1893 Topographic Map of Boston Massachusetts

This 36" x 46" topographic map of Boston from 1893 is a delightful journey back in time. The hills, brooks, ponds, islands and rivers of Boston and the surrounding area are all shown with delicately-drawn brown contour lines and precise blue concentric rings filling the water bodies. Hand-drawn maps from this era are vastly more beautiful than anything from our modern digitally-rendered era, in our opinion, and this map is a wonderful example. Created by the fledgeling United States Geological Survey under its second director, the famous John Wesley Powell, the map depicts Boston's rail lines, notable infrastructure, and outlying communities. Fully-developed blocks are outlined in dark black, while outside of these areas individual buildings are depicted by small black squares. And how much of the surrounding country has no buildings at all! 

The map is printed on Arches BFK Rives 100% Cotton Rag paper, handmade at the Blanchet Frères & Kléber paper mill in Rives, France on a traditional cylinder paper mould. The subtle texture of the paper is visible with oblique lighting, and adds a richness and depth to the whole piece. 

* NOTE: This is a carefully crafted print of the highest quality, but it is not the original work.

**About our Dark Poplar & Antique Brass Hanging Frames