Pictorial Map of Idaho by Ruth Taylor White, 1935: Boise, Snake River, Mining, Forestry, Agriculture, County Boundaries

Step into the vibrant world of 1930s American cartography with "Idaho," a whimsical pictorial map crafted by the celebrated illustrator Ruth Taylor White in 1935. Bearing its original title simply as "Idaho," this map is a captivating visual narrative that reflects both the unique character and the cultural perceptions of the Gem State during the early twentieth century. The map is part of a distinguished series of pictorial atlases that delighted and informed audiences with their playful artistry and regional pride, inviting viewers to experience Idaho’s landscape and identity through a lens of colorful exaggeration and historical charm.

Ruth Taylor White’s signature style is immediately apparent in this map’s exuberant palette and lively, cartoon-like illustrations. Her approach blends the precision of traditional cartography with the storytelling flair of an artist, resulting in a piece that is as informative as it is enchanting. The county boundaries and names are rendered with clarity, while the state’s border is boldly outlined, framing a tapestry of Idaho’s defining features. Every corner of the map is alive with visual references to local industries, traditions, and natural wonders, making it a true celebration of place.

The map’s thematic richness is revealed through its delightful depictions of Idaho’s economic and cultural life. Pictorial vignettes showcase the state’s famed agricultural bounty—potatoes, wheat, and livestock—alongside dynamic scenes of mining and forestry, industries that shaped Idaho’s development and continue to define its heritage. Lively figures of miners, lumberjacks, and farmers intermingle with images of recreational pursuits such as skiing and fishing, reflecting both the ruggedness and the recreational appeal of the region. Native American figures and cultural motifs are thoughtfully integrated, offering a nod to the state’s deeper historical roots.

Natural beauty is a central theme, with the map’s illustrations of mountains, rivers, and wildlife capturing the grandeur and diversity of Idaho’s landscape. The iconic Snake River meanders through the state, its course marked by playful imagery of fish and waterfowl. Exaggerated mountain ranges, lush forests, and roaming deer evoke the untamed spirit of the land, while the absence of specifically labeled national parks or historic landmarks allows the broader scenic and cultural tapestry to take center stage. This artistic approach makes the map both a decorative treasure and a fascinating historical document.

The map is further enriched by its detailed labeling of Idaho’s cities and towns, from the capital Boise to smaller communities such as Grangeville, Salmon, and Wallace. Each settlement is carefully placed, offering a glimpse into the state’s human geography as it stood in the 1930s. Whether you are drawn to the bustling cityscapes or the tranquil rural expanses, this map provides a unique window into Idaho’s past, making it an exceptional addition to any collection of historical maps or Americana. Ruth Taylor White’s "Idaho" is more than a map—it is a lively, artful homage to a remarkable American state.

Cities and towns on this map

• Boise
• Idaho Falls
• Pocatello
• Twin Falls
• Caldwell
• Lewiston
• Moscow
• Nampa
• Blackfoot
• Burley
• Coeur d’Alene
• Payette
• Weiser
• Mountain Home
• Rupert
• Gooding
• Salmon
• Grangeville
• Sandpoint
• Wallace

Notable Features & Landmarks

• County boundaries and names are clearly depicted throughout Idaho.
• Major rivers such as the Snake River are illustrated and labeled.
• Pictorial representations of agriculture, including potatoes, wheat, and livestock.
• Illustrations of mining activity, such as miners and mining equipment.
• Depictions of forestry and logging, including lumberjacks and timber.
• Recreational activities, such as skiing and fishing, are illustrated.
• Illustrations of Native American figures and cultural references.
• Iconic wildlife, such as deer and fish, are shown.
• Mountains and scenic landscapes are depicted with exaggerated artistic flair.
• The state border of Idaho is clearly outlined.
• The map includes whimsical, cartoon-style drawings that highlight Idaho’s unique character.

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Idaho (as titled on the map).
• Mapmaker: Ruth Taylor White, a noted illustrator known for her whimsical and colorful pictorial maps, often collaborating with her husband, Frank J. Taylor, in the 1930s.
• Date of creation: 1935.
• Map type: County or State Thematic and Pictorial map.
• Artistic style: Features vibrant, cartoon-like illustrations with exaggerated and playful depictions of local culture, economy, and landscape.
• Themes: The map highlights stereotypical scenes and characteristics associated with Idaho during the 1930s, such as agriculture, mining, forestry, and recreation.
• Cultural context: The illustrations reflect the cultural elements and historical context of Idaho in the early 20th century, providing insight into how the state was perceived at the time.
• Regions shown: The entire state of Idaho, with county boundaries and names clearly marked.
• Historical significance: Serves as a visual narrative and cultural artifact, capturing the identity, economy, and charm of Idaho during the 1930s through both art and cartography.

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 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) 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.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

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.

Scopri di più sulle mie mappe su tela incorniciate.

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.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

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.