Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Mapping Missouri exhibit planned at Joplin Museum

(From the City of Joplin)

The Joplin Museum is hosting the Missouri State Archives exhibit titled “Mapping Missouri”. Over 100 examples of cartography from the Missouri State Archives special collection are featured. Many of these maps and illustrations have never been shown to the public before.

Historical maps from the 19th Century demonstrate how surveying and mapmaking were essential during the European American settlement of present-day Missouri. While early surveys made by the French and Spanish followed the meandering system known as Metes and Bounds, the Americans quickly established the standard grid for designating property lines in the Missouri Territory.

Other maps in the exhibit examine the manner in which geography makes us form a sense of identity a Missourians. Also featured are maps that inventory the state’s natural resources. In addition Mapping Missouri showcases rare state road survey maps from the first half of the 19th century.

Missouri’s history can be explained in a variety of ways and maps are a great approach to accentuating that story. Missouri has many unique symbols. Foremost is its iconic geographical outline with the distinctive “bootheel” and the irregular jutting northwest border. This signature silhouette has appeared on everything from feed bags to whiskey bottles.

The exhibit will from August 9 through September 17. Museum hours are Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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