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

J. H. Colton was a prominent American map publisher and cartographer in the 19th century. He established his map publishing company, J. H. Colton & Co., in 1831 in New York City. Colton's firm became one of the leading map publishers in the United States during that time.

One of Colton's notable works is "Colton's Map of the World on Mercator's Projection," which was published in 1855. This map was based on the Mercator projection, a cylindrical map projection developed by the Flemish cartographer Gerardus Mercator in the 16th century. The Mercator projection became widely used due to its ability to preserve straight lines, making it suitable for navigation purposes.

Colton's Map of the World on Mercator's Projection featured detailed geographic information, including political boundaries, cities, rivers, and other topographical features. The map also included decorative elements such as intricate borders, ornate cartouches, and illustrations depicting scenes from different parts of the world. Colton's maps were known for their high level of accuracy and artistic appeal.

During the mid-19th century, Colton's maps gained popularity and were widely used for educational, reference, and decorative purposes. They were known for their high-quality craftsmanship, attention to detail, and vibrant coloring. Colton's Map of the World on Mercator's Projection, along with his other maps, contributed to the dissemination of geographical knowledge and played a role in shaping the understanding of the world during that era.

J. H. Colton, whose full name was Joseph Hutchins Colton, was a significant figure in American cartography during the 19th century. He was born on July 5, 1800, in Longmeadow, Massachusetts, and passed away on July 29, 1893, in Morristown, New Jersey. Colton made substantial contributions to the field of map publishing and played a vital role in popularizing and improving maps in the United States.

Apart from individual maps, J. H. Colton & Co. also published atlases, including "Colton's Atlas of the World" and "Colton's General Atlas." These atlases contained a collection of maps covering various regions and continents. The maps in Colton's atlases were regularly updated to incorporate the latest geographical knowledge and discoveries.

J. H. Colton's contributions to cartography and map publishing helped improve the quality and accessibility of maps in the United States. His maps were praised for their accuracy and artistic design, and they played a significant role in disseminating geographical knowledge during the 19th century.

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