Colton’s Vermont

Colton’s detailed map of Vermont from 1872.

This fascinating pocket map of Vermont was published by the firm of G.W. & C.B. Colton in New York in 1872. Less than a decade prior, the end of the Civil War and subsequent expansion in railroad construction brought tremendous economic development to the Green Mountain State. (Interesting note – St. Albans, VT was the site of the northernmost engagement of the Civil War).

The image reflects the influx of railroads, in addition to a robust network of roads and canals. Post offices, railroad depots, geographic features, and local industries are also identified throughout the image, which is surrounded by an elaborately engraved border. Vibrant color, applied by hand, distinguishes the various townships, county, and state borders.

The map was first issued by J.H. (Joseph Hutchins) Colton & Co. in 1855, as noted by an annotation in the lower left. The front end sheet contains an advertisement for his successors (and sons), George Woolworth (G.W.) and Charles B. (C.B.) Colton. “Our assortment of Maps and Atlases is the most varied and extensive to be found in this country”, the text reads, and includes brief descriptions of maps designed for colleges, traveler’s (such as this example), and railroad and mining reports. The family firm was prolific publishers in the mid to late 19th century.