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Posted by: Tim St. Onge
The Geography and Map Division collections include vibrant nineteenth century maps showcasing brand new American communities and promises of the "good life" to prospective lot or home buyers. This post explores the common themes and fascinating details of these highly artistic maps designed to lure investment.
Posted in: 19th century cartography, American History, City Histories
Posted by: Tim St. Onge
Among our collection of "bird’s-eye view" maps of U.S. and Canadian cities created from the late 19th to early 20th centuries, the work Augustus Koch in particular stands out for his artistry, geographic range, and incredible cartographic detail. His maps and historical newspaper clippings relating to his work attest not only to his mastery of the form but the value of panoramic maps in instilling civic pride.
Posted in: 19th century cartography, City Histories
Posted by: Lena Mattson
Most American cities are encompassed by one or more counties and overlap with them in jurisdiction, but there are 41 unique cases known as independent cities, and 38 of them are in Virginia. Read more to learn why!
Posted in: 19th century cartography, 20th century cartography, American History, Borders, City Histories
Posted by: Abraham Parrish
This post covers the cultural geographic origins and spread of the gift giver figure through various maps.
Posted in: 18th century cartography, 19th century cartography, 20th century cartography, American History, City Histories, European History, Military History
Posted by: Cynthia Smith
This post features maps of the World's Columbian Exposition that took place in 1893. Images of a guide map, souvenir maps, floor plans, and bird's eye views are included in the post.
Posted in: 19th century cartography, American History, City Histories
Posted by: Abraham Parrish
This blog post explores the early adoption of electrical lighting in 19th century America through maps.
Posted in: 19th century cartography, American History, City Histories
Posted by: Lena Mattson
Excitement about the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics is sweeping our own nation’s capital, as it is in so many places around the world. Here at the Library of Congress, we’re certainly marking the occasion. The Informal Learning Office (ILO) recently hosted an Olympics-themed Family Day, and afterward they published a blog post about it where …
Posted in: 19th century cartography, 20th century cartography, American History, City Histories, European History
Posted by: Abraham Parrish
An insight into early 18th century trade in the East-Indies focusing on the English East Indies Company and the 1721-1723 trade voyage of the ship Townsend revealed through the maps of British cartographer Herman Moll.
Posted in: 18th century cartography, Asian History, City Histories, European History, Middle East and North African History
Posted by: Meagan Snow
This post details the broad history of coal and iron-ore deposit in Alabama, including the founding and building of Birmingham and the use of convict labor in the mines.
Posted in: African American History, American History, City Histories