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Rufus Blanchard was a prominent American mapmaker, publisher, photographer, viewmaker, and bookseller, known for his contributions to Chicago during the latter half of the 19th century.  During his time in Chicago, he became on of its most important mapmakers and publishers both before and after the Great Fire, with a significant emphasis on pocket maps, railroad maps and similar guides and publications.

Blanchard was born in Lyndeborough, New Hampshire, and received his early education at Ipswich Academy. In 1835, Blanchard moved to New York City to live with his brother Calvin, who owned a bookstore at 78 Nassau Street. During this time, he witnessed two major events that shaped the city's history: the Great Fire of 1835 and the Wall Street Panic of 1836. Shortly after, Blanchard left the city, seeking solitude in the wilderness of Ohio, where he spent three years hunting and trapping.

By 1840, Blanchard returned to New York, taking a position with Harper Brothers, a well-established publishing house. His experience in the publishing industry encouraged him to open his own bookstore in Lowell, Massachusetts, in 1843. After a brief period of operation, Blanchard relocated to Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1846, where he partnered with his brother Edwin to open another business. Their success led to the expansion of operations to New Orleans, though this period was disrupted by the 1849 cholera epidemic. That same year, Blanchard returned to New York and entered a printing partnership with Charles Morse, the son of Samuel Morse, the inventor of the telegraph. He also collaborated with the prominent map publishers J. H. Colton.

By 1853, Blanchard had moved to Chicago, where he established himself as a printer and publisher. Recognizing the growing demand for railroad maps, he relocated his business to 52 LaSalle Street in 1854, where he began producing detailed maps for the rapidly expanding rail network. His contributions to the city included the publication of Chicago's first street guide in 1857, along with the opening of an office in Wheaton, Illinois, to extend his business reach.

In 1867, Blanchard's nephew, George Cram, joined him in the business, resulting in the formation of "Blanchard and Cram." The partnership proved successful until the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which destroyed their Chicago office, along with a separate fire that consumed their Wheaton location. Despite these setbacks, Blanchard rebuilt his business, though Cram eventually left to establish his own firm, George F. Cram and Company. Another fire in 1885 devastated Blanchard's map stock, but he once again persevered, rebuilding his business.

Blanchard continued to be active in photography, writing, and publishing until his death at the age of 83. He was remembered for his resilience and dedication, described as a man who never "grew old in heart or brain," despite facing numerous challenges throughout his life.