Antique Map of Northern Ohio, The Buckeye State with Railroads and Counties, 1888

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This antique engraved map of Northern Ohio, published in 1888 by Rand, McNally & Co. in Chicago for their Improved … Read more This antique engraved map of Northern Ohio, published in 1888 by Rand, McNally & Co. in Chicago for their Improved Indexed Business Atlas and Shippers Guide, offers a highly detailed view of the “Buckeye State” during the late 19th century. It captures the northern half of Ohio, including its counties, townships, towns, and the extensive railroad system that defined the region’s economic growth during the Gilded Age. Railroads are shown in red and blue, demonstrating the density of transportation routes across northern Ohio. Major lines include the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern, the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis, and the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. These routes connected Ohio’s industrial centers to Chicago, Pittsburgh, and eastern seaboard markets, reinforcing the state’s strategic role as a hub of American commerce. Cleveland, prominently marked on the shore of Lake Erie, stands out as an industrial and shipping center, while Toledo, Sandusky, Akron, Canton, and Youngstown appear as vital regional cities. Counties such as Cuyahoga, Lucas, Summit, Stark, and Mahoning are clearly delineated, alongside numerous smaller towns and depots. The detail extends to township boundaries, rivers, and local roads, making this a practical reference tool for shippers, businessmen, and settlers in 1888. The strong presence of Lake Erie is a defining feature, emphasizing Ohio’s connection to the Great Lakes shipping trade, which carried coal, iron ore, grain, and manufactured goods. Historically, this map represents Ohio at the height of its industrial expansion. Known as “The Buckeye State,” Ohio had developed into a powerhouse of steel, coal, and manufacturing by the late 19th century. Cleveland’s steel industry, Toledo’s glass and auto-related manufacturing, and Akron’s emerging rubber industry laid the foundation for Ohio’s 20th-century economic dominance. The map also illustrates how railroads knit together the state’s agricultural regions with its urban and industrial centers. Engraved with precision, this Rand McNally map not only documents the transportation and settlement patterns of the era but also provides insight into the rapid transformation of Ohio into one of the most industrially advanced states in the nation.

Condition summary: Good condition overall. Mild toning and faint foxing in the margins and around the foldline. Original center fold as issued. Strong paper with crisp engraved detail, no major tears or repairs. See less