J. L. BELL is a Massachusetts writer who specializes in (among other things) the start of the American Revolution in and around Boston. He is particularly interested in the experiences of children in 1765-75. He has published scholarly papers and popular articles for both children and adults. He was consultant for an episode of History Detectives, and contributed to a display at Minute Man National Historic Park.

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Sunday, December 05, 2010

A Map of Washington

Smithsonian magazine offers an online look at some of George Washington’s map collection, drawn from Barnet Schecter’s new coffee-table book, George Washington’s America: A Biography Through His Maps.

As a surveyor, large property-owner, speculator in western lands, military commander, and government leader, Washington was keenly aware of the value of maps. His own collection ended up in the Yale University library system (much as, I suppose, two of Benjamin Franklin’s maps came to the Boston Public Library).

The image at top is a detail from one of those maps, a London rendition of the siege of Boston. British warships have set fire to Charlestown with their artillery, and in the upper right locals are fleeing. The area looks somewhat different today.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

"Charlestown in Flames" is a great band name...