Rare Old Map of Massachusetts and Rhode Island by H. S. Tanner, 1836: Boston, Worcester, Providence, Springfield, Cambridge

Embark on a captivating historical journey with this high-end, meticulously crafted 1836 map of Massachusetts and Rhode Island by renowned cartographer H. S. Tanner. This beautiful piece captures an era before many major modern cities even existed or when they were known by different names, offering a rare insight into the past. The map remarkably details the geography and boundaries of the region, along with charmingly accurate renderings of towns, cities, and settlements established before 1820. An attractive inset, providing a detailed view of Boston, further enhances the map’s overall allure.

With Tanner's map, you're not just owning an antiquated artifact; you're owning a tangible slice of New England's history. Its beauty lies not only in the aesthetic representation of the geographical layout but also in the intricate narratives each marked settlement carries. This unique piece of cartography allows you to navigate the progression of the region, and consequently, the evolution of American history itself.

Settlements in Massachusetts (by modern-day population size)

• Boston (1630) - Known as the Cradle of Liberty, it's the capital and largest city of Massachusetts. Key role in the American Revolution.
• Worcester (1673) - The "Heart of the Commonwealth", known for its manufacturing industry.
• Springfield (1636) - Known as the Birthplace of Basketball and location of the first American armory.
• Cambridge (1630) - Renowned for housing Harvard University, the oldest institution of higher learning in the U.S.
• Lowell (1653) - It spearheaded the American Industrial Revolution with its textile mills.
• Brockton (1649) - Known as the "City of Champions" due to its successful boxers.
• New Bedford (1640) - Once the whaling capital of the world.
• Quincy (1625) - Known as the "City of Presidents" for being the birthplace of Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams.
• Lynn (1629) - Noted for its shoe industry in the 19th century.
• Fall River (1656) - Known for its important role in the American cotton industry during the 19th century.
• Salem (1626) - Famous for the Salem Witch Trials of 1692.
• Somerville (1630) - Known for its diverse population and vibrant arts scene.
• Plymouth (1620) - The site of the first Pilgrim settlement, famous for Plymouth Rock.
• Medford (1630) - Famous for the creation of the popular Christmas song, "Jingle Bells".
• Gloucester (1623) - America's oldest seaport.

Settlements in Rhode Island (by modern-day population size)

• Providence (1636) - The capital of Rhode Island, known for its jewelry and silverware industry.
• Warwick (1642) - Site of the Gaspee Affair, one of the earliest acts of rebellion against British rule.
• Cranston (1642) - Noted for its textile mills in the 19th and 20th centuries.
• Pawtucket (1671) - Location of Slater Mill, the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution.
• East Providence (1641) - Known for its diverse community and coastline along the Seekonk River.
• Woonsocket (1666) - A prominent center for the textile industry during the 19th century.
• Coventry (1639) - Known for its historic villages and mills.
• Cumberland (1747) - Home to the historic Blackstone River Valley.
• North Providence (1636) - Known for its historic farms and mills.
• West Warwick (1642) - The youngest town in Rhode Island, incorporated in 1913 from Warwick.

Notable natural and historical landmarks

• Cape Cod: A popular tourist destination known for its beaches, lighthouses, and seafood.
• Plymouth Rock: The traditional site of disembarkation of the Mayflower Pilgrims in 1620.
• Mystic River: Known for its historical seaport and maritime museum.
• Blackstone River Valley: Birthplace of America's Industrial Revolution.
• Quabbin Reservoir: One of the largest man-made public water supplies in the United States.

Historical Events (1810-1830)

• War of 1812 (1812-1815): Although largely fought on the frontiers, this war had economic and political impacts in the region.
• Industrialization: Many towns in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island began transitioning to manufacturing centers, shaping their future significantly.
• The Missouri Compromise (1820): Although this event didn't take place in the region, it had a profound impact on the political landscape of the entire country, including Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

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 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.

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.