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Role of Historical Maps
Historical maps are an important tool for historians and other researchers to assess changes occurring over time. Original maps also provide a window into how an era viewed the world it lived in. The sources listed below provide access to images of originals and also to modern maps depicting historical events.
Historical Maps Web Sites
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Old Maps OnlineImages of the historical maps of several major research libraries. Can be searched by location name or by panning on base image. Each map image is fully cited and allows both zooming and panning.
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National Historical Geographic Information SystemData files for creating custom historical maps. Data taken from the U.S. Census 1790 to the present. Can create maps based on general topic, geographical level, dates and type of data.
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Historical Map Web SitesProject of University of Texas Perry-Castaneda Library, list of web sites that include digitized images of historical maps. List is arranged by geographical area and then by name of a particular map or map collection.
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National Map: Historical Topographic Map CollectionOngoing U.S. Geological Survey project to digitize all historical U.S. topographic maps. Search by geography and name of map. Must use GEOpdf software to download and print maps, available free of charge through the web site. To download, click on "download instructions" on the home page.
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Persuasive Cartography - The PJ Mode CollectionCollection of maps located at Cornell University that were used as tools of propaganda.
Reference Sources
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Historical Maps on File
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Call Number: Ref G1030 M37 2001ISBN: 081604600xPublication Date: 2001Looseleaf binder of world historical maps with an emphasis on U.S. history. Arranged by major historical periods. Maps are designed specifically for reproduction and permission is given for educational use. Detailed table of contents and subject index included. -
The New Atlas of World History
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Call Number: Ref Encylo/Atlas G1030 H99 2011ISBN: 9780691152691Publication Date: 2011Maps of world history arranged in chronological order from pre-history to the present. Each map includes descriptive text followed by a timeline for specific events in the arts economy, politics, religion and science. Glossary of peoples and cultures, bibliography and subject index included.
