Old Map of Mississippi by J.H. Colton, 1855: Jackson, Vicksburg, Natchez, Columbus, and Meridian

Immerse yourself in the rich history of the United States with this exquisite old map of Mississippi, crafted by none other than J.H. Colton in 1855. Known as one of the finest American mapmakers of his era, Colton’s work represents an early snapshot of our nation’s history, a time when many settlements were yet to be founded and borders were constantly evolving. This map, in particular, offers a unique glimpse into the past, showcasing the state of Mississippi in its nascent stage, before the advent of modern infrastructure and development.

The Mississippi of 1855 was a vastly different place than the one we know today. Many of the settlements that now dot the landscape had not yet been established, and those that had were still in their infancy. The five most notable settlements of the time – Jackson, Vicksburg, Natchez, Columbus, and Meridian – are highlighted on this map, each with its own unique history and contribution to the state’s development.

It’s important to note that over the past 150 years, many names and borders have changed. This map captures the essence of a bygone era, providing a fascinating contrast to the modern state of Mississippi. The historical significance of this map, coupled with the renowned craftsmanship of J.H. Colton, makes it a valuable addition to any collection.

This map serves as a testament to the ever-evolving nature of human civilization, capturing a moment in time when the United States was still finding its feet. The geographical details, the settlements, and the borders, all tell a story of a nation in flux, offering an invaluable resource for historians, cartographers, and enthusiasts alike.

J.H. Colton’s maps are celebrated for their accuracy and attention to detail, and this map of Mississippi is no exception. Every river, every settlement, every border has been meticulously plotted, reflecting Colton’s commitment to his craft. His work remains a benchmark in the field of cartography, and this map is a prime example of his expertise.

The map of Mississippi from 1855 is more than just a piece of history; it’s a conversation starter, a window into the past, and a work of art in its own right. Whether you’re a history buff, a cartography enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the finer things in life, this map is sure to captivate and inspire. Experience the thrill of exploring the past with this remarkable piece of history from J.H. Colton.

Settlements in Mississippi

1. Jackson (1821): Known as LeFleur’s Bluff until 1821, Jackson became the state capital in 1822. It’s notable for its strategic location on the Pearl River.
2. Vicksburg (1811): Originally called Walnut Hills, Vicksburg is renowned for the pivotal Civil War Battle of Vicksburg in 1863.
3. Natchez (1716): Known as Fort Rosalie in the early 18th century, Natchez is one of the oldest European settlements in the Mississippi River Valley.
4. Columbus (1821): Columbus was an important river port during the steamboat era and is known for its historic antebellum homes.
5. Meridian (1833): Known as Sowashee Station until 1860, Meridian became a major railroad hub in the late 19th century.
6. Biloxi (1699): Originally a French colony, Biloxi is one of the oldest European settlements in the United States.
7. Gulfport (1841): Gulfport is Mississippi’s second-largest city and a significant port on the Gulf of Mexico.
8. Hattiesburg (1882): Known as Twin Forks and later Gordonville, Hattiesburg became a center for the lumber and railroad industries.
9. Greenville (1824): Greenville was a major cotton-growing region and a significant river port on the Mississippi River.
10. Oxford (1837): Oxford is home to the University of Mississippi, also known as Ole Miss.
11. Greenwood (1830): Greenwood became a significant center for the cotton industry in the late 19th century.
12. Starkville (1831): Starkville is home to Mississippi State University, a land-grant institution.
13. Natchitoches (1714): Originally a French outpost, Natchitoches is one of the oldest European settlements in the Louisiana Purchase territory.
14. Grenada (1836): Grenada grew rapidly with the expansion of the Mississippi and Tennessee Railroad.
15. Corinth (1853): Known for the Battle of Corinth during the Civil War, a significant Confederate defeat.
16. Pascagoula (1720): Known as Singing River City, Pascagoula is famous for its “singing” river phenomenon.
17. Canton (1833): Canton is known for its historic downtown square and Greek Revival courthouse.
18. Clarksdale (1848): Clarksdale is renowned as the birthplace of the Blues.
19. Laurel (1882): Laurel became a center for the timber industry in the late 19th century.
20. McComb (1872): McComb was an important railroad town and was known as the “Camellia City of America.”

Indian Tribes and Territories

• Choctaw Indian Territory: The Choctaw were one of the largest tribes in the South and were primarily agriculturalists.
• Chickasaw Indian Territory: The Chickasaw were known as fierce warriors and skilled traders.
• Natchez Indian Territory: The Natchez were known for their complex social structure and mound-building.

Notable Natural Features

• Mississippi River: One of the world’s major river systems in size, habitat diversity, and biological productivity.
• Pearl River: Known for its abundant wildlife and recreational opportunities.
• Natchez Trace Parkway: A scenic roadway that follows a historic forest trail.
• Pascagoula River: The largest undammed river in the contiguous United States.

Historical Events (1810-1855)

• Treaty of Doak’s Stand (1820): A treaty between the United States government and the Choctaw Nation, exchanging land in Mississippi for territory in modern-day Oklahoma.
• Establishment of the University of Mississippi (1848): The state’s first public institution of higher learning.
• Mississippi’s involvement in the Mexican-American War (1846-1848): Mississippi contributed troops and resources to the war effort.

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.