Maps provide all sorts of information about locations. Changes over the years can be seen by comparing seral years of maps from the same location. Maps also provide us with much more than geographical perspectives. Some maps are considered pieces of art, others provide us with all sorts of information like names of residents, and still others show military battles.Meet the Map Analysis Guide from the National Archives and Thinking About Maps from the Library of Congress will help student focus on the features they observe on maps.

Photographs were taken of the 1852, 1883, and 1906 Concord and Middlesex Country maps from the Geography and Map Division of the Library of Congress. Click on the image to view a larger version and complete the activity.

Concord Map 1852 Click to view a larger image Print the map

Map Avtivity Using the map to the left, find the following places: Jail Cemetery Milldam Company Stable Paint Shop Middlesex Hotel Church Engine House Insurance Office Bank Court House County House Armory Town Hall Masonic Hall

The Library of Congress has a rich collection of historical maps of the Revolutionary War era. Many were created by British cartographers. A nice feature at the Library of Congress Website is the ability to zoom in on specific areas of the map. Examine the maps below. What are some of the interesting features of these early maps? How do they compare to the maps you see today?

Click on the Map to View a Larger Image J. De Costa Courtesy of The Library of Congress	A plan of the town and harbour of Boston and the country adjacent with the road from Boston to Concord, showing the place of the late engagement between the King's troops & the provincials, together with the several encampments of both armies in & about Boston. Taken from an actual survey. Humbly inscribed to Richd. Whitworth by J. De Costa; C. Hall, sc.
Boston, its environs and harbour, with the rebels works raised against that town in 1775, from the observations of Lieut. Page of His Majesty's Corps of Engineers, and from those of other gentlemen.	Click on the Map to View a Larger Image Thomas Hyde Page, Sir, 1746-1821 Courtesy of The Library of Congress
Click on the Map to View a Larger Image Bailey, H. H. (Howard Heston) - Bailey, O. H. (Oakley Hoopes) - Fowler & Bailey - Strobridge & Co. Lith - Bailey, H. H. Courtesy of The Library of Congress	The Birds eye view of Columbus, Ohio map displays an interesting aerial view of the city. It was created in 1872.

Learn about powder horn maps from Patricia van Ee, one of the curators in the Geography and Map Division at The Libary of Congress. She also describes a creative use of maps by a former merchant, and a technology that allows you to zoom in znd out of maps.

Powder Horn Map of New York- map inscribed on a powder horn

Map Ladies- ladies made from maps

Mr. Sid- technology tool to use with maps