Topographical Map of the Original District of Columbia and Environs

The Rarest of the Rare!
Click here for printable order form

Visitors have long admired the 1862, "Topographical Map of the Original District of Columbia and Environs: Showing the Fortifications around the City of Washington," by E. G. Arnold on display in the Library. With its pastel shades highlighting the several wards of Washington DC, water courses, and the original boundary of the District of Columbia including the 30 square miles of Northern Virginia that was ceded back to the Commonwealth in 1846, this map is quite a lovely display piece. We are excited to announce that we published a 26" x 28" reproduction of this map for sale.

We had no idea just how rare this map is. According to the Spring/Summer 2003 (Vol. 15, No. 1) issue of Washington History, two days after the map went on sale in various shops in 1862, the War Department confiscated most copies, as was the copper plate that was used to print the original maps. In addition, the Department obtained the names of purchasers and seized the maps from the homes of private citizens to prevent it from falling into Confederate hands insofar as the map identifies and locates 51 forts that defended Washington, DC during the Civil War. The legacy of these forts remains with such local place names as Ft. Totten (a station on Metrorail's Red and Green Lines), the Fort Hunt residential area of Fairfax County, and Alexandria's own Ft. Ward Museum.

The "...Fortifications around the City of Washington" reproduction map is available for that Civil War aficionado, military history buff, antique map collector, or happily ensconced area native, resident, or former resident on your gift list. The map is available in Local History/Special Collections for immediate purchase. As a special bonus, come in to Special Collections to buy your map (cash or check only) and the price will include the sales tax. This offer is not available by mail order. You may also mail in this printable order form along with your check (tax and shipping charges will apply).

 Maps cost $20 (plus tax and shipping if necessary). Note cards are also available in pack of 10 for $5. Please call us at 703-838-4577 if you have any questions!

A project of the Alexandria Library, Local History/Special Collections Division
Content and Design: Heather Muller

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