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Library of Congress Map Collections from 1500's

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the simply-cool dept.

e03179 writes "A friend of mine stumbled across this site from the US Library of Congress. The website allows users to view maps that go all the way back to the 1500's (like this one of America in 1562). The maps have been converted to digital form (SID format - viewer available here) but are viewable in .GIF form in your browser. I was able to look up my hometown during 1871 and see the church in which I'm getting married. Who thought the LOC could be so 31337?"

12 of 251 comments (clear)

  1. useless unless by madsenj37 · · Score: 5, Funny

    you are a pirate lost in time

    --
    Choosing the lesser of two evils is a choice for evil.
  2. Maps are sadly out of state by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    These maps aren't very good for directions. For example, the entire state of California is missing, and the United States isn't even recognizable. They may be fine for getting around Europe, but for use in the Americas, well, they're worthless.

  3. Ok Ok Ok!!! by thammoud · · Score: 5, Funny

    So could you please tell me if they included a map for Palestine and Israel so we can settle this once and for all ?

  4. theifs! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    I hope they respect the copyrights on those documents! Remember, sharing is stealing!

  5. MapQuest by stephenisu · · Score: 5, Funny

    This must be where MapQuest does all their data mining.... I always wondered why it told me to take so many non-existent roads..

    --
    Sigs? We don't need no stinking sigs!
  6. Twilight Zone... by jaybird144 · · Score: 5, Funny

    My University has vanished! I found a map of Champaign, IL (I go to the U of I there...) ca. 1869 (2 years after the University was supposedly founded) and there's nothing there! The map shows farmland where all of the University buildings are! So, the question is, did the U of I really exist then, or are they just pulling my leg? I want answers!

    1. Re:Twilight Zone... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      Ah yes, we were wondering when you'd ask about that. There there, don't try and escape, the chains are tight, and there are armed guards all around.

      You see, your entire "college" was actually just built 3 weeks ago. Your classmates and friends (and yes, even that cute chick you just met) are all paid agents of our organization.

      We tried to conceal everything from you, and we were succeeding.. but DAMN the the infernal Library of Congress!! The ONLY government department were we don't have high-level implants. Who would suspect them? But now you know our secret. In the future we will be sure ALL parts of government are fully managed by our agents.

      Ah, yes, why am I telling you this? Because we're putting the finishing touches on a NEW college for you. Rest assured, we have learned from our mistakes. There will be NO maps accessible from your network terminal, and the stone will fool even the most sophisticated carbon dating. This time, we've decided not to use a "cute chick" agent. In fact I personally decided to implant you with a homosexual persona. I think you'll enjoy it! Your new name will be "Brad" (doesn't it just scream "FAG"?) and you're majoring in Computer Science again (and of course, you must, in order for our plans to succeed).

      Anyway, tonight after you fall asleep, the Mind Eraser beam will make you forget everything I've just told you.

      Tomorrow you will begin your new life!! And our evil plans will remain intact!

      MWAH HA HA HA HA HA H- *cough* *cough* (Sorry, still working on the evil laugh).

  7. Re:GIF Format? by falzer · · Score: 5, Funny

    Yep. The world didn't turn color until sometime in the 1930's, and it was pretty grainy color for a while, too.

  8. Re:GIF Format? by ozbird · · Score: 5, Funny

    I guess the hadn't discovered more then 256 colors in the 1500's.

    They're maps - you only need four colours...

  9. Re:500 years? by doi · · Score: 5, Funny

    Yeah, I noticed that all those dragons that used to be in the middle of the Atlantic are nowhere near there anymore.

    --
    A man's reach must exceed his grasp, or what's an erection for?
  10. You missed the disclaimer by User+956 · · Score: 5, Funny

    These maps aren't very good for directions. For example, the entire state of California is missing, and the United States isn't even recognizable.

    I guess you must have missed the disclaimer: "When using this map, it's a good idea to do a reality check and make sure the road still exists, watch out for construction, and follow all traffic safety precautions. This map is only to be used as an aid in planning."

    --
    The theory of relativity doesn't work right in Arkansas.
  11. works for me by mattdm · · Score: 5, Funny

    Hmmm; the maps of Boston seem just about as good for getting around here as any I've seen at a bookstore recently....