Minnesota and Dakota Map – Johnson, Hand-Colored, USA c.1864

About this sheet

Johnson’s Minnesota and Dakota Map, USA c.1864 – Hand-Colored Territorial Map
This is a finely engraved and hand-colored map titled Johnson’s Minnesota and Dakota, published by Johnson and Ward in New York circa 1864. It shows the state of Minnesota and the Dakota Territory as it was defined in the mid-19th century, with counties shaded in pastel pink and green colors.

The map details cities, towns, county boundaries, rivers, lakes, railroads, and Native American tribal regions. Major cities such as St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Duluth are marked, along with extensive water systems including the Mississippi River, Lake Superior, and numerous smaller lakes throughout Minnesota. The Dakota Territory depicted here encompasses what is now both North and South Dakota before their later division and statehood.

Johnson’s distinctive decorative border surrounds the map, featuring interlaced geometric and floral motifs, typical of his atlases. Johnson and Ward were leading American publishers of the period, known for producing maps combining cartographic accuracy with aesthetic presentation. Their maps of western states and territories are highly valued by collectors for documenting early territorial boundaries, settlement expansions, and railway developments before statehood.

Condition report:

Good condition. Strong impression with bright original hand coloring. Light general age toning and minor marginal spots or handling marks, typical for antique atlas maps. Edges a bit rough but outside the image.. Wide margins and plate mark intact.

Framing suggestion:

Frame with a simple dark wood or black frame and an archival off-white or cream mat to emphasize the pastel coloring and decorative border. Use UV-protective glass to preserve paper quality and prevent fading.