Rare Old Map of New England by H. S. Tanner, 1820 - Boston, Providence, Hartford, Portland, Worcester

Step back in time with this exquisite reproduction of the "Old Map of New England" by renowned cartographer H. S. Tanner. Published in 1820, this meticulously detailed map captures the historical boundaries of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. Immerse yourself in the rich history of the region as you explore the settlements, counties, and natural wonders that defined New England during this pivotal era. Whether you are an avid historian, a cartography enthusiast, or simply appreciate the artistry of vintage maps, this piece is a must-have for your collection.

Key Features:

• Accurate Historical Boundaries: Delve into the past and trace the exact boundaries of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island as they existed in 1820.
• Notable Settlements: Discover the most populous and historically significant towns, cities, counties, and colonies founded before 1820 within the region.
• Landmarks and Natural Wonders: Uncover the captivating landmarks, rivers, canyons, Indian territories, and natural phenomena that continue to draw tourists to New England today.
• Historical Events: Gain insights into the major historical events that shaped the region between 1810 and 1830, providing context to the dynamic period captured by this map.

Settlements, Cities, and Counties Founded Before 1820 in New England:

Massachusetts:

1. Boston (1630) - The capital city of Massachusetts, known for its pivotal role in the American Revolutionary War.
2. Worcester (1674) - A key manufacturing and cultural center in the region, known for its historical significance and vibrant arts scene.
3. Springfield (1636) - The birthplace of basketball and an important industrial and cultural hub in Massachusetts.
4. Lowell (1826) - Renowned as the "Cradle of the American Industrial Revolution" due to its textile mills.
5. Cambridge (1631) - Home to Harvard University, one of the world's most prestigious educational institutions.

Connecticut:

1. Hartford (1635) - The capital city of Connecticut and one of the oldest cities in the United States.
2. New Haven (1638) - Established by Puritans, it became a center of higher education and is home to Yale University.
3. Bridgeport (1821) - Notable for its industrial history, particularly in manufacturing and trade.
4. Stamford (1640) - Known for its bustling downtown and vibrant arts scene.
5. Waterbury (1686) - Recognized for its brass industry and the historic Holy Land USA theme park.

Rhode Island:

1. Providence (1636) - The capital city of Rhode Island and a vibrant center for arts, culture, and education.
2. Warwick (1642) - One of the oldest cities in Rhode Island, featuring beautiful coastal areas and historical sites.
3. Cranston (1754) - Known for its rich history, including the historic Sprague Mansion and numerous parks.
4. Pawtucket (1671) - Noted for its early industrialization and the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution.
5. East Providence (1812) - Home to scenic waterfront parks and a thriving arts and culinary scene.

New Hampshire:

1. Manchester (1751) - A bustling city known for its industrial heritage and vibrant downtown.
2. Nashua (1746) - Located on the banks of the Merrimack River, it played a significant role in the textile industry.
3. Concord (1727) - The capital city of New Hampshire, famous for its role in the American Revolutionary War.
4. Derry (1827) - Known as the "Spindle City" due to its early textile manufacturing.
5. Dover (1623) - One of the oldest settlements in New Hampshire, offering a rich history and picturesque views.

Maine:

1. Portland (1632) - Maine's largest city, renowned for its scenic coastline, historic Old Port district, and vibrant arts scene.
2. Lewiston (1795) - A former mill town, it played a significant role in Maine's industrial development.
3. Bangor (1791) - Known as the "Queen City of the East," it served as a major lumbering port during the 19th century.
4. Auburn (1786) - Situated on the Androscoggin River, it became a prominent manufacturing center.
5. Brunswick (1628) - Home to Bowdoin College and known for its rich maritime history.

Notable Boundaries, Rivers, and Natural Phenomena:

• Connecticut River: Majestic waterway that flows through several New England states, offering stunning scenic views and recreational opportunities.
• White Mountains: A breathtaking mountain range in New Hampshire, known for its hiking trails, ski resorts, and natural beauty.
• Green Mountains: A prominent mountain range in Vermont, offering stunning vistas, hiking trails, and ski areas.
• Cape Cod: A popular tourist destination in Massachusetts, known for its beautiful beaches, charming towns, and maritime heritage.
• Acadia National Park: Located in Maine, it boasts scenic landscapes, granite peaks, and rugged coastline.

Historical Events in New England (1810-1830):

• War of 1812: New England experienced significant involvement in this conflict between the United States and Britain.
• Hartford Convention (1814): A meeting of New England Federalists during the War of 1812, discussing grievances and potential secession.
• The Embargo Act (1807) and Non-Intercourse Act (1809): New England states faced economic hardships due to trade restrictions during these acts.
• Industrial Revolution: New England witnessed the rapid industrialization and growth of manufacturing during this period.

Immerse yourself in the historical tapestry of New England with this exquisite reproduction of the "Old Map of New England" by H. S. Tanner. Explore the detailed settlements, counties, landmarks, and natural wonders that shaped the region in 1820. This map serves as both a captivating piece of history and a stunning display of cartographic artistry, making it an invaluable addition to any collection or a thoughtful gift for history enthusiasts, map lovers, and anyone fascinated by the rich heritage of New England.

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.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.