Top 10 Maps of the United States

Top 10 Maps of the United States


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Maps of the United States have long been essential for understanding the vastness, diversity, and history of the country.  These maps not only show geographical boundaries and topography, but they also provide insights into historical developments, exploration, and cultural shifts.  From detailed topographical surveys to historical cartographic pieces, these maps have been used by explorers, governments, historians, and citizens alike.  Below is a list of the top 10 maps of the United States, ranked by size, with a look into their significance, history, and stories.

#1: The United States Geological Survey (USGS) Topographic Map Series, 3,500 Square Miles

The USGS Topographic Map Series is a collection of detailed maps that cover large areas of the United States, typically 3,500 square miles per sheet.  These maps, first published in the late 19th century, show natural and artificial features like rivers, mountains, roads, and towns, with topographic lines representing elevation.  The series is invaluable for geologists, hikers, and urban planners.  Interesting facts about these maps include their use by the military during World War II, helping with navigation and strategic planning.  The maps are still used today by various professionals and are continuously updated, making them one of the most important cartographic tools in the country.

Top 10 USGS Maps

#2: The Lewis and Clark Expedition Map, 2,000 Square Miles

The Lewis and Clark Expedition map, created by the famous explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, covers approximately 2,000 square miles of the American West.  This map, produced between 1804 and 1806, was essential in documenting their journey across the uncharted territory of the Louisiana Purchase and beyond.  It marks rivers, mountains, and the route they took, providing a glimpse into the wilderness of the early United States.  One fascinating story about this map is how it helped set the stage for the westward expansion of the United States, guiding pioneers along the Oregon Trail and later influencing the development of railroads.

#3: The National Geographic Map of the United States, 2,000 Square Miles

The National Geographic Map of the United States is known for its extraordinary detail and accuracy.  Spanning 2,000 square miles, it features the topography, political boundaries, and major cities of the country.  This map is famous for its stunning use of color and shading to highlight the various regions and terrains of the U.S., including its mountains, plains, and coastlines.  The map is a favorite in classrooms and homes alike, inspiring many to explore the diverse geography of the U.S.  An anecdotal story about this map involves its use during the Great Depression when families relied on maps like this to navigate the country in search of better opportunities.

#4: The Rand McNally Road Atlas Map, 1,800 Square Miles

The Rand McNally Road Atlas Map covers 1,800 square miles and is perhaps one of the most iconic road maps in the United States.  First published in the 1920s, this map series revolutionized travel in the U.S. by providing clear and concise routes for drivers.  The map includes major highways, interstates, and scenic routes, making it a staple for road trips.  An interesting fact about the Rand McNally map is how it played a significant role in the post-World War II boom in car culture, as more Americans hit the road for travel and vacations.  Stories of families planning cross-country trips with this map evoke the sense of adventure that road maps have inspired for generations.

#5: The Civil War Battle Maps, 1,200 Square Miles

The Civil War battle maps are some of the most historically significant maps of the United States, showing key battle sites, troop movements, and strategic areas during the American Civil War.  These maps, often covering up to 1,200 square miles per sheet, are used to study the various military campaigns and tactics used by both Union and Confederate forces.  The maps were initially drawn by military engineers and later compiled into atlases for historical study.  One interesting anecdote is how these maps, particularly those of the Battle of Gettysburg, have been used in reenactments to ensure historical accuracy.

#6: The Historic Route 66 Map, 1,100 Square Miles

Route 66 is a cultural icon, and the map tracing its path is equally famous.  The historic Route 66 map spans 1,100 square miles and outlines the route from Chicago to Santa Monica, passing through eight states.  First designated in 1926, the route became a symbol of American freedom, as it was one of the first highways to connect the country from east to west.  The map’s importance lies not only in its geographical representation but in how it encapsulates the spirit of the American road trip and the migration westward during the Dust Bowl era.  Route 66 maps continue to attract travelers, making the road an enduring part of U.S. history.

#7: The National Park System Map, 800 Square Miles

The National Park System Map covers 800 square miles of the United States and represents the beauty and diversity of the country’s protected landscapes.  The map includes every national park, monument, and recreation area, with detailed boundaries, roads, and points of interest.  This map is essential for park visitors and conservationists alike.  One memorable story is how the map was used during the creation of the 1964 Wilderness Act, which protected millions of acres of land across the country.  As visitors continue to explore the national parks, this map serves as both a guide and a reminder of the importance of preserving America’s natural wonders.

#8: The United States Postal Service Delivery Routes Map, 750 Square Miles

The U.S. Postal Service Delivery Routes map covers 750 square miles of the U.S., offering a detailed look at mail delivery areas across the country.  This map was critical in the establishment of an efficient postal system, particularly during the 19th century when towns were first being connected across the vast distances of the American frontier.  The map shows not only the routes but also the early cities and towns that made up the foundation of the modern postal system.  Stories from postal workers tell of the challenges of delivering mail to remote areas, with the map serving as a vital tool for managing deliveries.

#9: The U.S. Census Bureau Map, 500 Square Miles

The U.S. Census Bureau Map spans 500 square miles and provides detailed demographic information, including population density, ethnicity, income, and housing.  The map is based on data collected during the decennial census and is used for planning and policy-making.  One interesting fact is that the Census Bureau map has been a critical resource for determining congressional representation and federal funding.  Anecdotes from urban planners and political analysts highlight how this map has been used to guide development projects and shape the future of American cities.

#10: The U.S. Military Tactical Map, 300 Square Miles

The U.S. Military Tactical Map covers 300 square miles and is used for military operations, providing detailed topographic information for troops in the field.  These maps, developed and used by the U.S. Army, are designed for use in a variety of combat and peacekeeping situations.  The maps are updated regularly to reflect changes in terrain and infrastructure.  An interesting story comes from the Gulf War, where U.S. military leaders relied on these maps to navigate the desert terrain and outmaneuver Iraqi forces.  The tactical map has remained an indispensable tool for U.S. military operations for decades.

Maps of the United States offer more than just geographical information; they are artifacts that reflect the evolution of the country itself.  From early exploratory maps to modern political boundaries, these maps provide insights into the people, events, and ideas that shaped the nation.  They are records of our past, tools for our present, and guides for the future.  These top 10 maps have shaped the way we navigate, explore, and understand the United States, each one telling a unique story in the history of cartography.

More Great Top 10’s

The United States and Maps

Maps of the United States are more than just practical tools for navigation; they are reflections of the country’s evolving identity, history, and aspirations.  From the earliest depictions of colonial settlements to the expansive topographical maps we use today, they offer a window into the changing landscape of a nation.  Maps of the U.S. tell the stories of exploration, conquest, and settlement—capturing the journeys of pioneers, adventurers, and soldiers charting unknown lands.  They also reflect the ideals and ambitions of the country, such as the desire to expand westward, the concept of manifest destiny, and the drive to connect distant parts of the nation through railroads and highways.  Each map carries a sense of discovery, as if the very act of drawing borders, outlining cities, or charting rivers is part of a larger journey to understand and control the vast land.  The history of the U.S. is mapped in its shifting boundaries—states being carved out of wilderness, territories acquired through treaties and wars, and the great migration westward that transformed the face of the continent.  Today, these maps continue to evolve, not just in terms of geography but also in their role as tools for education, commerce, and national identity.  They are living documents, reminding us of how far the United States has come and how much more there is to explore, with every new map offering a fresh perspective on the nation’s geography, culture, and future.

Learn more about Maps
  • Topographical Maps:  Representation of the physical features of a region or area.
  • Contour Maps:  Representation of the contours of the land surface or ocean floor.
  • Raised Relief Maps:  Representation of land elevations with raised features indicating landforms.
  • Terrain Maps:  Representation of the physical features of a terrain or landmass.
  • USGS Topographic Maps:  Representation of topographic features and land elevations based on USGS data.
  • USGS Historical Topographic Maps:  Representation of historical topographic maps created by the USGS.
  • Watershed Maps:  Representation of the areas where water flows into a particular river or lake.
  • Elevation Maps:  Representation of land and water elevations with high precision.
  • Physical Maps:  Representation of physical features of the Earth’s surface such as landforms, oceans, and plateaus.
  • Bathymetric Maps:  Representation of the topography and features of the ocean floor.
  • NOAA Maps:  Representation of atmospheric, oceanographic, and environmental data by NOAA.
  • Nautical Maps:  Representation of the underwater features and depth of an area for navigation purposes.
  • Geologic Maps:  Representation of the geologic features of an area such as rock types, faults, and folds.
  • Satellite Maps:  Representation of earth from high-definition satellite imagery.

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