Old Railroad Map of Denver & Rio Grande Railroad System, 1882: Denver, Pueblo, Leadville, San Miguel County, Utah
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- Handmade & dispatched in 1-2 days
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90 day money back guarantee ⓘ
90 days to return and refund
Products can be returned within 90 days for a full refund, or exchange for another product.
For personalised or custom made items, we may offer you a non-expiring gift card, as we cannot resell personalised orders.
If you have any questions, get in touch. For more information, see our full returns & exchanges policy.
My maps are rare, museum-grade, restored old maps sourced from libraries, auction houses and private collections across the globe.
Framing & free personalisation available
The best size for this map
If you have the space and the budget, I recommend buying a map that is 16x20 inches (40x50cm) or larger. Most maps look better at larger sizes because of the huge amount of detail on them.
When you buy the smallest size (usually 12in or 30cm), the text can be quite small. I recommend contacting me if you want to make sure that a map looks good at a specific size. I will usually respond within a few minutes.
Because all orders are handmade, every map can be made at a custom size. Please provide the custom size in the 'order notes' at checkout. Or contact me before you order.
Map size guide
To help you pick the right size, here are some of my 'standard' map sizes next to each other, in portrait and landscape orientation.
| 12x16in (30x40cm) | 16x20in (40x50cm) | 18x24in (45x60cm) |
24x36in (60x90cm) |
| 12x16in (30x40cm) | 16x20in (40x50cm) | 18x24in (45x60cm) |
24x36in (60x90cm) |
Buying unframed maps
If you buy an unframed old map from me, and plan to frame it yourself, please read this page for important information about framing your map.
General size guidelines
Generally, the size you see on the shop is exactly accurate.
So, for example, if you buy an 18x24 inch map, you should buy a frame that 'fits artwork' that is 18x24 inches. If you order a 60x90cm map, you should buy a frame that 'fits artwork' that is 60x90cm.
If you see a map that is an unusual size, such as 24x11 inches (or 61x29cm), I strongly recommend you wait for the map to arrive before making or ordering a frame online. These maps can vary in size by a few millimetres, and it's very frustrating if they don't fit into your frame!
If you need a map that is an exact size in centimetres or inches, please contact me.
Large maps
Please contact me if you are planning to frame a large map (over 40 inches or 100cm) yourself.
If you are buying your own frame, I recommend you wait for the frame to arrive, confirm the internal size of the frame, and then tell me the exact size that you need. Measure the width and height of the board on the back of the frame to get an accurate measurement.
Alternatively, buy the map from me, measure it when it arrives, and then order a frame to fit.
For large maps I can customise the size of your map for free.
If you are taking your map to a local framer, they will measure the map for you and then make the frame to fit.
1. Select your size
2. Customise your map
Personalise your map with framing, hand-drawn customisation, vintage ageing, pop art text, unique 3D styling and moreGift message & custom finish
If you want to add a gift message, or a finish (jigsaw, aluminium board, etc.) that is not available here, please request it in the "order note" when you check out.
Every order is custom made, so if you need the size adjusted slightly, or printed on an unusual material, just let us know. We've done thousands of custom orders over the years, so there's (almost) nothing we can't manage.
You can also contact us before you order, if you prefer!
- Handmade locally. No import duty or tax
- FREE Delivery. Arrives in 2-3 days
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Own a piece of history
5,000+ 5 star reviews
Step into the storied past of the American West with this remarkable 1882 Denver and Rio Grande Railroad System map, a rare artifact from the dawn of the region’s rail era. Crafted by the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad itself, this map was designed as a promotional piece, capturing a transformative moment when the iron rails stitched together the rugged landscapes of Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico. Its publication closely followed the creation of San Miguel County, marking it as an early and highly sought-after edition. For collectors and history enthusiasts alike, this map offers a window into the ambitious expansion of railroads that would forever alter the economic and social fabric of the West.
What makes this map especially significant is its detailed depiction of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad’s burgeoning network at a pivotal time in American history. Each line, junction, and branch tells a story of enterprise and exploration, as the railroad connected burgeoning mining towns, agricultural centers, and remote mountain communities. Cities such as Denver, Pueblo, Colorado Springs, and Leadville are prominently featured, reflecting their status as vital hubs of commerce and migration. The map’s clear delineation of county boundaries—including the newly established San Miguel County—underscores the dynamic changes in regional governance and settlement patterns during this era.
Beyond its practical function, the map serves as a testament to the vision and determination of the railroad’s founders. The Denver & Rio Grande Railroad was instrumental in opening up vast swathes of the Rocky Mountains and the high desert, making possible the rapid development of industries such as mining, ranching, and agriculture. The routes shown here, including lines reaching into Utah and New Mexico, highlight the railroad’s ambition to become the “Scenic Line of the World,” bringing prosperity and connectivity to previously isolated areas. The map’s emphasis on mining regions and towns also reflects the gold and silver rushes that defined Colorado’s early years.
Aesthetically, the map is a classic example of late 19th-century cartographic design, balancing clarity with a promotional flair. Its careful rendering of mountain ranges, rivers, and county lines provides both geographic context and visual appeal. The Rio Grande River, prominent on the map, anchors the viewer in the landscape, while the bold railroad lines draw the eye along the routes that shaped the region’s destiny. The periodic revisions this map would undergo in subsequent years make this early edition particularly valuable, capturing a moment before the full flowering of the railroad’s reach.
Owning this map is not just acquiring a piece of art, but holding a chapter of American history. It stands as a tangible reminder of the forces that shaped the West: ambition, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of connection across vast and challenging terrain. Whether displayed in a study, library, or gallery, this map invites reflection on the journeys taken, the towns founded, and the enduring legacy of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad in the story of the United States.
Places on this map
- Denver
- Pueblo
- Colorado Springs
- Leadville
- Gunnison
- Durango
- Silverton
- Alamosa
- Trinidad
- Salida
- Ouray
- Montrose
- San Miguel County
- Rio Grande River
- Grand Junction
- Aspen
- Canon City
- Buena Vista
- Del Norte
- Salt Lake City (Utah)
Notable Features & Landmarks
- Clearly labeled railroad lines of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad system
- Prominent depiction of the main line and branch lines
- Important railroad junctions and stations clearly marked
- Mountain ranges and rivers indicated, providing geographic context
- County boundaries and names distinctly shown, including the newly formed San Miguel County
- Routes extending into neighboring states (Utah and New Mexico)
- Indication of planned or proposed railroad expansions
- Emphasis on the railroad's connectivity to mining regions and towns, reflecting the economic importance of mining at the time
Historical and design context
- Rare, early edition of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad System map, created in 1882
- Published shortly after the establishment of San Miguel County, Colorado
- Underwent periodic revisions over several decades, reflecting railroad expansion and changing geography
- Crafted by the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad as a promotional piece to showcase its expanding network
- Highlights the role of the railroad in the settlement and economic development of the American West
- Designed in a classic late 19th-century railroad promotional map style, emphasizing clarity and readability
- Captures a transformative period in the growth of towns, cities, and industries along the railroad routes
Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.
This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.
This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.
The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.
The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.
If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.
Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.
This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.
This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.
This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.
For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.
For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.
Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver.
If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.
I print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.
All of my maps and art prints are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.
I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) can take longer to make.
If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).
Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.
My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.
I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.
Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.
Most maps, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.
All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.
Alternatively, I can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.
If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my size guide first.
Alcune delle mie vecchie mappe sono ora disponibili come tele incorniciate. Per favore contattami se desideri ordinare una dimensione che non è disponibile nel mio negozio.
Le vecchie mappe su tela sono un'alternativa interessante alle mappe incorniciate in modo convenzionale. A seconda del tuo gusto personale e dell'arredamento della stanza, le mappe su tela possono "risaltare" un po' di più rispetto a una mappa incorniciata.
My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.
I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.
My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.
I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.
I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.
Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.
Map personalisation
If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.
The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.
To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.
Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.
Map ageing
I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.
Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.
All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.
If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!
If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.
Se non sei soddisfatto del tuo ordine per qualsiasi motivo, contattami per un rimborso senza problemi. Si prega di consultare la nostra politica di reso e rimborso per ulteriori informazioni.
Sono molto sicuro che ti piacerà la tua mappa restaurata o la stampa d'arte. Lo faccio dal 1984. Sono un venditore Etsy a 5 stelle. Ho venduto decine di migliaia di mappe e stampe d'arte e ho oltre 5.000 recensioni reali a 5 stelle.
Utilizzo un processo unico per restaurare mappe e opere d'arte che richiede molto tempo e lavoro. Trovare le mappe e le illustrazioni originali può richiedere mesi. Utilizzo tecnologia all'avanguardia e incredibilmente costosa per scannerizzare e restaurarle. Di conseguenza, garantisco che le mie mappe e stampe d'arte siano superiori alle altre - ecco perché posso offrire un rimborso senza problemi.
Quasi tutte le mie mappe e stampe d'arte sembrano fantastiche a grandi dimensioni (200 cm, 6,5 piedi+) e posso anche incorniciarle e consegnarle a te, tramite un corriere speciale per oggetti di grandi dimensioni. Contattami per discutere delle tue esigenze specifiche.
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