Step into the vibrant world of 1930s Connecticut with the original pictorial map titled simply "Connecticut," crafted by the renowned Ruth Taylor White in 1935. This enchanting map is more than a geographic document; it is a captivating work of art that transports viewers to a time when the Nutmeg State was bustling with industry, academic excellence, and bucolic charm. The map’s playful title cartouche, set amidst a riot of color and whimsy, immediately signals the delightful journey ahead—one that weaves together the cultural, historical, and natural tapestry of Connecticut as it was seen nearly a century ago.

Ruth Taylor White, a celebrated illustrator of her era, was famed for her ability to infuse maps with both humor and historical insight. Her unique style is evident throughout this piece, where vibrant colors and cartoon-like illustrations breathe life into Connecticut’s counties and landscapes. White’s approach to cartography was to entertain as much as to inform, making her maps highly sought after by collectors and history enthusiasts alike. Each element is meticulously rendered, offering not just accuracy in boundaries and rivers, but also a sense of the local character and industry that defined Connecticut in the early twentieth century.

The map is a visual celebration of Connecticut’s diverse geography, from the rolling hills and fertile valleys to the bustling coastline along Long Island Sound. The mighty Connecticut River meanders gracefully across the state, its importance underscored by lively illustrations of boats and riverside activity. County boundaries are clearly delineated, while the state seal stands proudly as a symbol of Connecticut’s storied past. Throughout the map, one finds nods to agricultural heritage—fields of tobacco, orchards, and farm animals—reflecting the state’s economic backbone during the era.

What truly sets this map apart are the whimsical vignettes that capture Connecticut’s rich cultural and educational legacy. Yale University, one of America’s oldest and most prestigious institutions, is depicted with a flourish, while colonial scenes and images of early settlers evoke the deep historical roots of the region. Recreational pursuits such as boating and fishing are playfully illustrated along the rivers and coast, highlighting the state’s longstanding connection to both land and water. These charming details provide a nostalgic glimpse into the everyday life and leisure of Connecticut’s residents during the 1930s.

A tour of the map’s settlements reveals the enduring prominence of cities like Bridgeport, New Haven, Stamford, and Hartford—each depicted with care and personality. Smaller towns such as Winsted, Derby, and Ansonia are also represented, underscoring the map’s comprehensive approach to Connecticut’s human geography. The careful inclusion of these communities, ordered by their modern-day significance, invites viewers to reflect on the dynamic growth and transformation of the state over time. In every brushstroke and label, Ruth Taylor White’s "Connecticut" map stands as a testament to the artistry, humor, and historical curiosity that defined an era of American cartography.

Cities and towns on this map

• Bridgeport
• New Haven
• Stamford
• Hartford
• Waterbury
• Norwalk
• Danbury
• New Britain
• West Hartford
• Greenwich
• Bristol
• Meriden
• Milford
• Middletown
• Shelton
• Torrington
• New London
• Ansonia
• Derby
• Winsted

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Major rivers, including the Connecticut River, are illustrated and labeled.
• The coastline along Long Island Sound is depicted with artistic embellishments.
• Illustrations of local industries, such as agriculture (e.g., tobacco farming), are visible.
• Pictorial representations of Yale University and other educational institutions.
• Drawings of recreational activities, such as boating and fishing, along the coast and rivers.
• Whimsical illustrations of local wildlife and farm animals.
• County boundaries are outlined and labeled.
• The state seal of Connecticut is illustrated.
• Various historical and cultural motifs, such as early American settlers and colonial scenes, are depicted.
• The map includes a decorative title cartouche with the map’s name and date.

Historical and design context

• Original mapmaker: Ruth Taylor White.
• Date of creation: 1935.
• Map type: County or State Thematic and Pictorial map.
• Part of a whimsical pictorial atlas of the United States, known for its entertaining and fanciful illustrations.
• Features vibrant, colorful, cartoon-like illustrations that capture stereotypical scenes and local culture of Connecticut in the 1930s.
• Depicts Connecticut’s unique culture, industries, and landmarks through playful, imaginative artwork.
• Offers a nostalgic and lighthearted glimpse into Connecticut’s past, reflecting both the culture and popular perceptions of the era.
• The map immerses viewers in a playful depiction of the state, combining artistic flair with geographic and cultural information.

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.