The Colton Map of Florida (1868) was more than a geographical reference. It was an emblem of memory—a snapshot of a land being reshaped by politics, migration, railroads, and dreams of prosperity. For Floridians of the late nineteenth century, the map represented both a tool for navigation and a promise of rebirth. For modern historians, it remains a remarkable artifact that mirrors the evolving identity of a southern state emerging from the ashes of war.
The Colton Family and the Age of American Cartography
The map’s story begins with the remarkable enterprise of Joseph Hutchins Colton, founder of J. H. Colton & Company in New York. Established in the 1830s, Colton’s firm quickly became one of the leading producers of high-quality maps, atlases, and geographical prints. By the mid-nineteenth century, Colton’s maps were renowned for their artistic elegance and accuracy. His use of steel plate engraving allowed for fine detail and durability, while his commitment to updating data ensured relevance during America’s most dynamic century of expansion.
The Colton Atlas of America and Colton’s General Atlas became bestsellers, appearing in schools, homes, and government offices across the country. His maps were not only practical tools but also decorative works of art, often surrounded by elaborate borders and colored by hand.
By 1868, Joseph H. Colton had been joined by his sons George W. Colton and Charles B. Colton, who brought renewed energy to the business during the Reconstruction era. Together they sought to portray a reunited America—not through political rhetoric but through geography, commerce, and exploration. Their 1868 map of Florida thus emerged as a product of this postwar optimism and technical mastery. shutdown123