1891 Rand McNally Map or Plan of Baltimore, Maryland

This is an excellent 1891 Rand McNally and Company map or plan of the city of Baltimore, Maryland. It covers the city from Woodberry to the Patapsco River. An inset in the upper right quadrant features a map of Baltimore and environs. This highly detailed map notes individual streets and buildings, including train stations, Post Office, Customs House, etc. Throughout, several parks, piers, squares, transport lines, and other topographical details are identified. This map was issued as plate nos. 102 and 103 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 3565.082 (1897 edition). Philips (atlases) 1026 (1898 edition).