window into the challenges and triumphs of early conservationists, whose efforts laid the groundwork for the modern National Forest and National Park systems. The map itself thus serves as both a snapshot of a formative moment and a touchstone for anyone interested in the evolution of American environmental policy.

Anchoring the wilderness are the burgeoning cities and towns of the West—San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, Denver, and others—each labeled with care and set against the vastness of their natural surroundings. These settlements, now metropolises, were then outposts on the edge of the unknown, their fortunes intertwined with the fate of the forests and mountains that surrounded them. This juxtaposition of civilization and wilderness, rendered with such skill by the USGS, makes the map a powerful artifact of American identity—one that speaks to the enduring tension between development and preservation, and the timeless allure of the wild frontier.

Cities and towns on this map

• California:
  • San Francisco
  • Los Angeles
  • San Diego
  • Sacramento
• Washington:
  • Seattle
  • Spokane
  • Tacoma
• Oregon:
  • Portland
• Colorado:
  • Denver
• Arizona:
  • Phoenix
• Utah:
  • Salt Lake City

Notable Features & Landmarks

• National Parks are clearly labeled and highlighted, including Yellowstone National Park.
• Forest Reserves are distinctly marked, such as:
  • Lewis and Clarke Forest Reserve (Montana)
  • Mount Rainier Forest Reserve (Washington)
  • Olympic Forest Reserve (Washington)
  • Cascade Range Forest Reserve (Oregon/Washington)
  • Stanislaus Forest Reserve (California)
  • Lake Tahoe Forest Reserve (California/Nevada)
• State boundaries are clearly delineated.
• Major mountain ranges, such as the Sierra Nevada, Cascade Range, and Rocky Mountains, are depicted with relief contours.
• The 97th meridian west is marked as the eastern boundary of the map’s focus.
• Color shading is used to differentiate forest reserves and national parks from other lands.

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Plate I. The Forest Reserves and National Parks in Western United States, 1899.
• Date of creation: Map updated to June 30, 1900; published by the US Geological Survey (USGS) in 1900.
• Mapmaker/publisher: US Geological Survey (USGS), a federal scientific agency established in 1879, known for mapping and studying the natural resources and landscapes of the United States.
• Geographic coverage: Focuses on the western United States, specifically areas west of the 97th meridian west, including states such as California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico.
• Map type: County or State Thematic map, emphasizing land management and conservation themes.
• Main topics and themes: Depicts National Parks and Forest Reserves, highlighting early federal conservation efforts and land classifications at the turn of the 20th century.
• Design/style: Relief is shown using contour lines and color, enhancing the visualization of mountainous and forested regions.
• Historical significance: The map is part of a larger publication (711 pages, 39 maps) that documents the early development and management of U.S. forest reserves, reflecting the growing conservation movement of the era.
• Contextual importance: Provides a comprehensive overview of federal land management, conservation policies, and the geographical distribution of protected areas in the western U.S. around 1900.
• Notable for: Being a primary source for historians studying the origins of the U.S. National Forest and National Park systems.

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 16x20in (40x50cm) 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.