1893 "Colorado" Map, Published by George Cram

Presented is an antique 1893 map of Colorado, published by George F. Cram. A colorful map with distinctive blue state and red county outlines, the map presents the state of Colorado in remarkable detail, depicting railroads, cities, towns and mining communities, as rivers, creeks, and lakes. The relief of the terrain is shown through hachures, showing off the mountainous areas of Colorado. At bottom right, the map provides information on population and area in square miles. Issued just before the turn of the century, it captures the state during a pivotal period of transition, when railroads and mining were rapidly reshaping the area. Prior to 1858, Colorado was mostly a stopping point for travelers on their way to California and Oregon. However, in the 1860s Colorado experienced its own gold rush shortly followed by a silver rush in the 1870s and 1880s. The sudden increase in population and introduction of railroads led to a boom in the area. President Ulysses S. Grant signed Proclamation 230 admitting the state of Colorado to the Union as the 38th state on August 1, 1876. Gold, silver, and especially coal mining continued in the state, and the population kept expanding. Colorado had a recorded population of 539,700 in 1900, 799,024 in 1910, and 939,629 in 1920. George F. Cram (1842- 1928) was among the most influential American cartographers and publishers of the late nineteenth century. During the Civil War, he served under General William Sherman and participated in Sherman's infamous March to the Sea, leaving behind correspondence that has become a valuable resource for Civil War historians. In 1867, Cram entered the map publishing business with his uncle, Rufus Blanchard, in Evanston, Illinois. Two years later, he assumed sole ownership, establishing the George F. Cram Company. The firm became one of the nation's foremost producers of atlases and educational maps and was among the first American publishers to issue a comprehensive world atlas. Its celebrated Unrivaled Atlas of the World remained in continuous publication from the 1880s well into the mid-twentieth century. CONDITION Near fine condition. Lithograph, with hand-colored red county borders and blue printed state border. Color is vibrant, without much fading. Paper is healthy, save light toning, more prominent in margins. Page number printed along the middle left side margin. Artfully framed in a custom-built wooden frame with UV Conservation Clear glass and acid-free mat and backing. Framed Dimensions: 17'' H x 20'' W x 7/8'' D. Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.