The Hidden History of America’s 19th-Century Mania for Panoramic Prints

(via Atlas Obscura)In the years after the Civil War,  a small group of itinerant view makers traveled the country to capture its boom towns, villages, and cities in lithographed prints, making a living selling those drawings to proud citizens.

These views were one of America’s first fads. These panoramic maps were hand-drawn from an imaginary viewpoint, elevated high above the streets, revealing the shape, situation and details of America’s growing cities. They were hugely popular, “almost a mania,” according to one contemporary writer.  Atlas Obscura has more on this interesting piece of commercial and artistic history.

The image at the top is of Rome, NY dated 1886.  It is attributed to artist L.R. Burleigh of Beck & Pauli, Troy NY.  Click here for more info on this map.