COLTON, Joseph Hutchins, (1800-1893).
Illinois.
Lithographed map with original hand color.
New York: J.H. Colton, 1856.
16 3/4" x 13 1/2" sheet.

Fine folding lithographed pocket map on bank note paper with original hand-colour in full, with an inset of Chicago lower left, and a key lower right (short closed tear near mount). Original red cloth, gilt (head and foot of the spine frayed).

First published in this format, with the inset of Chicago, in 1855, by which time Chicago had become the state's capital and transport hub, linking the western counties to Lake Michigan with via an extensive rail network. From the early 1820s Illinois was one of the few states that discouraged slavery. As the birthplace of President Abraham Lincoln, the state was one of the earliest to show their support for the Civil War with the southern states.72map123