Antique & Collectibles University

Robert Pearsall Smith of Philadelphia was a leading publisher of lithographic maps at this time. Between 1847 and 1864 he issued some 400-500 editions of city, town, and county maps. He supplied local surveyors with special transfer paper and ink; and then contracted with various lithographic shops in Philadelphia to print copies. Smith would retain copyright and other privileges from the surveyors in exchange for a specific number of maps.
By the middle of the 19th century, the American map making industry exploded. This explosion occurred as a result of technical advances, mainly the advent of transfer lithography, and social developments. The growing railroad, canal system, and burgeoning westward movement demanded the making of maps; and the tripling of the population of the United States between 1810 and 1850 increased the pool of consumers.
The aim of the typical lithographic map publisher at this time was to make good maps which would be available to potential users at a low cost.In the current market these Pre Civil War maps are highly sought after items, mainly due to the fact thatfew remain. Many of these maps were confiscated during the war and received rough usage in the hands of both Union and Confederate forces.