Historic Railroad Map of the Midwest - 1868
Description
This map of the Middle West United States was published in 1868 by G.W. & C.B. Colton & Co. It features portions of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa. Shown are counties, cities, towns, waterways, and the railroad and steamboat network of the 1860's.
The Rockford, Rock Island & St. Louis Railroad was organized in the 1850's to run between Rockford, Illinois and St. Louis by way of Rock Island. The line chartered an existing line from St. Louis to Sterling, Illinois, but was unable to complete the remainder of its line because of an economic panic that hindered most railroad building in 1857, and then complications of the American Civil War. It was sold at foreclosure in the 1870's to the St. Louis, Rock Island & Chicago Railroad Company, and later to the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company.
Rockford was established in the 1830's along the Rock River. Rockford was a leading furniture manufacturing town in the late 1800's. Many of Rockford’s factories operated as co-operatives producing fine furniture that was heavily influenced by Swedish immigrant craftsmen.
The town of Rock Island began to prosper in the 1830's with water power being generated at that point along the Mississippi River. This valuable power source enabled new and promising manufacturing possibilities. The Chicago & Rock Island Railroad constructed the first bridge crossing the Mississippi at Rock Island in the mid-1800's. The island, just upriver from town, was used as a prisoner of war camp during the war. The island is now known as Arsenal Island. It maintains a U.S. military arsenal and manufacturing facilities. In the years following the civil conflict, Rock Island’s economic interests returned to lumbering, and the manufacturing of agricultural implements and railroad supplies.
In 1850, St. Louis became the largest U.S. city west of Pittsburgh. St. Louis' population more than doubled from 1850 to 1860, and in 1859 its first streetcar tracks were laid.
Materials
Archive Paper
Premium fine art paper that provides accurate color reproduction with high-contrast, high-resolution print output and maximum image permanence. A high-quality print ready for framing.
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- Museum quality paper for high-quality fine art.
- Ultra smooth, neutral white matte finish.
- Heavy-weight 230 gsm, 9.5 mil thickness.
- Printed with pigment inks for longer print life and enhanced fade resistance.
- Pigment based Canon LUCIA inks provide smooth tones and rich colors in fine, precise detail.
Luster Photo Paper
A premium semi-gloss photo paper with a subtle texture that produces a vivid, richly detailed print. This material results in an exquisitely detailed giclee print of substantially higher quality than a standard poster.
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- Printed on 10 mil premium luster photo paper resulting in a brilliant, colorful image with a vivid life-like quality.
- Pigment based Canon LUCIA inks provide smooth tones and rich colors in fine, precise detail.
- Inks have a lightfastness rating of over 100 years, guaranteeing minimal noticeable fading over a very long period of time.
- Printed using very high resolution source files.
- Giclee printing is superior to traditional lithography in a number of ways: colors are brighter, lasts longer, and is a higher resolution.
Canvas on Wood Rails
A canvas giclee print is mounted to wooden hanging rails placed along the top and bottom of the map. Ready to hang on the wall using the attached hanging cord. Wood rails feature a natural finish.
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- Premium 19 mil canvas material.
- Wood rails are 1 1/8" wide, round front.
- USA sourced solid maple wood.
- High quality giclee fine art print with a lightfastness rating of over 100 years.
- Pigment based Canon LUCIA inks provide smooth tones and rich colors in fine, precise detail.
Canvas Gallery Wrap
A high quality canvas giclee print is hand stretched over a sturdy wood frame. Printed on demand and handcrafted in Seattle, WA. The canvas gallery wrap serves as a stunning piece of art ready to hang on your wall.
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- Premium 19 mil canvas material.
- Pigment based Canon LUCIA inks provide smooth tones and rich colors in fine, precise detail.
- High quality giclee fine art print with a lightfastness rating of over 100 years.
- Durable canvas mounted to a 1" deep wood frame.
- Ready to hang with included easy-to-use hanging kit.