Published in the middle of the American Civil War, this depiction of the countries of both Virginia and West Virginia shows the states in a period of significant transition. West Virginia had completed its secession from Virginia in 1861 and was admitted unto the Union during the Civil War in 1863. Both states would see numerous conflicts during the four years of war. Virginia had finalized its vote for secession in 1861, and the ensuing years would mark a long, tumultuous period in American History.
Produced from surveys, American geographer Samuel Augustus Mitchell created this full map of the counties in both states, and forces would have utilized maps of this nature on both sides during the Civil War. By 1863 the war was in full swing, and Lincoln announced the Emancipation Proclamation. Both states' western regions remain relatively peaceful during the conflict, with most of the battles occurring in their eastern portions.
His distinctive illustration is useful for historians to develop a scope of the growth and evolution of towns, cities, and counties. Both states were mostly agrarian throughout the nineteenth century, but Virginia did have some manufacturing and shipping industry developing in its Eastern regions. With the Union divided, most production in both the Northern and Southern states had focused on producing goods to be used by troops on the frontlines. The distinct aesthetic immediately transports the viewer back in time and links to the past; this is an authentic piece of cartographical History.
Our museum quality giclee print comes printed with archival ink on premium heavyweight matte paper. Shipped in a sturdy cardboard tube your print will arrive ready to be framed. This eye-catching vintage map reproduction print makes the perfect gift for anyone that loves history and imagery.
