Rare Old Map of Mississippi by J.H. Colton, 1855: Jackson, Vicksburg, Natchez, Columbus, and Meridian

Immerse yourself in the rich history of the United States with this exquisite old map of Mississippi, crafted by none other than J.H. Colton in 1855. Known as one of the finest American mapmakers of his era, Colton's work represents an early snapshot of our nation's history, a time when many settlements were yet to be founded and borders were constantly evolving. This map, in particular, offers a unique glimpse into the past, showcasing the state of Mississippi in its nascent stage, before the advent of modern infrastructure and development.

The Mississippi of 1855 was a vastly different place than the one we know today. Many of the settlements that now dot the landscape had not yet been established, and those that had were still in their infancy. The five most notable settlements of the time - Jackson, Vicksburg, Natchez, Columbus, and Meridian - are highlighted on this map, each with its own unique history and contribution to the state's development.

It's important to note that over the past 150 years, many names and borders have changed. This map captures the essence of a bygone era, providing a fascinating contrast to the modern state of Mississippi. The historical significance of this map, coupled with the renowned craftsmanship of J.H. Colton, makes it a valuable addition to any collection.

This map serves as a testament to the ever-evolving nature of human civilization, capturing a moment in time when the United States was still finding its feet. The geographical details, the settlements, and the borders, all tell a story of a nation in flux, offering an invaluable resource for historians, cartographers, and enthusiasts alike.

J.H. Colton's maps are celebrated for their accuracy and attention to detail, and this map of Mississippi is no exception. Every river, every settlement, every border has been meticulously plotted, reflecting Colton's commitment to his craft. His work remains a benchmark in the field of cartography, and this map is a prime example of his expertise.

The map of Mississippi from 1855 is more than just a piece of history; it's a conversation starter, a window into the past, and a work of art in its own right. Whether you're a history buff, a cartography enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the finer things in life, this map is sure to captivate and inspire. Experience the thrill of exploring the past with this remarkable piece of history from J.H. Colton.

Settlements in Mississippi

1. Jackson (1821): Known as LeFleur's Bluff until 1821, Jackson became the state capital in 1822. It's notable for its strategic location on the Pearl River.
2. Vicksburg (1811): Originally called Walnut Hills, Vicksburg is renowned for the pivotal Civil War Battle of Vicksburg in 1863.
3. Natchez (1716): Known as Fort Rosalie in the early 18th century, Natchez is one of the oldest European settlements in the Mississippi River Valley.
4. Columbus (1821): Columbus was an important river port during the steamboat era and is known for its historic antebellum homes.
5. Meridian (1833): Known as Sowashee Station until 1860, Meridian became a major railroad hub in the late 19th century.
6. Biloxi (1699): Originally a French colony, Biloxi is one of the oldest European settlements in the United States.
7. Gulfport (1841): Gulfport is Mississippi's second-largest city and a significant port on the Gulf of Mexico.
8. Hattiesburg (1882): Known as Twin Forks and later Gordonville, Hattiesburg became a center for the lumber and railroad industries.
9. Greenville (1824): Greenville was a major cotton-growing region and a significant river port on the Mississippi River.
10. Oxford (1837): Oxford is home to the University of Mississippi, also known as Ole Miss.
11. Greenwood (1830): Greenwood became a significant center for the cotton industry in the late 19th century.
12. Starkville (1831): Starkville is home to Mississippi State University, a land-grant institution.
13. Natchitoches (1714): Originally a French outpost, Natchitoches is one of the oldest European settlements in the Louisiana Purchase territory.
14. Grenada (1836): Grenada grew rapidly with the expansion of the Mississippi and Tennessee Railroad.
15. Corinth (1853): Known for the Battle of Corinth during the Civil War, a significant Confederate defeat.
16. Pascagoula (1720): Known as Singing River City, Pascagoula is famous for its "singing" river phenomenon.
17. Canton (1833): Canton is known for its historic downtown square and Greek Revival courthouse.
18. Clarksdale (1848): Clarksdale is renowned as the birthplace of the Blues.
19. Laurel (1882): Laurel became a center for the timber industry in the late 19th century.
20. McComb (1872): McComb was an important railroad town and was known as the "Camellia City of America."

Indian Tribes and Territories

• Choctaw Indian Territory: The Choctaw were one of the largest tribes in the South and were primarily agriculturalists.
• Chickasaw Indian Territory: The Chickasaw were known as fierce warriors and skilled traders.
• Natchez Indian Territory: The Natchez were known for their complex social structure and mound-building.

Notable Natural Features

• Mississippi River: One of the world's major river systems in size, habitat diversity, and biological productivity.
• Pearl River: Known for its abundant wildlife and recreational opportunities.
• Natchez Trace Parkway: A scenic roadway that follows a historic forest trail.
• Pascagoula River: The largest undammed river in the contiguous United States.

Historical Events (1810-1855)

• Treaty of Doak's Stand (1820): A treaty between the United States government and the Choctaw Nation, exchanging land in Mississippi for territory in modern-day Oklahoma.
• Establishment of the University of Mississippi (1848): The state's first public institution of higher learning.
• Mississippi's involvement in the Mexican-American War (1846-1848): Mississippi contributed troops and resources to the war effort.

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), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 24x30in (61x76cm), 32x40in (81.5x102cm), 40x50in (102x127cm), 48x60in (122x153cm) and 56x70in (142x178cm), but it looks even better when printed large.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 70in (178cm). 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.