1863 "Lloyd's New Map of the United States, the Canadas, and New Brunswick" Hanging Wall Map

Presented is “Lloyd's New Map of the United States, the Canadas and New Brunswick, From the latest Surveys, Showing Every Railroad & Station Finished to June 1863, and the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts.” A large, Civil War-era hanging map of the United States and adjacent territories, this map covers the area from the Atlantic Ocean and extends as far west as the 103 meridian, to “Dacotah,” Nebraska, Kansas, "Indian Territory," and Texas. The southern continuation of Florida is shown in an inset map along the right margin. This map was published by J. T. Lloyd, in New York, in 1863. According to the publisher’s marking at lower right, this map was originally issued in two states: "in Sheets, Colored" for 50 cents, and "Varnished nicely, with Rollers" for $1. 

Throughout the map, the counties are colored and the towns and cities well labeled. A reference key in the bottom margin provides symbols for railroads, turnpikes and wagon roads, state capitals, cities and towns, and village post offices. As emphasized in the map’s title, this map is especially notable for the countless railway lines and stations depicted, with distances noted between points, listing “every railroad and finished station to June 1863.” Additionally, two shipping agents and their routes are drawn out of New York City. The map includes details of the steamship routes into New York and Philadelphia from Liverpool and on to California and Oregon via an overland Nicaraguan trek, presumably to assist gold rush emigrants. 

This expansive and impressive map depicts the eastern half of the United States in the third year of the Civil War.  In order not to recognize the legitimacy of the Confederate States of America, each state is shown in the same manner as the Union states. The only indication that the American Civil War was in progress when this map was published is a printed notice that Gideon Wells, Secretary of the Navy, wishes to acquire a quote on 100 copies of Lloyd’s Mississippi River map for Rear Admiral Chas. E. Davis, “for use of his squadron."

J.T. Lloyd had publishing centers in both New York and London and was a prolific printer of maps depicting many countries. This map bears both a New York imprint, “No. 164 Broadway, New York,” and Lloyd's London address at “1 Strand, London England.” As the fighting of the Civil War increased, there was great demand in England for maps of the American Civil War, and LLoyd exploited it by providing his maps to English map sellers as well. 

This map offers interesting insight about the map trade of the times, revealing the competitive and boastful nature of print publishing. In the legend, Lloyd claims to show "every man's house from St. Louis to New Orleans” --an impossible accomplishment which he fails to do.  Lloyd also used the margins of this map to list and advertise his other maps for sale, with prices and quoted reviews. So sure of the quality of his work, Lloyd boasts that "Any one finding an error in this Map will be entitled to a copy, gratis, by writing to the Publisher." He also advises against his customers purchasing from other mapmakers, specifically warning them not to purchase wood engraved maps by another “spurious” Lloyd, who is copying his maps and making errors, for instance, confusing Corinth, Mississippi by naming it Farmington. 

There is much to glean from this expansive and impressive 19th century hanging wall map. 

CONDITION:

Very good condition, considering age and past use. Lithographed wall map. Hand-colored with light watercolor wash, original to map. Colors are attractive, without significant fading. Paper is healthy, with a few edge chips from rolling, minimal stains, and overall toning. Map is backed with linen. Presented on wooden rollers, as issued. Map is sold unframed, as-is. Unframed dimensions: 37”H  x 49 ½” W.