Rare Old Map of Charleston by Colton, 1855: Washington Race Course, Arsenal, Battery, Docks, Ponds

"The City of Charleston, South Carolina," created by J.H. Colton in 1855, is a captivating historical artifact that offers a detailed glimpse into the urban landscape of Charleston prior to the US Civil War. This meticulously crafted map showcases the city's streets, roads, and buildings, providing a comprehensive view of its layout and infrastructure. The map is color-coded to highlight different neighborhoods, each with its own unique charm and character, making it an invaluable resource for historians and enthusiasts alike.

One of the most notable features of this map is the depiction of the Washington Race Course, a prominent recreational area in Charleston during the mid-19th century. This racecourse was a significant social hub, reflecting the city's vibrant cultural life. Additionally, the map highlights the military Arsenal, a testament to Charleston's strategic importance and military presence during this period. These landmarks, along with the detailed street grid, offer a fascinating insight into the city's historical and social fabric.

Charleston's waterfront is another striking aspect of this map, with multiple docks and wharves clearly marked along the coastline. The Battery, located at the southern tip of the peninsula, is a particularly noteworthy area, known for its picturesque views and historical significance. The map also features ponds and other natural landmarks, providing a balanced representation of both the urban and natural elements of the city. This blend of man-made and natural features underscores Charleston's unique geographical and cultural landscape.

J.H. Colton, the mapmaker, was a renowned American cartographer in the 19th century, celebrated for his detailed and accurate maps. His work is characterized by a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail, as evidenced by this map of Charleston. Colton's maps were widely used and respected, making this piece not only a beautiful work of art but also a reliable historical document. The decorative border and the careful coloring further enhance the map's aesthetic appeal, making it a prized possession for collectors.

The historical significance of this map cannot be overstated. As one of the earliest town plans of Charleston, it provides a valuable snapshot of the city before the upheaval of the Civil War. It offers insights into the urban planning and development of one of the major cities in the Southern United States. For anyone interested in the history of Charleston or the broader context of American urban development, this map is an essential and fascinating resource.

Streets and roads on this map

• America St.
• Amherst St.
• Anson St.
• Ashley St.
• Beaufain St.
• Boundary St.
• Broad St.
• Calhoun St.
• Chapel St.
• Charlotte St.
• Church St.
• Concord St.
• Congress St.
• East Bay St.
• Elizabeth St.
• George St.
• King St.
• Line St.
• Logan St.
• Magazine St.
• Meeting St.
• Nassau St.
• Pitt St.
• Queen St.
• Radcliffe St.
• Rutledge Ave.
• St. Philip St.
• Vanderhorst St.
• Washington St.
• Wentworth St.

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Washington Race Course
• Military Arsenal
• Different colored sections representing various neighborhoods or districts
• Multiple docks and wharves along the waterfront
• The Battery area along the southern tip of the peninsula
• Ponds and other natural landmarks

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: The City of Charleston, South Carolina
• When the map was made: 1855
• Mapmaker or publisher: J.H. Colton & Co.
• Context about the mapmaker: J.H. Colton was a prominent American mapmaker in the 19th century, known for his detailed and accurate maps.
• Topics and themes shown on the map:
• Urban layout: Detailed depiction of streets, buildings, and infrastructure.
• Recreational areas: Includes the Washington Race Course.
• Military presence: Shows a military Arsenal.
• Natural features: Ponds and other natural landmarks.
• Countries and regions shown on the map: The map focuses on Charleston, a city in South Carolina, USA.
• Design or style of the map: The map features a decorative border and is colored to highlight different areas or neighborhoods within the city. The style reflects the cartographic techniques of the mid-19th century.
• Historical significance or context:
• This map provides a snapshot of Charleston before the Civil War, offering valuable insights into the city's layout and infrastructure during that period.
• It serves as a historical document, showing the urban development and planning of one of the major cities in the Southern 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.

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.