Canyons, Plateaus & Pre-Dam Colorado — Southwestern United States Wall Map (1948)

A snapshot of the postwar Southwest, rendered with clarity and restraint. Published by National Geographic in December 1948, this regional sheet captures the Colorado Plateau, canyon country, deserts and ranges before the big waterworks era—most notably no Lake Powell and no Glen Canyon Dam (construction wouldn’t begin until 1956). Clean, legible cartography rewards both room-distance viewing and close study—made to admire, reference, and display.

More Than a Map – A Testament to History

This isn’t just wall art—it’s the Southwest as it was. Trace the free-flowing Colorado River, read the state lines, towns and transport corridors, and study relief that predates mid-century dam building. Ideal for educators, historians, designers, travellers, and collectors, it pairs beautifully with other National Geographic sectional sheets for a cohesive multi-panel display.

Hang it in studios, libraries, classrooms, museums, offices, or at home to invite reflection, study, and conversation.

Premium Materials & Finishes

We treat history with the respect it deserves. That’s why we offer multiple formats, each produced using high-quality materials and modern archival printing.

🌟 Archival Paper Print
Printed on heavyweight 160gsm archival-grade paper.
Smooth matte finish reduces glare and preserves fine linework and labels.
Ideal for framing under glass—clean, timeless, and built to last.

💎 Laminated Edition
Encapsulated in two sheets of 80-micron gloss laminate using true thermal bonding—not just surface lamination.
Moisture-resistant, wipe-clean surface—perfect for classrooms and high-traffic reference spaces.

Optional Natural Timber Hang Rails: lacquered rails with a fitted hanging cord—ready to display. (Please allow up to 10 working days for delivery with hang rails.)

🏆 Museum-Quality Canvas
Printed on heavyweight 395gsm HP Professional Matte Canvas for rich texture and exceptional strength.
Pigment-based, fade-resistant inks deliver deep tone and crisp typography that endure for generations.

Optional Natural Timber Hang Rails: lacquered to enhance the grain; top cord for effortless hanging—elegant in any setting. (Please allow up to 10 working days for delivery with hang rails.)

Specifications

Why Choose This Map

✔ Pre-Dam Snapshot: See the Colorado River and canyonlands before Lake Powell and Glen Canyon Dam.
✔ Decorative & Scholarly: Strong wall presence with genuine reference value.
✔ Clarity at Scale: Crisp labels, fine linework, and balanced symbology read beautifully near or far.
✔ Series Cohesion: Complements other National Geographic sectional sheets for a gallery-ready set.
✔ Archival Craft: Premium substrates and inks preserve contrast, labels, and linework for decades.

Our Commitment

We believe that preserving history is as important as telling it. Every map is printed locally in Australia using state-of-the-art technology, carefully checked by hand, and packed with care. From the moment it leaves our workshop to the day it hangs on your wall, we ensure quality you can trust and a legacy you’ll be proud to share.

Bring canyon country—unchanged by dams—to your wall. Order the Southwestern United States (1948) today—a faithful, beautifully produced sheet that turns a room into a conversation.