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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 global. 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, the older 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

Some individual 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 composition, historical settlements, themes, property divisions, and political boundaries, ranging in scope from local (Virginia Tech campus maps) 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 include 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

Individual maps and sets of maps within the Historical Maps Collection have been obtained by Virginia Tech Special Collections and Unviversity Archives through gifts, purchases, and transfers.

Rights Statement for Archival Description

The guide to the Historical Maps Collection 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 Historical Maps 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" (with quotes)) or by subject (e.g., "Pulaski County maps" (without quotes)).

Processing Information

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Historical Maps Collection was completed in July, 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