What is the west

Rand McNally

Mapmaking had become a commercial industry by the middle of the 19th century. However, by the late 1870’s, technological innovations made printing cheaper and easier, and maps became widely affordable. The Rand McNally company, based in Chicago, rose to prominence for their printing of railroad maps and timetables. They continue to be a major name in mapmaking over a century later. In addition to railroad maps, Rand McNally printed national and world atlases. Examine the documents below that appeared in 19th century Rand McNally atlases.

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Source: Rand McNally and Company. Map of the World. 1879. National Atlas. David Rumsey Collection.

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Source: Rand McNally and Company. Title Page: Rand, McNally & Co.'s business atlas. 1879. National Atlas. David Rumsey Collection.

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Source: Rand McNally and Company. U.S. foreign commerce, imports & exports. 1897. World Atlas. David Rumsey Collection.

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Questions:

1. Based on these documents, who do you think were the intended buyers of Rand McNally atlases?

2. Where is the United States located on the map of the world? Why do you think the map of the world is drawn this way?

3. Why might people be interested in the chart of U.S. commerce? How does this chart contribute to a sense of national identity?