The United States Library of Congress currently has one the largest collections of antique maps in the world today.  Their collection includes many maps that date back to prior to the official establishment of the United States of America, from a time when 13 colonies helped to found America.

Of all the maps held by the Library of Congress, maps from early military battles are of interest to many.  Before the U.S. was formally it’s own country, it was struggling with Britain for independence.  Many of the colonies that existed at this time revolted and caused the American Revolutionary War.  The Library collection includes maps that document the exact places that some of these battles took place.  The American Revolutionary War was made up of several battles that were fought in different locations scattered across the east coast of the U.S.  These maps show in detail where each of the colonies were located and where battles were fought and lives lost.

The Library of Congress also has many panoramic maps from the late 1800′s and early 1900′s, which were quite popular at that time in history.  These are maps of a city or a region that give a bird’s-eye view of the area.  They include trees, buildings, roads and natural objects to give a map a life-like look.  Although these maps are highly collectible, many homeowners and businesses use them for decorative purposes.  They do have a certain artistic value to them and are truly unique.

Early maps from the 1400′s to the 1800′s are included in the collection.  These are maps that were produced many times, long before any great number of people every settled in the United States.  This land was new to these explorers and maps were made to document their findings to take back to their political leaders in Europe.  When the United States was first discovered by Christopher Columbus, it became increasingly important for the old world leaders to understand just how large the world was.  Mapping at least the outlines of the continents became important and many of these maps are in the Library of Congress map collection.

The Library of Congress, besides having a large collection of domestic maps also has many antique maps from other countries of the world.  Maps exploring countries like Brazil, Mexico and Ecuador can also be found in this incredible collection of antique maps.

The United States has long been connected by rail as well and this is an important part of U.S. history.  Detailed rail maps that show old railroad lines and railroad companies that disappeared long ago also make up part of this wonderful collection of historic maps.

If you are ever visiting Washington D.C.  and have an interest in old maps and history, the Library of Congress map collection would be a valuable addition to your itinerary.  Whether you want to view maps of United States or maps of other countries around the world, the Library of Congress map collection is one of the finest in the entire world.