Bacon's Map of Edinburgh Divided Into Half Mile Squares is a richly detailed, hand-colored map of Scotland's capital city, produced in the 1890s. The map provides a comprehensive view of the city, including its major thoroughfares, parks, neighborhoods, and railway infrastructure, with a clear focus on its urban layout and the transportation systems of the time.
The map is divided into half-mile squares, offering a grid-based system for precise navigation and reference. An indexed list of locations on the sides of the map corresponds to the grid, enabling users to locate landmarks, streets, and other features with ease. Major streets are highlighted in orange, creating a visual hierarchy that guides the viewer's eye across the city.
Key landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, and the Scott Monument are prominently marked, reflecting their importance to the city's identity. Parks and green spaces, such as Princes Street Gardens and Arthur’s Seat, are shaded in green, emphasizing their role in the city's urban environment. e
Railway stations are highlighted in red, underscoring their significance in connecting Edinburgh to surrounding regions and beyond. Prominent stations, such as Waverley Station and Haymarket Station, are strategically placed along major lines that traverse the city, reflecting the growing importance of rail transport in the Victorian and Edwardian eras.
This map illustrates the dense urban planning of Edinburgh's city center, with its grid-like layout in the New Town contrasting with the more organic street patterns of the Old Town. The division into half-mile squares reflects the practicality of 19th-century urban cartography, aiming to provide a user-friendly tool for residents and visitors alike.