Vintage State of Alabama Map

$49.00

Vintage State Map of Alabama

About the Map: Explore the geographic history of the state of Alabama in this historic map. This map is part of our vintage USA State Map Collection showing the geography of the states in the 1850-1860s and the time of the Civil War.

The map is a reproduction of the original map meticulously restored to its former glory using the latest digital imaging technology. Using this technology, we carefully restored the colors, torn edges, creases, smeared writings and more. We enhanced features while keeping the original character and design of the map.

Restoration: This map is a faithful reproduction of the original 1850 map restored to its former glory using the latest digital imaging technology.

Geographic Details: This historic map shows many details of towns, roads, railroads, and waterways in the 19th century of the United States.

Shows historic cities such as Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile and more!  

Explore the historic boundaries of the cities, counties, and states that have changed over the years. Discover physical changes in the geography - such as former lakes and canals used for transportation and agriculture.

This map is unframed, sold as an art print. Frames are shown for illustration ONLY.

Available Sizes: For an impressive display and maximum readability, choose the largest size available.  

Smaller size prints make excellent wall art in groups. Please note that there is no guarantee that small text will be legible in print.

Great Gift For:
Interior Designs, Teachers, History Buffs, Anniversaries, Birthdays, Friends, Family, and many more!

Production and Shipping Times: The amount of time it takes for your map to arrive depends on where you live and how fast you approve the proof if you’ve ordered a custom map. See Production & Shipping.

Quality and Guarantee: We stand behind our work and guarantee the construction and quality. Contact us if you have any problems with your map and we will coordinate to ensure you are very happy with your purchase.

Materials and Production: This reproduction is printed on Fine Art Museum Quality Paper with giclée inks. The thick paper is archival quality and acid-free with vivid color definition. Paper details:

  • 10 mil thick
  • 230 gsm weight
  • Museum Quality Matte finish

Made in the USA by a USA Small Business and Professional Geographer & Cartographer.

Shipped in a tube and rolled to eliminate creases.

History of the Time

The 1850s were a pivotal and complex period in the history of Alabama, marked by economic expansion, political tensions, and the continuation of the state's dependence on slavery.

Economically, the 1850s were a time of growth and diversification for Alabama. The state's economy was closely tied to agriculture, with cotton as the primary crop. The fertile soil and climate of the region made Alabama a prime location for cotton cultivation, and the cotton industry played a central role in the state's economy. Enslaved labor was essential to cotton production, shaping the economic and social landscape of the state.

The institution of slavery was a defining aspect of Alabama's history during the 1850s. Slavery was deeply ingrained in the state's society and economy, with enslaved individuals making up a significant portion of the population. The debates over the expansion of slavery into new territories and states intensified, reflecting the broader tensions between the North and the South. The passage of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 further heightened the divide between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions.

Politically, Alabama was deeply affected by the debates over slavery and the growing sectional tensions. The state's commitment to states' rights and the preservation of slavery aligned it with the southern states. The Democratic Party, which had traditionally been dominant in Alabama, faced internal divisions over the issue of slavery and the direction of the nation.

Cultural and social developments were also prominent during the 1850s. Education was a priority for the state, and institutions like the University of Alabama contributed to the state's intellectual growth. However, the state's social structure was deeply influenced by the institution of slavery, shaping the lives of both enslaved individuals and white residents.

As the 1850s came to a close, Alabama found itself on the cusp of significant change. The election of Abraham Lincoln as the 16th President of the United States in 1860 set off a chain of events that would lead to the secession of southern states, including Alabama, and the outbreak of the Civil War. The state played a pivotal role in the Confederacy, supplying soldiers, resources, and strategic locations for the war effort.

In conclusion, the 1850s were a transformative period for Alabama, characterized by economic growth, political tensions, and the state's deep reliance on slavery. Alabama's commitment to states' rights, its alignment with the southern cause, and its contributions to the Civil War effort showcased its role in shaping the broader narrative of American history.