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Historical Maps Collection

 Collection
Identifier: Maps-001

Scope and Content

This collection contains maps that range in geographic scope from the Virginia Tech campus to the world. Included are road and transportation maps, topographic maps, geological maps, historical maps, thematic maps, property maps, and political boundary maps, among others. While the collection includes images dating as early as the 16th century, these early maps are represented in the collection only by reproductions. The earliest original map in the collection dates to 1787.

Dates

  • 1500 - 2023

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication.

Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Conditions Governing Use

The contents of Folders C-1 - C-6 may not be reproduced. Other maps may not be reproduced due to copyright restrictions.

Extent

45 Cubic Feet (13 flat file drawers)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

A collection of maps depicting geographic features, transportation routes, geological composotion, historical settlements, themes, property divisions, and political boundaries, from a local scope (Virginia Tech campus) to global (world maps).

Arrangement

The collection is organized primarily by geographic scope, ranging from Virginia Tech campus maps to world maps. Exceptions to this arrangement are railroad and American Civil War maps, which are positioned at the front of the collection. Individual categories of maps are arranged either alphabetically or chronologically.

Source of Acquisition

...

Rights Statement for Archival Description

The guide to the [collection name] by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 (https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/).

General

This guide describes the map collection's contents only at the subject and folder levels. Individual maps within the collection may be located by searching for specific titles (e.g., "Settlement Map of Pulaski County Virginia") or by subject (e.g., Pulaski County Maps).

Processing Information

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Historical Maps Collection was completed in June, 2025.

Title
Historical Maps Collection, 1500-2023
Status
Completed
Author
John M. Jackson
Date
2025 (CC0 1.0)
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech Repository

Contact:
Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg Virginia 24061 US
540-231-6308