Johnson’s Illinois Map, USA c.1864 – Hand-Colored with Chicago Courthouse View
This is a finely engraved and hand-colored map titled Johnson’s Illinois, published by Johnson and Ward in New York circa 1864. It depicts the state of Illinois in detail with counties shaded in pastel pink and green wash colors. The map shows cities, towns, counties, rivers, railroads, and canals with clarity.
Major cities such as Chicago, Springfield, Peoria, Quincy, and Galena are marked. The map includes an inset vignette illustration of the Court House in Chicago, adding historical and decorative value. Railroads are prominently shown, reflecting the rapid development of Illinois as a transportation hub in the mid-19th century.
Johnson’s distinctive decorative border frames the map with interlaced geometric and floral motifs, typical of his atlas publications. Johnson and Ward were leading American publishers known for combining cartographic accuracy with aesthetic presentation. Their state maps remain highly collectible for their detailed depiction of counties and transport routes during a period of economic expansion and urban growth.
Condition report:
Good condition. Strong impression with bright original hand coloring. Light general age toning and minor marginal handling marks typical for antique atlas maps. Only very small tears visible in borders. Wide margins and plate mark intact.
Framing suggestion:
Frame with a simple dark wood or black frame and an archival off-white or cream mat to highlight the pastel coloring, engraved detail, and decorative border. Use UV-protective glass to preserve paper quality and prevent fading.
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