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 | 1854 Hand Painted, Lithographed Railroad Map of Missouri
by S.A. Mitchell
19" x 17" matted | 
+ Click to enlarge
The 1850s began a period of relative calm between periods of brutal wars. In the Western Hemisphere, the United States had just concluded a war with Mexico that brought the vast Southwest (Texas, California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and part of Colorado) into the young nation. While European wars throughout Italy and parts of Germany and Denmark were winding down. The next decade would bring festering differences in both the United States to even more horrible battles in the 1860s (the Civil War in the U.S. and the Austro-Prussian War in Europe).
In 1854, Missouri was the primary "jumping off" point for a vast western migration that had been under way for only a few years (when this map was made). The towns of Independence or St. Joseph were the points at which "civilization" ended and the "wild west" began.
This meticulously hand-painted map was made by renowned Philadelphia mapmaker, Samuel Augustus Mitchell. It features a classic green border and shows geographic features, cities, towns, roads, canals, and railroads (operating, under construction, and porposed) in great detail. The only completed section of rail line, from St. Louis to Jefferson City. is hand inked in orange. Many other lines being built at the time this map was made. These are increasingly difficult maps to obtain and provide a snapshot of the world of our ancestors, 150 years ago.
If you are looking for an unusual piece of art, to decorate a home or office, these truly limited-edition prints are perfect. Antique maps are extraordinary examples of the 19th Century printing and engraving arts. As conversation pieces they are unequaled. Each beautiful old map is an actual snapshot of our history. Any of these, increasingly rare, works of art are also some of the most thoughtful (and personal) gifts you can give. Unlike so many other gifts, antique maps and prints allow you to present someone a piece of their past.
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All sizes shown are approximate. Matted maps or prints are smaller than the "matted" dimensions shown by about 6".
All of our authentic, more than 100-year old, maps and prints come double matted within museum quality, archival rag mat boards at NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE.
Due to the INCREDIBLY high shipping prices charged for OVERSIZE shipping, shipping charges may be higher than quoted for items that measure more than a total of 70" (matted height + width). For example a matted piece measuring 32" x 40" would be considered OVERSIZE (72"). For complete delivery information, see Information page.
All our authentic antiques are one-of-a-kind items. Since they are actual old works of art expect small imperfections. In some cases we may have more than one of a particular map or print. Since each is unique they may vary slightly from the item shown (when we have more than one if a particular item, the colors may be different than those shown). Each antique map or print has been dry cleaned by hand and are conservation mounted and protected in attractive rag mats. Every work in our gallery carries a lifetime guarantee of authenticity (authentic antiques only) and a 30-day satisfaction guarantee (see Information page for details). Again, the sizes stated are approximate.
For stunning antique map, print, and photograph reproductions, explore PastView Gallery.
If you are looking for the Ultimate Bulletin Board, please visit Shareboards.com.
For the finest custom mirrors take a look at FraMirrors� - Art That Reflects Life.
Discover the world's first self-healing push pin maps, tackamaps the bulletin board map - stick it to your map. |
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