Old Map of Alberta & Saskatchewan by Bartholomew, 1922: Calgary, Edmonton, Rockies
Discover the allure of early 20th-century cartography with the exquisite “Alberta & Saskatchewan” map, crafted by the renowned J.G. Bartholomew in 1922. This map is a testament to Bartholomew’s mastery in precision and clarity, marking a pivotal transition in The Times Atlas from the earlier Andree maps to his own. The map is a visual feast, combining political and physical elements to provide a comprehensive view of the Canadian provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan. Its historical significance is underscored by its inclusion in the 1920 edition of The Times Atlas & Gazetteer of the World, a publication celebrated for its accuracy and detail.
Bartholomew’s innovative use of relief shading and hypsometric tints breathes life into the map, highlighting the diverse topography of the region. The Rocky Mountains stand majestically along the western edge, their elevations meticulously rendered to capture the grandeur of this natural barrier. The map’s bathymetric tints delineate the depths of numerous lakes and rivers, weaving a tapestry of water bodies that crisscross the provinces. This attention to geographical phenomena reflects the advancements in cartographic practices during this era, making the map both a functional tool and a work of art.
The map offers a window into the bustling cities and towns of the early 1920s, with Calgary and Edmonton in Alberta, and Saskatoon and Regina in Saskatchewan, prominently featured. These urban centers are interconnected by a network of railroads, symbolizing the economic growth and development of the region. Each settlement is a snapshot of a burgeoning community, poised on the brink of modernity, yet deeply rooted in its historical context. The map serves as a guide to the past, inviting exploration of these vibrant locales.
Beyond its geographical detail, the map is steeped in historical significance. It not only charts the physical landscape but also captures the cultural and political milieu of the time. The borders between Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba are clearly defined, reflecting the political boundaries of the era. This map is a collectible treasure for enthusiasts of historical cartography, offering a glimpse into the past with every contour and line.
Incorporating corrections from the 1920 edition, this map ensures reliability and accuracy, a hallmark of Bartholomew’s cartographic legacy. It stands as a testament to the evolution of atlas publishing, influencing geographical references up to the present day. The “Alberta & Saskatchewan” map is more than just a navigational aid; it is a piece of history, a luxurious addition to any collection, and a celebration of the art and science of mapmaking.
Cities and towns on this map
- Alberta:
- Calgary
- Edmonton
- Lethbridge
- Medicine Hat
-
Red Deer
-
Saskatchewan:
- Saskatoon
- Regina
- Moose Jaw
- Prince Albert
- Swift Current
Notable Features & Landmarks
- Rocky Mountains
- Numerous lakes and rivers throughout the region
- Railroads crossing Alberta and Saskatchewan
- Topographical relief indicating mountainous regions
- Borders between Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba
Historical and design context
- Created by J.G. Bartholomew in 1922
- Part of The Times Atlas & Gazetteer of the World, 1920 edition
- Transition from Andree’s maps to Bartholomew’s in The Times Atlas
- Utilizes relief shading and hypsometric tints for land, and bathymetric tints for water
- Marks a shift towards modern mapping techniques in the early 20th century
- Includes corrections from the 1920 edition for enhanced reliability and accuracy
Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.
This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.
This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.
The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.
The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.
If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.
Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.
This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father’s Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.
This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you’d like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.
