Colton’s New Sectional Map of the States of Missouri

Postwar edition of Colton’s pocket map of Missouri.

This large and detailed map of Missouri was published in New York in 1869 by the influential firm of G.W. & C.B. Colton. Brothers George and Charles succeeded their father, Joseph Hutchins, in the growing family business and oversaw the significant output of pocket maps, atlases, and wall maps during the second half of the 19th century.

The delicately engraved image shows individual townships outlined within colored counties. Numerous locations of interest are labeled, including mills, post offices, geographic features, natural resources, local industries, and more. An impressive network of roads (though their quality was likely poor) connects the numerous settlements spread across the state, supplemented by both completed and proposed railroads. These are concentrated mostly in the southeast and along the Missouri River, with the Kansas Pacific (labeled Pacific R.R.) running through to Kansas City.

The map was published during a particularly turbulent period for the Show-Me State. Following the Civil War, state officials led by Charles D. Drake enacted a constitution that disenfranchised anyone who supported the Confederacy. This resulted in localized political violence, popularly memorialized by the activities of the notorious James – Younger Gang.

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