Map Stories
Maps are “graphic representations that facilitate a spatial understanding of things, concepts, conditions, processes, or events in the human world.”
-J. Brian Harley and David Woodward, History of Cartography, v. 1 (1987).
Individuals, groups and governments create maps for political, economic, and social purposes. So maps try to convince us about something—the best route, city boundaries, the dangerous mountains. They show space, and also make a case or argument about how to see or use it.
Maps are also cultural and historical documents. They can reveal a lot about the communities that made them--their ideas and values, their way of seeing the world, their hopes and dreams.
In other words, maps tell stories. The maps in this exhibit tell the stories of Saratoga Springs’ residents, government officials, clubs, and visitors
1804 DeWitt (LOC)
1879 Cramer/Mott (LOC)
1971 Murphy/Krem (SSPL)
1956 Strohl (private)