Jan 08 2013
Infographics on Historical Travel Times
Especially if you’re interested in historical fiction, I’d recommend checking these infographics for a better idea of how much harder it was to move hundreds or thousands of miles before railroads were widely available.
I notice that all of the maps use the modern state borders.
In 1857, the areas northwest of Texas weren’t even states yet, just territories. Also, Virginia and West Virginia were one state until the Civil War.
Here’s a map of the US in 1860, overlaid on the modern borders as a reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:USA_Territorial_Growth_1860.jpg
Also, here’s an accurate 1830 US map (the US proper stopped at Louisiana; Michigan wasn’t a state yet, and Texas was still part of Mexico):
http://www.worldmapsonline.com/unitedstates1830.htm
Still, those travel times are great references, B. McKenzie.
Good catch, Rawle! These diagrams came from a 1932 atlas and I think they used 1932-era state borders for the contiguous U.S. (which haven’t changed since).
Hey B.Mac, first time poster here.
I’m not sure if you got my message ( for some reason half the messages my computer sends never reach the other person), but i’m a wannabee author and i’d like a review forum for help on what i hope will be my first novel.
Hello, Deep. I’ve set it up here.