1899 Map of South Africa by George Walker

The 1899 map of South Africa, published in Boston by George H. Walker & Company, captures the political and economic geography of southern Africa at the outbreak of the Second Anglo-Boer War. Covering the region from the Cape of Good Hope north to parts of Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, it delineates the British colonies of the Cape and Natal, the independent Boer republics of the Transvaal and Orange Free State, and neighbouring German and Portuguese territories, all colour-coded for clarity. The map highlights railways, roads, mining centres, and strategic routes, particularly those connecting Cape Town, Durban, and the Witwatersrand goldfields, revealing the infrastructure underpinning both commerce and impending conflict. Produced for an American audience, it catered to growing international interest in South Africa’s mineral wealth and political tensions. As one of the last pre-war maps to show the Boer republics as sovereign states, it stands as a vivid cartographic snapshot of imperial rivalry and transformation, illustrating the fusion of geography, industry, and empire that defined South Africa on the eve of the 20th century.

This map is a reproduction of a historical map that is now in the public domain. It has been selected for its aesthetic appeal and historical interest and carefully restored and reproduced to preserve its original detail and character.  There may be marks and fold lines visible which add to the authentic look.  The map is printed on 230gsm heavyweight coated paper with a matte finish.  Most old maps were printed on uncoated rag or wood pulp papers and therefore a matte finish best represents the original map.