Produced and published by prominent American cartographer George Woolworth Colton this unique depiction of South Carolina’s Port Royal Sound and the city of Charleston show the city in a period of great significance as the country neared the outbreak of the Civil War. Colton was the son of prolific mapmaker JH Colton, an industry leader for more than seven decades during the nineteenth century. The Colton company utilized heavy metal printing plates, individually hand-colored their production, and became known for producing the highest quality maps. In addition to maps, the Colton company produced immigrant guides, atlases, and folding pocket maps.
Charleston was founded in 1670, and the Port Royal sound is a collection of estuaries, river mouths, and islands, including iconic Hilton Head. The Spanish explored the region as early as 1521 and would become one of the most important trade routes for the South during the early years of the United States. Charleston experienced a period of tremendous growth in both population and economy in the period between the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. The thriving port propelled the importing and exporting trade as a primary resource for goods leaving the deep South and arriving from Europe and the Caribbean.
The cities iconic classical architecture was embraced in 1838 after a fire devastated the town burning more than one thousand buildings and causing massive damage. The distinctive style immediately transports the viewer back in time creating an indelible bond to the past in this authentic piece of cartographical history.
Our museum quality giclee print comes printed with archival ink on premium heavyweight matte paper. Shipped in a sturdy cardboard tube your print will arrive ready to be framed. This eye-catching vintage map reproduction print makes the perfect gift for anyone that loves history and imagery.