George Washington and His Maps
In his journey from surveyor to soldier to leader, our first president used cartography to get a feel for the young nation
- By John Hanc
- Smithsonian.com, November 16, 2010
(University of Virginia, Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library)
This map of the western frontier, drawn by the 21-year-old Washington in 1754, reveals something about his character, as well as his ability as a draftsman. “This shows his toughness, as well as his skills,” Schecter says: “That he was willing to go out and trek through rain and snow in the wilderness and come back with an accurate map.”
Washington’s map was also influential. It shows the forks of the Ohio and its confluence with the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers (site of modern day Pittsburgh), and helped convince Virginia authorities that this strategic site—where a fort was planned—was vulnerable to attack and needed to be defended.
Guess who was appointed to lead the mission to defend the new settlement?
Comments (4)
Some of the nautical information on this British map may have been gathered by the famous (future captain) James Cook, RN, who did a recconnaissance assignment at Quebec.
Posted by Andre Rodenburg on February 20,2012 | 02:36 PM
I've read that a large part of Napoleon's genius was his ability to make extraordinary use of maps.
Posted by JimCooke on September 6,2011 | 08:07 AM
Mr. Herr,
Your button is not one that George Washington would have worn but more likely one celebrating his inauguration as President in New York. Contact a museum or reputable antique dealer about it. It could be of some value.
Regards, Daniel S.
Posted by Daniel on December 5,2010 | 10:03 AM
I have in my possession a coat size button with the bust of George Washington imbossed on it.It is either brass or bronze,not sure.It was found on long Island in 1976, by me at a place he visited several times.It could be a cape button that he usaully wore.Can you shed some light on it.I will send a picture if need be or please send me photo's of some of his military uniforms.
thanks, Richard T. Herr
Posted by Richard T. Herr on November 24,2010 | 08:50 AM