Maps are a powerful visual tool representing the perspective of the mapmaker and a particular moment in time. In this first week, we offer you Dr. Bowen's images as orientation to the physical region, and a set of historical maps which provide a brief tour of 16th, 17th and 18th century perceptions of 'America'. The third presentation on this page is a detailed map of 'Louisiana' created in 1757 for you to investigate with the history of the Northwest in mind. (So, why are we looking at Louisiana?)

[Note: the first two series are presented in a PowerPoint show format, as well as QuickTime movie format for anyone who does not have PowerPoint. The last map employs the DjVu plug-in which allows you to zoom in and move around for a close-up inspection of details.]

High altitude, photorealistic panoramas of the Northwest
Dr. William Bowen

Enjoy a few slides (6) featuring a unique physiographic view of our continent, and zooming in on the content area for this course. You may want to visit Dr. Bowen's complete website.

Click on the photo icon to view a PowerPoint show.
[Note: If you have trouble opening the file, click here for QuickTime movie format.]

Historical Map Series:
North America and the United States, 1566 - 1770s

Designed as a brief introduction to perceptions of America, prior to and including late 18th century, please review the maps in this series with a curious eye. Included are two maps which were created by Indian people to assist European visitors in understanding the landscape.

Click on the map icon to view PowerPoint show exhibiting an introduction to historical maps.

[Note: If you have trouble opening the file, click here for QuickTime movie format.]

1757 Antoine-Simon Le Page du Pratz - Map of Louisiana
Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division

We provide this French perspective of Louisiana for two purposes: 1) as a visual aide for the extent of knowledge about the interior of the continent (and the path to the Northwest) at the time, and 2) as a companion to the story of Moncacht-ap� you will find in the People section this week. The author of this map recorded Moncacht-ap�'s story of travel prior to producing this map.

Click on map icon to open DjVu and explore this map up close.