Rare Old map of Ohio and Indiana by H.S. Tanner, 1820: Cincinnati, Columbus, Indianapolis, Cleveland, and Dayton

Discover the splendors of history with this exquisite 1820 map of Ohio and Indiana by famed cartographer H. S. Tanner. Breathtaking in its detail, this masterful creation paints a vivid picture of the early 19th-century Midwest, illuminating its unique geography and burgeoning settlements. The map offers an invaluable insight into the pioneering spirit of the period, as the United States was expanding westward. The period from 1810 to 1830 was a time of significant development in these regions, marked by the migration of settlers, the growth of communities, and the turbulent relations with Native American nations.

The rich patina of time has only enhanced the beauty of this map, which faithfully represents the historical boundaries of Ohio and Indiana. The great rivers – Ohio, Wabash, and Maumee – are delicately drawn, their winding paths charting the course of history itself. Numerous towns, counties, and settlements are meticulously noted, each with its unique story, making it more than a mere collector's piece; it is a journey back to the roots of these two pivotal states. The map also illustrates notable natural phenomena and landmarks that are today's prime tourist attractions, such as the Hocking Hills in Ohio and the Indiana Dunes.

Ohio:

• Cincinnati (1788): Known for its bustling river trade and as a gateway to the west. Today, it's Ohio's third-largest city.
• Columbus (1812): Chosen as the state capital for its central location, it is now the most populous city in Ohio.
• Cleveland (1796): Established by surveyors of the Connecticut Land Company. Today, it's a major U.S. city with a strong cultural scene.
• Dayton (1796): Birthplace of aviation pioneers, the Wright brothers.
• Zanesville (1797): Named after Ebenezer Zane, who opened the Zane Trace, a crucial pioneer route.
• Chillicothe (1796): Served as Ohio's first capital and a significant center for mound-building cultures.
• Steubenville (1797): Known for its historic downtown and 19th-century architecture.
• Marietta (1788): The first permanent settlement of the Northwest Territory.
• Lancaster (1800): Known for its numerous historic buildings and districts.
• Hamilton (1791): Home to Fort Hamilton, a supply depot during the Northwest Indian Wars.
• Warren (1799): A key location for the Connecticut Western Reserve's early development.
• Gallipolis (1790): Founded by French immigrants, known as the French 500.
• Lebanon (1802): The site of the famous Golden Lamb Inn, Ohio's oldest hotel.
• Xenia (1803): Historically significant for its involvement in the Underground Railroad.
• Newark (1802): Known for its series of ancient earthworks built by the Hopewell culture.

Indiana:

• Indianapolis (1820): Now the state capital and Indiana's most populous city.
• Vincennes (1732): The oldest continually inhabited European settlement in Indiana and once the capital of the Indiana Territory.
• Madison (1809): Known for its historic district, one of the largest National Historic Landmark districts in the U.S.
• Corydon (1808): Served as the second capital of Indiana and site of the only Civil War battle fought in the state.
• Brookville (1808): Known for its well-preserved Federal period architecture.
• New Albany (1813): Played a key role in the mid-19th century expansion of the Midwest's railway system.
• Jeffersonville (1802): The location of the Howard Shipyard, which produced steamboats throughout the 19th century.
• Lawrenceburg (1802): Known for its rich soil, it became a premier location for farming and winemaking.
• Terre Haute (1816): Home to one of the oldest colleges in the U.S., Indiana State University.
• Evansville (1817): Known for its 19th-century architecture, it's now the third-largest city in Indiana.
• Paoli (1816): Named after Pasquale Paoli Ash, the first white child born in Orange County.
• Lafayette (1825): Known for its vibrant downtown and historic neighborhoods.
• Bedford (1825): Known as the limestone capital of the world, with many of its structures made of local limestone.
• Salem (1814): A thriving hub of activity for early pioneers in Washington County.
• Portsmouth (1803): Located along the Ohio River, it was a pivotal shipping point in the 19th century.

Historical Events (1810-1830):

• War of 1812: In the war against Great Britain, Ohio and Indiana served as significant battlegrounds.
• Treaty of St. Mary's (1818): This led to the acquisition of a large part of present-day central Indiana from the Miami nation.
• Indiana Statehood (1816): Indiana was admitted as the 19th U.S. state.
• Erie Canal Completion (1825): It opened up a water route from the east coast to the Great Lakes, passing through Ohio and boosting its economy.

From intricate detailing to rich history, this Tanner map is a mesmerizing piece for collectors, historians, and enthusiasts of the past. Whether you wish to revisit the emergence of these frontier settlements or explore the geographical boundaries of the 1820s Midwest, this artifact delivers a deeply rewarding journey through time. This old map of Ohio and Indiana by H.S. Tanner truly captures the essence of an era marked by expansion, conflict, and the unyielding spirit of discovery.

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 all sizes: 12x16in (30.5x41cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 24x30in (61x76cm), 32x40in (81.5x102cm), 40x50in (102x127cm), 48x60in (122x153cm) and 56x70in (142x178cm), but it looks even better when printed large.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 100in (254cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40.5x51cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

Please note the unframed 24x30in (61x76cm) map has white edges around the map. These edges can help you with framing, or if you don’t need them they are very easy to snip off with scissors. All other maps, including the framed maps, look exactly like the listing images.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my main collection of USA and North America maps.

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.