Rare Old Map of Denver by Thayer, 1883: Platte River, Cherry Creek, City Park, Exposition Building, Windsor Hotel

The "City of Denver" map, published by H.L. Thayer in 1883, is a captivating glimpse into the urban development of Denver during the late 19th century. This rare early map is centered on the Platte River, meticulously detailing the city's streets, landowners, and subdivisions. The inclusion of significant landmarks such as the Denver and New Orleans RR Company Lands and the Platte Water Company's Irrigating Canal highlights the infrastructural advancements of the era. This map not only serves as a navigational tool but also as a historical document, capturing the essence of Denver's growth and transformation.

One of the most striking features of this map is its detailed depiction of East Denver, showcasing the location of numerous buildings and the Denver and New Orleans Railroad Company Lands just across Cherry Creek in West Denver. The map provides a fascinating look at the early urban planning and land distribution, offering insights into the city's expansion and the pivotal role of the railroad in its development. The careful documentation of landowners' names and subdivisions adds a personal touch, connecting the viewer to the individuals who shaped Denver's early landscape.

The map is further embellished with six illustrated vignettes, each representing a significant landmark of the time. These include the National Mining and Industrial Exposition Building, which opened on August 1, 1882, the Windsor Hotel, St. James Hotel, Daniels & Fisher Building, Court House, and School House. These illustrations not only enhance the map's aesthetic appeal but also provide a visual narrative of Denver's architectural heritage. Each vignette serves as a window into the past, offering a glimpse of the city's prominent structures and their roles in the community.

City Park, labeled as Lot 36, is another notable feature on this map. The depiction of the Platte Water Company's Irrigating Canal flowing through the park highlights the importance of water management and green spaces in the city's planning. This early emphasis on creating a balanced urban environment with ample recreational areas reflects the foresight of Denver's planners and their commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its residents. The presence of large parks and natural features underscores the city's dedication to preserving its natural beauty amidst rapid urbanization.

H.L. Thayer's craftsmanship and attention to detail are evident throughout this map. His ability to capture the intricate layout of Denver, along with its significant landmarks and infrastructure, makes this map a valuable historical artifact. The "City of Denver" map is not just a tool for navigation but a rich tapestry of the city's history, offering a unique perspective on its growth and development. For collectors and history enthusiasts, this map is a treasure trove of information and a testament to Denver's vibrant past.

Streets and roads on this map

• Arapahoe Street
• Blake Street
• Broadway
• Champa Street
• Cherokee Street
• Cheyenne Place
• Colfax Avenue
• Curtis Street
• Delgany Street
• Eighteenth Street
• Eighth Avenue
• Eleventh Street
• Fifteenth Street
• Fourteenth Street
• Fox Street
• Grant Avenue
• Larimer Street
• Lawrence Street
• Lincoln Avenue
• Mariposa Street
• Market Street
• Platte Street
• Sixth Avenue
• Stout Street
• Tremont Place
• Twelfth Street
• Walnut Street
• Welton Street
• Wewatta Street
• Wynkoop Street

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Illustrations:
• The National Mining and Industrial Exposition Building
• Windsor Hotel
• St. James Hotel
• Daniels & Fisher Building
• Court House

• School House

• Landmarks:

• Platte River

• Cherry Creek

• Neighborhoods:

• East Denver

• West Denver

• Large Parks:

• City Park (Lot 36)

• Other Notable Features:

• Denver and New Orleans RR Company Lands
• Platte Water Company's Irrigating Canal

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: The City of Denver
• Publisher: H.L. Thayer
• Date of creation: 1883
• Type: City Street map
• Rare Early Map of Denver: Highly detailed map of the city of Denver.
• Map Center: Centered on the Platte River.
• Land Ownership: Includes the names of dozens of landowners, subdivisions, and other details.
• East Denver: Shows the location of a number of buildings and the Denver and New Orleans RR Company Lands just across Cherry Creek in west Denver.
• Platte Water Company: The Platte Water Company's Irrigating Canal is shown flowing through City Park (Lot 36) in the eastern part of the city.
• Illustrated Vignettes: Embellished with 6 illustrated vignettes:
• The National Mining and Industrial Exposition Building (opened August 1, 1882)
• Windsor Hotel
• St. James Hotel
• Daniels & Fisher Building
• Court House
• School House
• Historical Significance: Provides a snapshot of Denver's urban development and infrastructure in the late 19th century.

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 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 36in (90cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) 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.