1885 Map of Indiana - Parry Manufacturing Co.
By: Wm. B. Burford, Litho.
Date: 1885 (published) Indianapolis
Dimensions: 33.5 x 22.75 inches (85 x 57.75 cm)
This is a very fine example of a rare map of Indiana from the late 19th century promoting the Indiana-based Parry Manufacturing Co. which specialized in horse-drawn buggies and carriages. With only two other examples listed on OCLC, this map is a scarce as it is intriguing.
The map is color-coded by county, with an intricate network of railroads, roads, and towns, illustrating the accessibility and distribution reach of the company. Bold red lines highlight gravel roads (a luxury of the era), emphasizing Indiana’s well-developed infrastructure that supported industries like Parry Manufacturing. Cities, towns, and county seats are clearly labeled, offering a comprehensive view of settlement patterns and industrial centers within the state that developed and populated itself from the Ohio River in the south, northward to Michigan.
Promoting Indiana’s Industrial Strength and Parry’s Horse-Drawn Vehicles
Beyond its geographic details, the map prominently features Parry Manufacturing Co., headquartered in Indianapolis. In the lower right corner, an advertisement promotes the company’s expansive factory, which is described as the "Largest and Best Equipped Factory on Earth for Producing Superior Vehicles." Alongside this claim, a list of branch houses in major U.S. cities—including San Francisco, Philadelphia, and New York—as well as international locations like Mexico City and Brussels, highlights the company's extensive distribution network.
On the left side of the map, detailed illustrations of various Parry buggies and carriages showcase the company's diverse product line. Each vehicle is labeled with a model number, providing a glimpse into the types of buggies available to consumers. These finely crafted horse-drawn vehicles were essential for personal transportation and commerce before the rise of the automobile, and Parry was a major player in supplying them across the country.
Background on Parry Manufacturing Co.
Founded in 1882 by David M. Parry, Parry Manufacturing Co. quickly became one of the largest buggy manufacturers in the world. The company was known for its high-quality craftsmanship and efficient mass production techniques. At its peak, it produced more than 100,000 vehicles annually, supplying buggies and carriages to customers across the United States and internationally. However, as the automobile industry expanded in the early 20th century, the demand for horse-drawn vehicles declined, leading Parry to transition into automobile manufacturing. The company's influence helped lay the groundwork for Indianapolis' emergence as an automotive hub.
Condition: Map is in A condition, original issued folded in a cover the map has since been linen-backed securing any separations and preserving it for generations to come.
Inventory #12948
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