1892 Rand McNally Map of Alabama

An attractive 1892 map of Alabama issued by Rand McNally and Company. Centered on Birmingham, the map covers the entire state in great detail. An inset map of the environs of Birmingham in included in the lower right quadrant. Major cities, towns, rivers, railroads, and other topographical details are noted throughout. Relief is shown by hachures. This map was issued as plate nos. 150 and 151 in the 1893 edition of Rand McNally and Company's Indexed Atlas of the World- possibly the finest atlas Rand McNally ever issued.

Cartographer

Rand, McNally and Co. (fl. 1856 - present) is an American publisher of maps, atlases and globes. The company was founded in 1856 when William H. Rand, a native of Quincy, Massachusetts, opened a print shop in Chicago. Rand hired the recent Irish immigrant Andrew McNally to assist in the shop giving him a wage of 9 USD per week. The duo landed several important contracts, including the Tribune's (later renamed the Chicago Tribune) printing operation. In 1872, Rand McNally produced its first map, a railroad guide, using a new cost effective printing technique known as wax process engraving. As Chicago developed as a railway hub, the Rand firm, now incorporated as Rand McNally, began producing a wide array of railroad maps and guides. Over time, the firm expanded into atlases, globes, educational material, and general literature. By embracing the wax engraving process, Rand McNally was able to dominate the map and atlas market, pushing more traditional American lithographic publishers like Colton, Johnson, and Mitchell out of business. Eventually Rand McNally opened an annex office in New York City headed by Caleb S. Hammond, whose name is today synonymous with maps and atlases, and who later started his own map company, C. S. Hammond & Co. Both firms remain in business.   Further Details...

Source

Rand McNally & Co., Rand, McNally & Co's Indexed Atlas of the World, (Chicago) 1893.    

Condition

Very good. Original centerfold exhibits minor wear. Text on verso.

References

Rumsey 3565.096 (1897 edition). Philips (atlases) 1026 (1898 edition).