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Category: 20th century cartography

Mapping the Gangs of Chicago

Posted by: Meagan Snow

When Prohibition became law across the United States in 1920, legitimate businesses were no longer allowed to serve alcohol, paving the way for illegal speakeasies and related underground businesses. In Chicago, this meant that criminals like Al Capone and Johnny Torrio fought for control of illegal alcohol distribution within the city, sparking an infamous decade …

Posted in: 20th century cartography

Map showing proposed national highway route in green

Maps of the Good Roads Movement

Posted by: Meagan Snow

In the early 20th century, most of America’s rural roads were constructed of gravel or dirt, causing slow travel and muddy roads. As new modes of transportation blossomed in cities – cars, bicycles, trolleys, and paved streets – a political movement called the Good Roads Movement aimed to connect rural areas with local cities via …

Posted in: 20th century cartography, American History