Library of Congress




Plots and Plans and Travel Writing

The word "plot" derives from the Old English word meaning "a piece of land." Use these panoramic maps as a jumping off point to "plot and plan" a journey across the United States.

Imagine you are taking a journey during the timeframe represented by the collection Panoramic Map, 1847-1929. Use the browse feature of this collection to select two panoramic maps: one of a city from which you will start your journey, and the other of a city that will be your destination. Use these maps, and perhaps others that depict places along the way, to write about a journey. If you are having trouble selecting either a place from which to begin or a destination, just choose one of the two examples below.

[Fort Collins, Colorado. M. D.] Hought[on.

Fort Collins, Colorado, Merritt Dana Houghton, Cartographer, 1865?

San Francisco Bird's-eye view / drawn & lithographed by C.B. Gifford.

San Francisco, California, Charles B. Gifford, Lithographer, 1864.

Davenport, Ia. 1888. H. Wellge, des.

Davenport, Iowa, Henry Wellge, Cartographer, 1888.

Gorham, N.H. 1888. Drawn & published by Geo. E. Norris. The Burleigh Lith. Est.

Gorham, New Hampshire, George Norris, Cartographer, 1888.

  • What is the year of your journey?
  • Why are you making this journey?
  • What route will you take to get to your destination?
  • What form of transportation will you choose? Will you travel by steamer, wagon, or stagecoach? Will you go on foot as did Johnny Appleseed, Elijah Parish Lovejoy, or John Muir?
  • What places will you visit in the towns and countryside along the way? Where will you sleep?
  • Where and what will you eat?
  • How much money will you need to take the journey? Might you barter your work for shelter or food?
  • Who might you expect to meet?
  • What local, national, and international news will you discuss with others along the route? What political and social issues will you discuss?
  • What forms of entertainment might you find? Will you carry a fiddle, harmonica, or another musical instrument with you for entertainment?
  • Would you write letters, keep a diary, send a telegram? What would you write about along the way?
  • Would you read during your journey? What would you read?
  • Where will you live or stay when you reach your destination?
  • What kind of map, or maps, might be useful as you travel?