Pictorial Map of Ohio by Ruth Taylor White, 1935: Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Industry, Railroads

Step into the vibrant world of 1930s America with “Ohio,” an original pictorial map created by the celebrated Ruth Taylor White in 1935. This captivating cartographic gem, originally part of a whimsical atlas series, offers a delightful and insightful journey through the Buckeye State as seen through the eyes of a master illustrator. The map’s original title, simply “Ohio,” belies the exuberant artistry and storytelling that leap from every corner of its colorful surface. With its lively palette and playful, cartoon-like illustrations, the map invites viewers to experience the state’s unique character and cultural identity during a transformative era in American history.

Ruth Taylor White, renowned for her distinctive blend of illustration and cartography, was a pioneer in bringing maps to life with personality and charm. Her work stands out for its ability to blend geographic accuracy with narrative flair, making each map not just a tool for navigation, but a portal into the heart and soul of a place. In “Ohio,” White’s artistic vision shines through in every detail, from the bustling factories and fertile farmlands to the rivers that snake through the landscape. Her approach was both educational and entertaining, designed to captivate audiences young and old while providing a vivid snapshot of regional life.

The map’s design is a testament to the pictorial style that flourished in the early twentieth century. County boundaries are crisply delineated, providing a sense of order amidst the lively scenes that populate the state. Rather than focusing solely on topography, White’s illustrations celebrate the human and economic activity that defined Ohio in the 1930s. Agricultural scenes, complete with fields of crops and grazing livestock, highlight the state’s rural backbone, while animated depictions of coal mining and manufacturing nod to Ohio’s industrial might. These thematic vignettes transform the map into a visual narrative, rich with historical context and local color.

A closer look reveals a tapestry of Ohio’s most significant cities and towns, each rendered with affectionate detail. From the thriving metropolis of Columbus to the industrial hubs of Cleveland and Cincinnati, the map showcases the urban centers that powered the state’s growth. Smaller communities, such as Akron, Dayton, and Toledo, are also celebrated, their unique contributions to Ohio’s identity immortalized in ink and color. This careful attention to settlement patterns not only reflects the demographic realities of the era but also offers a fascinating glimpse into the state’s evolving urban landscape.

What truly sets this map apart is its ability to capture the spirit of Ohio at a pivotal moment in its history. Created during the Great Depression, the map reflects both the resilience and optimism of its people. The illustrations evoke a sense of pride in local industries, traditions, and landscapes, while subtle references to aviation pioneers and Native American heritage speak to the state’s broader cultural legacy. Whether you are a collector, a history enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the artistry of old maps, “Ohio” by Ruth Taylor White is a masterwork that brings the past to life in dazzling detail.

Cities and towns on this map

• Columbus
• Cleveland
• Cincinnati
• Toledo
• Akron
• Dayton
• Parma
• Canton
• Youngstown
• Lorain
• Hamilton
• Springfield
• Elyria
• Lakewood
• Middletown
• Cuyahoga Falls
• Newark
• Mansfield
• Euclid
• Mentor

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Illustrations of agricultural activities, such as farming and livestock, reflecting Ohio's agricultural heritage.
• Depictions of manufacturing and industry, indicating Ohio's role as an industrial center in the 1930s.
• Cartoon-style representations of Ohio’s natural resources, such as coal mining.
• Visual references to the state's transportation networks, including railroads and rivers.
• Artistic renderings of recreational activities, such as boating and fishing, on Ohio’s lakes and rivers.
• Illustrations of Ohio’s forests and rural landscapes.
• Iconic imagery related to Ohio’s cultural or historical identity, such as references to aviation (Wright brothers) and Native American heritage.
• Decorative border with thematic elements, enhancing the map’s whimsical style.
• County boundaries are clearly marked, but not labeled with names.

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: "Ohio"
• Date created: 1935
• Mapmaker: Ruth Taylor White
• Part of a larger series: This map is part of a whimsical pictorial atlas of the United States, which features each state with unique, cartoon-like illustrations.
• Artistic style: The map uses vibrant, colorful illustrations with a cartoonish, playful style, characteristic of pictorial maps from the 1930s.
• Themes: The map highlights stereotypical and iconic scenes from Ohio in the 1930s, reflecting the culture, geography, and economy of the state at the time.
• Depicted region: The entire state of Ohio, USA, with county boundaries illustrated.
• Historical context: The map provides a snapshot of Ohio’s cultural identity and popular imagery during the mid-1930s, a period marked by the Great Depression and significant social change.
• Purpose: Designed to entertain and educate, blending geographic information with visual storytelling.
• Collectible value: The map is sought after by collectors for its artistic merit and as a historical artifact.

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.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

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 and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps and art prints are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) 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).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

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, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

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 and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my size guide first.

Alcune delle mie vecchie mappe sono ora disponibili come tele incorniciate. Per favore contattami se desideri ordinare una dimensione che non è disponibile nel mio negozio.

Le vecchie mappe su tela sono un'alternativa interessante alle mappe incorniciate in modo convenzionale. A seconda del tuo gusto personale e dell'arredamento della stanza, le mappe su tela possono "risaltare" un po' di più rispetto a una mappa incorniciata.

Scopri di più sulle mie mappe su tela incorniciate.

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.

Se non sei soddisfatto del tuo ordine per qualsiasi motivo, contattami per un rimborso senza problemi. Si prega di consultare la nostra politica di reso e rimborso per ulteriori informazioni.

Sono molto sicuro che ti piacerà la tua mappa restaurata o la stampa d'arte. Lo faccio dal 1984. Sono un venditore Etsy a 5 stelle. Ho venduto decine di migliaia di mappe e stampe d'arte e ho oltre 5.000 recensioni reali a 5 stelle.

Utilizzo un processo unico per restaurare mappe e opere d'arte che richiede molto tempo e lavoro. Trovare le mappe e le illustrazioni originali può richiedere mesi. Utilizzo tecnologia all'avanguardia e incredibilmente costosa per scannerizzare e restaurarle. Di conseguenza, garantisco che le mie mappe e stampe d'arte siano superiori alle altre - ecco perché posso offrire un rimborso senza problemi.

Quasi tutte le mie mappe e stampe d'arte sembrano fantastiche a grandi dimensioni (200 cm, 6,5 piedi+) e posso anche incorniciarle e consegnarle a te, tramite un corriere speciale per oggetti di grandi dimensioni. Contattami per discutere delle tue esigenze specifiche.