Cartography in Four Centuries

MSU Libraries -- Fall 2001

The land now known as Michigan's lower peninsula evolved on maps from a crude triangle or thumb to its present familiar mitten form.  The five lakes were first depicted on a map in the late 17th century.  Over the years myths were perpetuated, copied from one map to another, about Michigan's geography.  One such myth was as an elevated, even mountainous, ridge down the center of the lower peninsula.  Another was a misunderstaning of the southern points of Lakes Michigan and Erie; a misunderstanding that later caused problems with Ohio when Michigan sought statehood.  Compare the maps in the display with the satellite image at the bottom to get an idea of each cartographer's understanding of the geography of Michigan's Mitten.


Detail from, “Partie Occidentale du Canada ou de la Nouvelle France.” By P. Coronelli. 1688.  Early maps were based on explorations by fur trappers and missionaries.  For many years, the rapids at Sault Ste. Marie was the most strategic and populous place in the entire region.



Detail from, “Carte des Lacs du Canada.”  By Jacques Nicolas Bellin. Originally published in Charlevoix, P. de. Journal d’un Voyage fait par ordre du Roi dans l’Amerique Septentrionnale. Paris, Ches Didot, 1744.  One map of many to depict an elevated plain down the center of the peninsula.


"Michigan."  by David H. Burr. Published in A New Universal Atlas; Comprising Separate Maps Of all the Principal Empires, Kingdoms & States Throughout the World: and forming a distinct Atlas Of The United States… New York: D.S. Stone, 1835.  As settlers moved to Michigan, maps shifted away from depicting natural features and toward political boundaries, place names, and transportation routes.

[Satellite Image of Michigan.] Excerpted from Planet earth [computer file].  New York, NY : Macmillan Digital USA, c1996.
 
 



Main Library - Third floor West – Map Library Exhibit Cases
Produced by: Kathleen Weessies, Maps/GIS Librarian
weessie2@msu.edu