Old Map of Connecticut & Long Island by Colton, 1855: New Haven, Hartford, Bridgeport, Stamford, and New London

Step back in time with this extraordinary map of Connecticut and Long Island from 1855, a period early in the history of the United States. Published by J. H. Colton, a mapmaker renowned for his precision and craftsmanship, this map is a significant artifact that provides a unique glimpse into a past where many of today's settlements were yet to be founded. The landscape, names, and borders have undergone significant transformations over the past 150 years, and this map serves as a remarkable testament to these changes.

The map is a masterpiece from Colton, who is widely recognized as the finest American mapmaker of his era. His attention to detail and dedication to his craft are evident in the intricacies of this map. This piece not only serves as a historical record but also as a work of art, making it a prized possession for collectors and history enthusiasts alike. The rich details and historical significance of this map make it a fascinating snapshot of the past and a timeless piece of cartographic artistry.

Connecticut

• New Haven (1638) - Originally known as Quinnipiac, it's home to Yale University, one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher education in the U.S.
• Hartford (1635) - Known as the "Insurance Capital of the World," it was once home to Mark Twain.
• Bridgeport (1821) - The most populous city in the state, it's known for its public park system.
• Stamford (1641) - Known as Rippowam by the Native American inhabitants, it's now a major business hub.
• New London (1646) - Once a world-leading whaling port, it's now home to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.
• Norwich (1659) - Known as "The Rose of New England," it was a major center for trade and manufacturing.
• Greenwich (1640) - Known for its affluent communities and as the gateway to New England.
• Waterbury (1674) - Known as the "Brass City" for its significant industrial past.
• Danbury (1687) - Known for its hat-making industry, giving it the nickname "Hat City."
• Middletown (1650) - A major port from its founding until the decline of maritime industries in the state.

Long Island

• Brooklyn (1646) - Originally known as Breuckelen, it's now one of the five boroughs of New York City.
• Hempstead (1644) - One of the oldest towns in New York State, it played a significant role in the American Revolution.
• Southampton (1640) - Known for its historic and wealthy residential section, the Hamptons.
• Huntington (1653) - Known for its picturesque downtown area and high-quality schools.
• Oyster Bay (1653) - Known for its oyster production in the 19th and 20th centuries.
• Smithtown (1665) - Known for its preserved and working farms, as well as its rich history.
• Riverhead (1792) - Known as the agricultural apex of Long Island.
• Islip (1683) - Known for its waterfront communities and recreational fishing.
• Babylon (1872) - Known for its popular outdoor attractions and historic downtown.
• Glen Cove (1668) - Known for its significant industry during the 19th century.

Indian Tribes

• Pequot - Once one of the most powerful tribes in southern New England.
• Mohegan - Known for their independence and the establishment of one of the first Indian reservations in America.
• Niantic - Known for their alliance with the Pequot against the Narragansett and Mohegan tribes.
• Paugussett - Known for their struggle to maintain their tribal lands against colonial expansion.

Notable Natural Phenomena

• Long Island Sound - A tidal estuary of the Atlantic Ocean, lying between eastern Long Island and the rest of Connecticut.
• Connecticut River - The longest river in the New England region, known for its beauty and recreational activities.
• Thames River - Known for its historic significance as a transportation route.
• Housatonic River - Known for its outdoor recreational opportunities, including fishing, boating, and hiking along its banks.

Historical Events (1810-1855)

• War of 1812 (1812-1815) - Several naval battles took place off the coast of Connecticut.
• Industrialization (mid-1800s) - Connecticut and Long Island experienced significant industrial growth, with factories and mills springing up in many towns and cities.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at all sizes: 12x16in (30.5x41cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 24x30in (61x76cm), 32x40in (81.5x102cm), 40x50in (102x127cm), 48x60in (122x153cm) and 56x70in (142x178cm), but it looks even better when printed large.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 70in (178cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40.5x51cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my main collection of USA and North America maps.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.