Madison, WI 1885
Beautifully designed. Printed on archival paper for modern walls.
Archival print promise
- Free U.S. shipping: every order ships free and is backed by a 30 day replacement guarantee.
- Museum-quality paper: rich color, fine detail, and a premium feel.
- Packed for safe delivery: unframed prints ship in sturdy tubes; framed prints ship in padded boxes.
This vintage bird's-eye map of Madison, Wisconsin was created in 1885 and titled Madison, State Capital of Wisconsin, County Seat of Dane County. This restored edition brings the historic Madison map to life while preserving the original linework and its densely detailed streets, lakeshores, rail lines, farms, and sailboats.
About This Historic Map
Drawn from an elevated bird's-eye perspective, this map presents Madison in the 1880s, when the isthmus city was shaped by its lakeside setting, state capital status, railroads, and lakeshore commerce. The view sweeps across the narrow neck of land between the lakes, with the growing grid of streets, tidy blocks, and boats dotting the water in every direction.
Notable features shown on the map include the grand State Capitol building set proudly at center, the lakeshores that frame the isthmus, and the many streets, rail lines, and shoreline docks that shaped life in Madison and Dane County in the 1880s. A numbered key along the bottom border identifies the city's landmarks.
For anyone who studied at the university, worked beneath the Capitol dome, or grew up walking the streets between the lakes, this map is more than a historic view. It captures the sailboats on the water, the young grid of a capital city finding its footing, and the memories that keep people connected to Madison.
A statement piece for any room, this reproduction is printed using KNOWOL's restored version of the 1885 Madison map, preserving the historic character of the original while adding depth, warmth, and visual clarity. It makes a meaningful addition to an office, library, den, family room, or local history collection.
Amazing vintage map of Madison, Wisconsin in 1885: see the history behind this piece in the KNOWOL library, with old photographs and the story of the town.
The Details
About This Print
🌲 Gallery-Quality Materials: Archival matte paper and optional solid, sustainably sourced Ayous wood frame.
✨ Shatterproof Protection: Crystal-clear Acrylite shield blocks glare and resists damage.
🛠️ Ready to Hang: Arrives at your door fully assembled and ready for the wall.
📦 Fast & Safe Shipping: Securely packaged to ensure flawless delivery.
Materials & Craftsmanship
The Unframed Print
Carefully restored from the original artwork and reproduced using gallery-quality, fade-resistant inks. Printed on heavyweight, museum-grade archival paper, this is the ideal choice if you prefer to use your own custom frame. KNOWOL reproductions are beautifully restored works of art.
The Framed Upgrade
Crafted from solid Ayous wood sourced from renewable forests, a sustainable, exotic timber that is lightweight and incredibly warp-resistant. Featuring a sleek 0.75″ profile in your choice of finish. Protected by premium Acrylite. Unlike cheap, heavy glass, our Acrylite is shatterproof, exceptionally clear, and lightweight, ensuring your vintage map is protected for decades to come. All framing components are ethically sourced from Japan and the US. Framed prints arrive fully assembled with hanging hardware included. No frame shop, no assembly, no second trips.
Shipping & Delivery
Free U.S. Shipping: All orders ship 100% free within the United States.
Unframed Prints: Carefully rolled and shipped in a heavy-duty, crush-resistant mailing tube.
Framed Prints: Shipped in custom-built protective packaging engineered specifically to keep the frame corners and Acrylite cover in flawless condition during transit.
Turnaround Time: Most orders ship within 3–5 business days and arrive at your door within 7–10 business days.
Returns & Quality Guarantee
Because every piece is custom-printed and framed to order exactly to your specifications, we are unable to accept returns or exchanges for a change of mind or sizing issues. However, we stand 100% behind our craftsmanship. If your art arrives damaged in transit or has a visible defect, email us a photo within 30 days and we will immediately expedite a flawless replacement. Quality guaranteed: the KNOWOL standard.