Historic Map : Colton Map of South America, 1856, Vintage Wall Art

A beautiful 1856 example of Colton's map of South America. Covers the entire continent from the Caribbean to Tierra del Fuego and from the Pacific to the Atlantic. Includes the Galapagos, Juan Fernandez, Falkland and South Georgia island groups. Depicts the continent in impressive detail – especially the interior, which at the time was largely unknown. Shows Bolivia with an outlet to the Sea and Patagonia as separate from the Argentine Republic and Chile.

Much of South America was, at this time, embroiled in or about to become embroiled in, severe civil strife. The new nations, freed from Spanish dominance though various wars of liberation in the previous decades, were struggling with their newfound independence in an attempt create stable and prosperous governments. Most would dissolve into civil war between 1858 and 1864.

This map also identifies various cities, towns, forts, rivers, rapids, mountain passes, fords, and an assortment of additional topographical details. Map is hand colored in pink, green, yellow and blue pastels to define national and regional boundaries. Surrounded by Colton's typical spiral motif border. Dated and copyrighted to J. H. Colton, 1855. Published from Colton's 172 William Street Office in New York City. Issued as in volume 1 of Colton's 1856 Atlas of the World.