Antique map of the World on Mercator's Projection, 1855

Colton's Map of the World on Mercator's Projection, published in 1852, was a cartographic representation of the world based on the Mercator projection. The Mercator projection is a cylindrical map projection that preserves the shapes of small areas but distorts the size and shape of larger areas, particularly those near the poles.

Colton's Map of the World would have depicted the continents, countries, and major geographical features of the world as known in the mid-19th century. However, without a specific image or description of the map, it is challenging to provide detailed information about the content it displayed.

J.H. Colton & Co. was a prominent American map publishing company founded by Joseph Hutchins Colton in the mid-19th century. The company, based in New York City, produced and distributed a wide range of maps, atlases, and globes during its existence.

Joseph Hutchins Colton started his mapmaking career as an apprentice to his uncle, George Woolworth Colton, who was also a map publisher. In 1833, Joseph established his own business, initially focusing on producing guidebooks and railroad maps. Over time, Colton expanded his operations and gained recognition for the quality and accuracy of his maps.

Colton's maps were known for their decorative elements, including intricate borders, detailed illustrations, and vibrant colors. They often depicted various regions of the United States, individual states, and major cities, as well as world maps and thematic maps covering diverse subjects.

The company experienced significant success and popularity, with its maps being widely used for educational, reference, and decorative purposes. Colton's maps were especially sought after during the mid-19th century, as they provided valuable geographic information during a time of westward expansion in the United States and increased interest in global exploration.

After Joseph Hutchins Colton's death in 1893, his sons continued the mapmaking business for some time. However, due to changing market dynamics and the rise of competing map publishers, the J.H. Colton & Co. gradually declined in the early 20th century and eventually ceased operations.

More maps of J. H. Colton