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Story
September 15, 1896
The Providence News
Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island
What is this article about?
Senator Cannon of Utah proposes a massive ground map of the US on Washington’s Potomac flats, endorsed by the National Geographical Society, for practical and scientific benefits, awaiting congressional approval.
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WORLD'S BIGGEST MAP.
The Whole Country to Be Shown on a Large Stretch of Land.
If the pet project of Senator Cannon of Utah is carried out, this country will, before long, have the largest surface map in the world. His idea is to lay out the Potomac flats, near Washington, for a space about three miles in length and a mile and a half in width, into a ground map of the United States, which shall show not only every important lake, river and waterfall, but also even the principal highways.
The plan has been heartily indorsed by Gardiner Hubbard, president of the National Geographical society, and at the next meeting of congress a sufficient appropriation to carry out his idea may be secured.
The inequalities of the earth's surface could be represented with a uniform system of exaggeration for the mountain ranges, and the water supply so regulated that each river should flow at a proportionate rate of speed with its prototype. The most important highways all over the country could also be indicated on a map of the size proposed, and even the larger buildings of the great cities. The exact limits of the cities themselves would also appear, as well as the vast network of railroads, with their bridges and tunnels, and countless other things which are not even hinted at upon the largest maps now in use.
For practical purposes the great map would be invaluable. If a man should think of establishing some manufacturing industry at a certain point, he could get a better idea of the "lay of the land" and the general physical advantages of the surrounding country from the map than he could from visiting the actual spot in question.
On its scientific side the advantages of this great map would be innumerable. As the usefulness of it came to be recognized, people from every part of this and other countries would be sure to visit it to make special geographical studies. By the use of different kinds of coloring matter the prevailing geological types could be accurately reproduced, and perhaps, by means of pointed arrows placed in various parts, the usual direction of the winds shown.
The geological survey is now collecting data bearing on this map idea, and all that it will be necessary for congress to do will be to appropriate the Potomac flats, whose outline is admirably shaped for such a scheme, and start its army of skilled scientists and engineers at work to make Senator Cannon's dream a reality. - New York Journal
The Whole Country to Be Shown on a Large Stretch of Land.
If the pet project of Senator Cannon of Utah is carried out, this country will, before long, have the largest surface map in the world. His idea is to lay out the Potomac flats, near Washington, for a space about three miles in length and a mile and a half in width, into a ground map of the United States, which shall show not only every important lake, river and waterfall, but also even the principal highways.
The plan has been heartily indorsed by Gardiner Hubbard, president of the National Geographical society, and at the next meeting of congress a sufficient appropriation to carry out his idea may be secured.
The inequalities of the earth's surface could be represented with a uniform system of exaggeration for the mountain ranges, and the water supply so regulated that each river should flow at a proportionate rate of speed with its prototype. The most important highways all over the country could also be indicated on a map of the size proposed, and even the larger buildings of the great cities. The exact limits of the cities themselves would also appear, as well as the vast network of railroads, with their bridges and tunnels, and countless other things which are not even hinted at upon the largest maps now in use.
For practical purposes the great map would be invaluable. If a man should think of establishing some manufacturing industry at a certain point, he could get a better idea of the "lay of the land" and the general physical advantages of the surrounding country from the map than he could from visiting the actual spot in question.
On its scientific side the advantages of this great map would be innumerable. As the usefulness of it came to be recognized, people from every part of this and other countries would be sure to visit it to make special geographical studies. By the use of different kinds of coloring matter the prevailing geological types could be accurately reproduced, and perhaps, by means of pointed arrows placed in various parts, the usual direction of the winds shown.
The geological survey is now collecting data bearing on this map idea, and all that it will be necessary for congress to do will be to appropriate the Potomac flats, whose outline is admirably shaped for such a scheme, and start its army of skilled scientists and engineers at work to make Senator Cannon's dream a reality. - New York Journal
What sub-type of article is it?
Curiosity
Extraordinary Event
Historical Event
What themes does it cover?
Exploration
Triumph
What keywords are associated?
Giant Map
Potomac Flats
Senator Cannon
National Geographical Society
Congress Appropriation
Geological Survey
What entities or persons were involved?
Senator Cannon Of Utah
Gardiner Hubbard
Where did it happen?
Potomac Flats Near Washington
Story Details
Key Persons
Senator Cannon Of Utah
Gardiner Hubbard
Location
Potomac Flats Near Washington
Story Details
Senator Cannon of Utah proposes creating the world's largest surface map of the United States on the Potomac flats, a three-mile by one-and-a-half-mile area showing lakes, rivers, highways, railroads, and more, with endorsements from Gardiner Hubbard and potential congressional funding.