Map of Washington, (1882)

Map of Washington, (1882)

Washington (State)--Maps<br>Washington Territory<br>Waite, Charles H.

1 map: col., 37 x 28 cm.<br>One of the leading map publishing companies of the 20th century, Rand McNally and Co. began in Chicago, 1865. Under the partnership of William H. Rand and Andrew McNally (started in 1868), the company quickly grew from railroad timetable and ticket printer to publisher of fine railroad maps and atlases. Two of their most famous publications are the "Pocket Maps"--first released in 1872 and the "Business Atlas", released under one name or another from 1876 to 1991. In this map of Washington Territory, 1882, the county lines are delineated in pink. The map was most likely mechanically colored, a technique that was brought to the company by one of its earliest employees--engraver Charles H. Waite. He also brought with him the knowledge and use of wax engraving. Rand McNally was one of the first to use the method. However, contemporary publishers such as the Mitchell Company and G.W. Colton continued to use lithography--preferring its quality. Yet, wax engraving was cheaper and could be easily corrected. It also could imprint typesetting--which greatly improved the look of busy / cluttered railroad maps, and so was the preferred choice of the map department at Rand McNally.

Rand McNally and Company

Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections, WSU Libraries

[Chicago] : Rand McNally and Company, 1882

1882

Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections

Contact Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections, for copyright information 509 335-6691

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English

Maps

WSU 12

Washington (State)
Washington Territory