Rare Old Map of Louisiana by J.H. Colton, 1855: New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette, Lake Charles

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of American history with this captivating old map of Louisiana, crafted by the eminent mapmaker J.H. Colton in 1855. A master of his craft, Colton is widely recognized as the finest American mapmaker of his era, and his meticulous attention to detail and precision is evident in this remarkable piece. This map hails from a time when the United States was in its nascent stages, with many of the settlements we know today yet to be founded.

This map offers a unique snapshot of Louisiana in 1855, a period of significant change and growth. It provides a fascinating insight into the region's development, highlighting five of the most notable settlements of the time: New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette, and Lake Charles. Each of these settlements played a crucial role in shaping the state's history and their prominence on the map underlines their importance during this era.

However, it's important to note that over the past 150 years, many names and borders have changed. This map serves as a testament to the fluidity of history, capturing a moment in time before these transformations took place. It's a window into a bygone era, offering viewers a chance to trace the evolution of Louisiana from its early days to the vibrant state we know today.

This exquisite piece is not just a map, but a piece of history, a work of art that invites you to delve into the past and explore the roots of Louisiana. It's a treasure trove of information, showcasing the state's topography, settlements, and transportation routes as they existed in 1855. Colton's expert craftsmanship and the map's historical significance make it a must-have for any serious collector or history enthusiast.

Experience the thrill of discovery as you navigate the intricate details of this map, uncovering the stories of Louisiana's past. Whether you're a seasoned collector or simply a lover of history, this old map of Louisiana by J.H. Colton is sure to captivate and inspire. It's more than just a map - it's a journey into the past, a tangible connection to the history of the United States.

In conclusion, this old map of Louisiana by J.H. Colton, 1855, is an invaluable piece of history. It's a testament to the state's past, capturing the essence of Louisiana in the mid-19th century. With its rich details and historical significance, it's a stunning addition to any collection, promising to delight and fascinate for years to come.

Settlements in Louisiana

1. New Orleans (1718): Known as "La Nouvelle-Orléans" in French, it's the largest city in Louisiana and a major port.
2. Baton Rouge (1699): Originally called "Istrouma" by the indigenous people, it's the capital city of Louisiana.
3. Shreveport (1836): Founded as a steamboat captain's settlement, it's now the third-largest city in Louisiana.
4. Lafayette (1821): Originally called Vermilionville, it's known for its Cajun and Creole cultures.
5. Lake Charles (1861): Known for its petroleum refining industries and tourism.
6. Natchitoches (1714): The oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase territory.
7. Alexandria (1805): Established as a trading post by Alexander Fulton.
8. Monroe (1785): Known as Fort Miro until 1819, it's the eighth-largest city in Louisiana.
9. Opelousas (1720): Known as "Le Poste des Opelousas", it's the third-oldest city in Louisiana.
10. Thibodaux (1810): Originally called Thibodeauxville, it's the parish seat of Lafourche Parish.
11. Minden (1836): Known for its historic downtown area.
12. Houma (1810): Named after the native Houma people.
13. Breaux Bridge (1829): Known as the "Crawfish Capital of the World".
14. St. Martinville (1817): Known as "Petit Paris" during the French colonial period.
15. Donaldsonville (1806): Once the capital of Louisiana (1830-1831).
16. Plaquemine (1775): Known for its historic sites like the Plaquemine Lock.
17. St. Francisville (1809): Known for its antebellum homes.
18. DeRidder (1898): Known for its historic Gothic jail.
19. Jeanerette (1830): Known as "Sugar City" for its sugarcane industry.
20. Franklin (1808): Named after Benjamin Franklin, it's known for its historic districts.

Native American Tribes

• Choctaw: One of the largest tribes in the Southeast, known for their mound-building culture.
• Chitimacha: Known for their basket weaving skills.
• Houma: The tribe from which the city of Houma gets its name.
• Caddo: The tribe that lived in the northwestern part of the state.
• Tunica-Biloxi: Known for their trade networks.

Natural Attractions

• Mississippi River: The second-longest river in North America.
• Atchafalaya Basin: The largest wetland and swamp in the United States.
• Bayou Teche: A 125-mile long waterway in the southern part of the state.
• Lake Pontchartrain: The second-largest saltwater lake in the United States.
• Kisatchie National Forest: The only National forest in Louisiana.

Historical Events (1810-1855)

• Battle of New Orleans (1815): The final major battle of the War of 1812.
• Admission of Louisiana to the Union (1812): Louisiana became the 18th state of the United States.
• Louisiana Purchase (1803): The United States acquired approximately 828,000,000 square miles of territory from France.

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 70in (178cm). 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.

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.