Guided Primary Source Analysis: Eagle map of the United States

The eagle map of the United States
Moore, Isaac W. “The eagle map of the United States.” 1832, published 1833 in Churchman’s Rudiments of national knowledge. Library of Congress Geography and Map Division.

Zoom into this map (online | .pdf). How many states do you see? Describe the differences between this 1833 map and a current map of the United States.

What impression of the United States do you get from this map? Explain your reaction. Then use details from the source to explain what might have been the creator’s purpose for making this map.

Incorporate the American eagle or another U.S. symbol into a current U.S. map that conveys your impression of the country. (You may wish to do some more research by clicking one of the links below.) After, share your map with your peers and see if they read the map as you intended.

What other observations, reflections or questions does this source inspire? Let us know!

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