Pictorial Map of New Jersey by Ruth Taylor White, 1935: Newark, Jersey Shore, Pine Barrens, Atlantic Ocean, Delaware River

Step into the vibrant world of 1930s New Jersey with the original pictorial map titled "New Jersey," a captivating creation by the renowned cartographer Ruth Taylor White. This map, crafted in 1935, is more than a mere geographic document—it is a visual celebration of the Garden State’s cultural tapestry and dynamic spirit during a transformative era. Each corner of the state bursts with whimsical illustrations, inviting viewers to explore New Jersey as it was seen through the eyes of a playful yet insightful observer. The map’s decorative title cartouche and artful borders immediately signal the blend of artistry and cartographic precision that defines this unique piece.

Ruth Taylor White, a pioneer in the field of pictorial cartography, brought a distinctive blend of humor, artistry, and regional insight to her work. Her maps are renowned for their engaging style, which merges detailed geographic representation with imaginative, cartoon-like vignettes. In "New Jersey," White’s flair is unmistakable: she deftly captures the state’s diverse landscapes and industries, from the bustling factories of the north to the tranquil pine forests of the south. Her maps are not only navigational tools but also windows into the social and economic life of their time, making them prized artifacts for collectors and historians alike.

The map’s design is a lively tableau of New Jersey’s most defining features. Along the eastern edge, the Atlantic Ocean unfurls in a series of playful illustrations, complete with bathers and boardwalk amusements that evoke the timeless allure of the Jersey Shore. To the west, the Delaware River is gracefully rendered, marking the state’s natural boundary and providing a backdrop for scenes of fishing and maritime activity. The Watchung Mountains rise in the north, their presence emphasized by White’s charming artistic touch, while the Pine Barrens of the south are depicted with whimsical trees and even a nod to the legendary Jersey Devil.

Integral to the map’s appeal is its detailed portrayal of New Jersey’s rich agricultural and industrial heritage. The southern counties bloom with images of cranberry and blueberry farming, while the central and northern regions bustle with dairy farms, livestock, and the smokestacks of early 20th-century industry. Horse racing, a pastime synonymous with the state, is vividly illustrated, as are the lively ports and coastal fisheries that have long been vital to New Jersey’s economy. Each county is carefully outlined and labeled, providing a clear sense of place amid the exuberant artwork.

The map also serves as a fascinating chronicle of New Jersey’s urban development, with cities and towns such as Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, and Atlantic City prominently featured. These settlements are not only geographic markers but also symbols of the state’s enduring vitality and growth. By weaving together regional folklore, historical landmarks, and everyday life, Ruth Taylor White’s "New Jersey" offers a delightful and insightful journey through time—a testament to the enduring power of cartography to both inform and enchant.

Cities and towns on this map

• Newark
• Jersey City
• Paterson
• Elizabeth
• Trenton
• Camden
• Clifton
• Passaic
• East Orange
• Bayonne
• Vineland
• New Brunswick
• Perth Amboy
• Plainfield
• Hackensack
• Atlantic City
• Kearny
• Linden
• Hoboken
• Morristown
• Orange
• Rahway
• Summit
• Bridgeton
• Millville
• Salem
• Cape May

Notable Features & Landmarks

• The Atlantic Ocean is illustrated and labeled along the eastern border of New Jersey.
• The Delaware River is illustrated and labeled along the western border of the state.
• The Pine Barrens region is depicted with illustrations of pine trees and references to local flora.
• Illustrations of agricultural activities, such as cranberry and blueberry farming, in southern New Jersey.
• Illustrations of industrial activity, including factories and smokestacks, in the northern part of the state.
• The Jersey Shore is depicted with beach scenes, including bathers and boardwalk amusements.
• Illustrations of horse racing, referencing New Jersey's historical association with the sport.
• Depictions of fishing and maritime activities along the coast.
• Illustrations of dairy farming and livestock in central and northern New Jersey.
• The Watchung Mountains are illustrated and labeled.
• Whimsical illustrations of local folklore and cultural stereotypes, such as the "Jersey Devil" in the Pine Barrens.
• The state border with Pennsylvania is clearly marked.
• The state border with New York is clearly marked.
• The state border with Delaware is clearly marked.
• The map includes a decorative title cartouche with the name "New Jersey."
• County boundaries are outlined and labeled throughout the state.

Historical and design context

• Created in 1935 by Ruth Taylor White, a pioneer in pictorial cartography.
• Part of a whimsical pictorial or cartoon atlas of the United States, known for its entertaining and imaginative approach.
• Richly detailed and vibrant illustrations, using cartoon-like imagery to depict stereotypical scenes and aspects of life in New Jersey during the 1930s.
• Serves as both a geographic representation and a historical commentary, capturing the cultural and social dynamics of New Jersey in the early 20th century.
• The map is a product of early 20th-century American cartography that used pictorial and thematic elements to engage and amuse viewers, making geography accessible and entertaining.
• Ruth Taylor White’s maps are prized for their blend of humor, regional stereotypes, and artistic flair, contributing to the popularity of pictorial cartography in the United States.

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 18x24in (45x60cm) 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.