Antique Maps of Colorado

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A.J. Johnson. "Johnson's California with Utah, Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona." New York: Johnson & Ward, 1864. 16 3/4 x 23 1/2. Lithograph. Full original color. Some staining and repaired tears, back on rice paper. Otherwise, good condition.

One example of several maps published by Johnson during a short period in the 1860s showing swift changes in the borders of states and territories in the western U.S., this map shows the states in a configuration similar to what is familiar in the 21st century. The exception is that the southeast corner of present-day Nevada (below the 37th parallel), is indicated as part of Arizona. An interesting view of the American southwest during a period of rapid change. $325

"Colton's Map of California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona & New Mexico." New York: G.W. and C.B. Colton & Co., 1866. 16 3/4 x 26. Lithograph. Original hand color. Repaired separation at centerfold. Trimmed into decorative border, as issued in atlas. Otherwise, very good condition.

A fascinating map of the southwestern part of the United States by the Colton firm of New York City, issued just after the Civil War. This was a period when the American west was really opening up for settlers and this map captures the region at a very early stage of its development. When issued, the territories had taken on the shape that the states have today, though in this early version of the Colton map of the region Nevada's southern tip is shown as part of Arizona. Detail or topography is very good, but it is the social information that is so interesting. Towns, forts (, Indian tribes, passes, explorer routes, the pony express, and early trails (e.g. "Emigrant Road") are all depicted. Of particular note are the indications of early railroads, both proposed and existing, including the proposed route of the "Pacific R.R." California, in contrast to the territories, is shown extensively developed, with many counties, towns, and a network of roads and rail lines. $350

"The Pacific States and Territories." 1877. 10 7/8 x 8 3/4. Lithograph. Original color. Very good condition.

An interesting image of the western states and territories, showing Washington, Montana, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, and California. A year earlier, Colorado was admitted to the Union as the thirty-eighth State. $45

"Colorado." Philadelphia: O.W. Gray & Son, 1881. 11 3/4 x 14 3/4. Lithograph. Original hand color. Very good condition.

An early map of Colorado, issued five years after statehood. It was published by the Philadelphia firm of O.W. Gray which began its publishing around mid-century and published regional and U.S. atlases up to the 1880s, first as O.W. Gray and then O.W. Gray & Son. This map is typical of their work, presenting the latest information available with clear and precise detail. Development in the state at the time was focused on the Denver area and mining sites in the eastern Rockies. The map is interesting in showing how the railroad network served these places, with a number rail lines converging on Denver and others extending to Leadville (center of the Silver boom which began in 1879) and towards Gunnison. A nice picture of the state at an important period in its growth. $275

"Tunison's Colorado." Jacksonville, Illinois: H.C. Tunison, 1885. 9 3/4 x 12 1/8. Original hand outline color.

A handsome map of Colorado from Tunison's Peerless Universal Atlas. With the development of wax engraving (cerography), more maps and atlases were able to be produced in cities beyond the major centers of New York, Philadelphia and Chicago. Henry C. Tunison issued a series of fine atlases beginning in 1885 and lasting into the beginning of the twentieth century. This is a nice example of his output, showing Colorado within a decade of statehood, shortly after the great silver strikes at Leadville and a period when mining was booming. This up to date map is an excellent snap-shot of the state at this early and important period. $125

"Colorado." From Gaskell's Atlas of the World. Chicago: Unknown, 1887. 9 5/8 x 12 1/4. Engraving. A colorful map with full borders. Very good condition.

Towns, railroads, topography and more are all clearly presented on this detailed map. The thirty-nine counties at the time are shown in contrasting pastel shades. Oregon on reverse. $65

"Colorado." 1887. 10 1/4 x 12 5/8. Cerograph. Very good condition. $95

"Colorado." 1901. 10 1/4 x 12 5/8. Cerograph. Small stain in corner of upper left margin. $45