Antique Louisiana Map

$49.00

Antique Louisiana Map

About the Map: Explore the geographic history of the state of Louisiana 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.

Restoration: 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.

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

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 New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette 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.

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 Designers, 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 Louisiana, marked by economic growth, political tensions, and the continuation of the state's unique cultural and social landscape.

Economically, the 1850s were a time of expansion and diversification for Louisiana. The state's economy was primarily centered around agriculture, with cotton and sugar as the main cash crops. The fertile land along the Mississippi River Delta facilitated the cultivation of these crops, making Louisiana a significant player in the nation's cotton and sugar production. The development of steamboats and railroads further facilitated trade and transportation, connecting the state's agricultural products to national and international markets.

The decade also saw the growth of industries and commerce, particularly in cities like New Orleans. The port city, with its strategic location along the Gulf of Mexico, became a hub for trade and business. The influx of immigrants and free people of color added to the diversity of the city's population and contributed to its vibrant cultural scene.

The issue of slavery loomed large in Louisiana's history during the 1850s. The state's economy relied heavily on slave labor, particularly in the plantations of the southern regions. The debates over the expansion of slavery into new territories and states intensified, reflecting the broader national divisions.

Politically, Louisiana was deeply affected by the debates over slavery and sectional tensions. The Compromise of 1850 and the passage of the Fugitive Slave Act heightened the divisions between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions. Louisiana's status as a slave state placed it squarely within the southern bloc, and its political leaders grappled with how best to protect their interests.

Cultural and social developments were also prominent during the 1850s in Louisiana. The state's unique Creole culture, influenced by French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean roots, continued to thrive. Music, food, and language were interwoven in the fabric of daily life. The city of New Orleans remained a center of cultural exchange, with its diverse population contributing to a rich cultural tapestry.

As the 1850s came to a close, Louisiana, like other southern states, found itself on the brink 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 and the outbreak of the American Civil War. Louisiana played a crucial role in the Confederacy, supplying soldiers, resources, and strategic locations for the war effort.

In conclusion, the 1850s were a transformative period for Louisiana, characterized by economic growth, political tensions, and the continuation of its distinctive cultural heritage. The state's dependence on agriculture, 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.