Teaching about Lewis and Clark With USGS Maps

USGS Lewis and Clark, Explorers, and Landforms Maps

USGS maps that can be used in history teaching and research show the physical and cultural landscape on historical editions of USGS topographic maps, the growth of the United States, historical trails and explorers, and other themes. Click on any of the map titles or images below for more detail [some images are up to 10MB]. See also our Historic Maps from the Library of Congress Website!

USA History
	Lewis and Clark: A Legacy of Science--This poster features two maps in parallel view: Above is a beautiful reproduction of "Lewis and Clark's Track Across the Western Portion of North America from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean," published by Samuel Lewis in 1814. Below is the same geographic area depicted with current remote sensing technology in a colorful image of the American landscape. Map measures 54"x42". Visit our Historic Maps Website! Product ID Number 113605 Inquiry Ideas: How has cartography changed in the past 200 years? How much did the Lewis and Clark survey contribute to our understanding of Western North America? Why did Lewis and Clark follow the Missouri River west? What would have been a more direct route to the Pacific Ocean? Would the more direct route have taken more time? What physical regions did Lewis and Clark and their party traverse? What modern day transportation routes follow these same paths?
	Routes of the Principal Explorers--Routes of Principal Explorers 1501-1844. This map shows the routes of the principal explorers in the contiguous 48 States. Follows the tracks of 16th century explorers such as Ponce de Leon and Sir Francis Drake, American trailblazer John C. Fremont, and the Lewis and Clark expedition of 1804 to 1806. Background features include international and state boundaries and names; state capitals and major cities; rivers and lakes. Map 8-A. Map scale is 1:8,448,000 and measures 27"x19". Product ID Number 101216 Inquiry ideas: Which explorers preceded Lewis and Clark? Which explorers followed Lewis and Clark? What influence did Lewis and Clark have on exploration of North America? Why did these explorers choose the routes that they did? What physical hardships, based on the topography, did they endure? What were the purposes of their expeditions? Did the purposes of their expeditions change over the 16th through 19th centuries? What modern day transportation routes follow these same paths?
	An Emerging Nation--A reproduction of a map that shows the United States as it existed about the time the Constitution was written. It was produced in 1784 and was the first map of the United States produced by an American cartographer. The original image was engraved on copper plates and was printed in four sections; all colors were applied by hand. The reverse side has a series of 14 maps portraying the Nation’s territorial growth over the past two centuries, along with corresponding national flags with the appropriate number of stars for selected years from 1775 to the present. Map scale is 1:5,000,000 and measures 22"x29". Product ID Number 101415 Inquiry Ideas: How does the size of the United States today compare to that of 1784? What state boundaries have changed? What have remained the same? Compare the areal size of each state to its population and explore the relationships. What states were the largest in population in 1784? Today? Where was most of the population clustered in 1784 and today? Why? Where did Lewis and Clark live in 1784? What was known about the land to the west in 1784? Which country(s) claimed the land to the west of the Mississippi River in 1784? Which country claimed Florida? Canada?
	Electing The President--This new National Atlas Presidential Elections map illustrates the evolution of America’s political parties and it’s election laws and procedures by showing the electoral votes by political party and State for all of the Presidential elections from George Washington in 1789 to George W. Bush in 2000. A more detailed map for the 2000 election shows the winner of the popular vote by county in addition to the small electoral vote map. Map measures 41"x29". Product ID Number 112283 Inquiry Ideas: Why did each state vote the way it did in each election? What regions voted in a similar way through entire decades of history? Why? What clues does the 1860 map give that indicate that the Civil War was near? Who was President when Lewis and Clark made their expedition? How did the size of the country change after the Louisiana Purchase? After the Lewis and Clark expedition? Why? How does the population distribution of the USA determine who is elected and where the candidates spend time campaigning? How do you think the states will vote in upcoming elections?
	Public Land Surveys--This highly detailed map is great for educators because it depicts the original 13 colonies, as well as outlining past land purchases, grants and annexes. It also lists all the States and their cities, the hydrology, remaining public land, national forests, Indian reservations and national parks and monuments. Map scale is 1:3,000,000 and measures 63"x40". Product ID Number 101208 Inquiry ideas: How did the United States change from 1783 to the present time? Compare and contrast how the land was acquired in each case--treaty, purchase, or war? Which present-day states were formed from the different land acquisitions? What direction did the land acquisitions follow? Why? What was the largest single land acquisition? What was the land acquisition that made Jefferson commission Lewis and Clark?
	Outline Map of the United States--Map showing state boundaries with no state names, perfect for state name recognition quizzes. Map measures 40"x27". Product ID Number 101263 Inquiry ideas: Why do the states have the shape that they do? What states include river boundaries? What other physical and invisible types of boundaries form state lines? Which states were most populous when Lewis and Clark made their expedition? Which states are most populous today?
	Outline Map of the United States--Map showing state boundaries with state names shown. Map measures 40"x27". Product ID Number 101211 Inquiry ideas: Why do the states have the shape that they do? What states include river boundaries? What is the relationship of population size to areal size of states? What other physical and invisible types of boundaries form state lines? Which states are named after Native Americans? Why? What or who was your home state named after?
States and Regions
	Colorado 1894 Map--Looking for an attractive historical map of Colorado? Reproduced by USGS in cooperation with the Library of Congress, this map was originally published in 1894 by James McConnell School Supplies of Denver, Colorado. This unique birds-eye view map has incredible detail and is ideal for framing. Features include: relief shading, counties, cities, towns, roads, rivers, valleys, railroads, and elevations of some mountain peaks. Note how some features' names and spellings have changed since 1894. Also note the number of towns in mining areas and on the Great Plains have disappeared. Map scale is 1:500,000 and measures 53"x42". Visit our Historic Maps Website! Product ID Number 112161 Inquiry Ideas: Compare the accuracy and detail of the 1894 map with a current USGS or other map of Colorado. What towns are larger today than they were in 1894? What towns are smaller? Why do so many towns on the Great Plains and in the mining areas no longer exist? What were the predominant economic activities of Colorado in 1894 and today? Did Lewis and Clark enter Colorado? What was the impact of their expedition on Colorado's settlement? What Native American tribes lived in Colorado in 1894 and today?
	Historic Trail Map of Denver, Sheet 1-- "Historic Trail Map of the Denver 1 by 2 Degree Quadrangle, Central Colorado," by Glenn R. Scott, retired USGS geologist, features a wealth of historical information, including the locations of Indian, early immigrant and cattle trails, as well as stage routes, stage stops, toll roads, toll gates existing and abandoned railroads, ghost towns, military camps, mountain passes, ranches, quarries, mines, archeological sites and vertebrate fossil sites. The area of the quadrangle hits Breckenridge, Colorado Springs, Limon and Brighton. A 53 page text phamphlet complements the 2-sheet map. Map scale is 1:250,000 and measures 49"x38". Sold as a set. Visit our Geology Publications Website! Product ID Number I-2639 Inquiry Ideas: What attracted people to the Front Range of Colorado in the 19th Century? What attracts people to the region today? What Native Americans lived here in the 19th Century? What physical hardships did Native American and settlers encounter in this region? What towns are larger today than they were in the 19th Century? What towns are smaller? Why? Why did Denver eventually become larger than Golden? What were the predominant economic activities of the Front Range of Colorado in the 19th Century and today? Did Lewis and Clark enter Colorado? What was the impact of their expedition on Colorado's settlement?
	Historic Trail Map of Denver, Sheet 2--"Historic Trail Map of the Denver 1 by 2 Degree Quadrangle, Central Colorado," by Glenn R. Scott, retired USGS geologist, features a smorgasborg of historical information, including the locations of Indian, early immigrant and cattle trails, as well as stage routes, stage stops, toll roads, toll gates existing and abandoned railroads, ghost towns, military camps, mountain passes, ranches, quarries, mines, archeological sites and vertebrate fossil sites. The area of the quadrangle hits Breckenridge, Colorado Springs, Limon and Brighton. A 53 page text phamphlet complements the 2-sheet map. Map scale is 1:100,000 and measures 49"x38". Sold as a set. Visit our Geology Publications Website! Product ID Number I-2639 Inquiry Ideas: What attracted people to the Front Range of Colorado in the 19th Century? What attracts people to the region today? What Native Americans lived here in the 19th Century? What physical hardships did Native American and settlers encounter in this region? What towns are larger today than they were in the 19th Century? What towns are smaller? Why? Why did Denver eventually become larger than Golden? What were the predominant economic activities of the Front Range of Colorado in the 19th Century and today? Did Lewis and Clark enter Colorado? What was the impact of their expedition on Colorado's settlement?
	Historic Trail Map of Lamar, Colorado- --History buffs, recreational hikers and bikers, railroad enthusiasts, and even people interested in genealogy will find lots of interesting and useful information in this map. This product provides a treasure trove of historic information on how trails in Southern Colorado were created and includes routes used by Native Americans and pioneers. Historic features such as stage and rail lines are briefly discussed with photographs dating back to the 1870's. Map scale is 1:250,000 and measures 44"x31.5". Product ID Number I-2469 Inquiry Ideas: What attracted people to the Great Plains of Colorado in the 19th Century? What attracts people to the region today? What Native Americans lived here in the 19th Century? What physical hardships did Native American and settlers encounter in this region? What towns are larger today than they were in the 19th Century? What towns are smaller? Why? What was the importance of the Arkansas River in the 19th Century and today? What were the predominant economic activities of the High Plains of Colorado in the 19th Century and today? Did Lewis and Clark enter this region? What was the impact of their expedition on Colorado's settlement?
	Historic Trail Map of Greeley, Colorado --History buffs, recreational hikers and bikers, railroad enthusiasts, and even people interested in genealogy will find lots of interesting and useful information in this map. This product, with accompanying pamphlet, provide a treasure trove of historic information on how trails in Southern Colorado were created and includes routes used by Native Americans and pioneers. Historic features such as stage and rail lines are briefly discussed with photographs dating back to the 1870's. Map scale is 1:100,000 and measures 30"x28". Product ID Number I-2326 Inquiry Ideas: What attracted people to Northern Colorado in the 19th Century? What attracts people to the region today? What Native Americans lived here in the 19th Century? What physical hardships did Native American and settlers encounter in this region? What is the climate like, and what clues on the map help you decide? What towns are larger today than they were in the 19th Century? What towns are smaller? Why? What was the importance of the South Platte River in the 19th Century and today? What routes did people choose to enter the mountains? Why? What were the predominant economic activities of Northern Colorado in the 19th Century and today? What impact did the University of Northern Colorado and Colorado State University have on population growth? Did Lewis and Clark enter this region? What was the impact of their expedition on Colorado's settlement?
	Historic Trail Map of Sterling, Colorado, Sheet 1 --History buffs, recreational hikers and bikers, railroad enthusiasts, and even people interested in genealogy will find lots of interesting and useful information in this map. This product, with accompanying pamphlet, provide a treasure trove of historic information on how trails in Southern Colorado were created and includes routes used by Native Americans and pioneers. Historic features such as stage and rail lines are briefly discussed with photographs dating back to the 1870's. Map scale is 1:250,000 and measures 29"x24". Product ID Number I-1894 Inquiry Ideas: What attracted people to Northeast Colorado in the 19th Century? What attracts people to the region today? What Native Americans lived here in the 19th Century? What physical hardships did Native American and settlers encounter in this region? What towns are larger today than they were in the 19th Century? What towns are smaller? Why? Compare the growth of Northeast Colorado to other parts of the state. Why have some counties declined in population since the early 1900s? What was the importance of the South Platte River in the 19th Century and today? What were the predominant economic activities of the High Plains of Colorado in the 19th Century and today? Did Lewis and Clark enter this region? What was the impact of their expedition on Colorado's settlement?
	Historic Trail Map of Sterling, Colorado, Sheet 2 --History buffs, recreational hikers and bikers, railroad enthusiasts, and even people interested in genealogy will find lots of interesting and useful information in this map. This product, with accompanying pamphlet, provide a treasure trove of historic information on how trails in Southern Colorado were created and includes routes used by Native Americans and pioneers. Historic features such as stage and rail lines are briefly discussed with photographs dating back to the 1870's. Map scale is 1:250,000 and measures 29"x24". Product ID Number I-1894 Inquiry Ideas: What attracted people to Northeast Colorado in the 19th Century? What attracts people to the region today? What Native Americans lived here in the 19th Century? What physical hardships did Native American and settlers encounter in this region? Who crossed this region, and when? What towns are larger today than they were in the 19th Century? What towns are smaller? Why? Compare the growth of Northeast Colorado to other parts of the state. Why have some counties declined in population since the early 1900s? What was the importance of the South Platte River in the 19th Century and today? What were the predominant economic activities of the High Plains of Colorado in the 19th Century and today? Did Lewis and Clark enter this region? What was the impact of their expedition on Colorado's settlement?
	Historic Trail Map of Limon, Colorado --History buffs, recreational hikers and bikers, railroad enthusiasts, and even people interested in genealogy will find lots of interesting and useful information in this map. This product provides a treasure trove of historic information on how trails in Southern Colorado were created and includes routes used by Native Americans and pioneers. Historic features such as stage and rail lines are briefly discussed with photographs dating back to the 1870's. Map scale is 1:250,000 and measures 36"x32". Product ID Number I-2468 Inquiry Ideas: What attracted people to Eastern Colorado in the 19th Century? What attracts people to the region today? What Native Americans lived here in the 19th Century? What physical hardships did Native American and settlers encounter in this region? What towns are larger today than they were in the 19th Century? What towns are smaller? Why? Compare the growth of Eastern Colorado to other parts of the state. Why have some counties declined in population since the early 1900s? What was the importance of the Palmer Divide in the 19th Century and today? What were the predominant economic activities of the High Plains of Colorado in the 19th Century and today? Did Lewis and Clark enter this region? What was the impact of their expedition on Colorado's settlement?
	Historic Trail Map of Raton and Springer New Mexico, Sheet 1 --History buffs, recreational hikers and bikers, railroad enthusiasts, and even people interested in genealogy will find lots of interesting and useful information in this map. This product, with accompanying pamphlet, provide a treasure trove of historic information on how trails in Southern Colorado were created and includes routes used by Native Americans and pioneers. Historic features such as stage and rail lines are briefly discussed with photographs dating back to the 1870's. Map scale is 1:100,000 and measures 38"x27". Product ID Number I-1641 Inquiry Ideas: What attracted people to Northern New Mexico in the 19th Century? What attracts people to the region today? What Native Americans lived here in the 19th Century? What physical hardships did Native American and settlers encounter in this region? What towns are larger today than they were in the 19th Century? What towns are smaller? Why? Compare the growth of Northern New Mexico to other parts of the state. Why have some counties declined in population since the early 1900s? What was the importance of the Santa Fe Trail in the 19th Century and how has it impacted present-day locations of towns? Compare the location of the Santa Fe Trail to river locations. What were the predominant economic activities of this region in the 19th Century and today? Did Lewis and Clark enter this region? What was the impact of the expedition of Lewis and Clark and the Spanish on the settlement of New Mexico and the West?
	Historic Trail Map of Raton and Springer New Mexico, Sheet 2 --History buffs, recreational hikers and bikers, railroad enthusiasts, and even people interested in genealogy will find lots of interesting and useful information in this map. This product, with accompanying pamphlet, provide a treasure trove of historic information on how trails in Southern Colorado were created and includes routes used by Native Americans and pioneers. Historic features such as stage and rail lines are briefly discussed with photographs dating back to the 1870's. Map scale is 1:100,000 and measures 38"x27". Product ID Number I-1641 Inquiry Ideas: What attracted people to Northern New Mexico in the 19th Century? What attracts people to the region today? What Native Americans lived here in the 19th Century? What physical hardships did Native American and settlers encounter in this region? What towns are larger today than they were in the 19th Century? What towns are smaller? Why? Compare the growth of Northern New Mexico to other parts of the state. Why have some counties declined in population since the early 1900s? What was the importance of the Santa Fe Trail in the 19th Century and how has it impacted present-day locations of towns? Compare the location of the Santa Fe Trail to river locations. What were the predominant economic activities of this region in the 19th Century and today? Did Lewis and Clark enter this region? What was the impact of the expedition of Lewis and Clark and the Spanish on the settlement of New Mexico and the West?
	Historic Trail Map of Trinidad, Colorado --History buffs, recreational hikers and bikers, railroad enthusiasts, and even people interested in genealogy will find lots of interesting and useful information in this map. This product, with accompanying pamphlet, provide a treasure trove of historic information on how trails in Southern Colorado were created and includes routes used by Native Americans and pioneers. Historic features such as stage and rail lines are briefly discussed with photographs dating back to the 1870's. Map scale is 1:250,000 and measures 56"x40". Visit our Geology Publications Website! Product ID Number I-2745 Inquiry Ideas: What attracted people to Southern Colorado in the 19th Century? What attracts people to the region today? What Native Americans lived here in the 19th Century? What physical hardships did Native American and settlers encounter in this region? What towns are larger today than they were in the 19th Century? What towns are smaller? Why? Compare the population growth of Southern Colorado to other parts of the state. Why have some counties declined in population since the early 1900s? What was the importance of the Santa Fe Trail in the 19th Century and how has it impacted present-day locations of towns? Compare the location of the Santa Fe Trail to river locations. What were the predominant economic activities of this region in the 19th Century and today? Did Lewis and Clark enter this region? What was the impact of the expedition of Lewis and Clark and the Spanish on the settlement of New Mexico, Colorado, and the West?