Correct Map of Alaska and Klondike
- Title:
- Correct Map of Alaska and Klondike
- Alternate Title:
- Alaska and Klondike
- Collection:
- Persuasive Maps: PJ Mode Collection
- Creator:
- Wm. W. Hart & Co
- Other Creators:
- Fort Dearborn Publishing Company, engravers and publishers
- Date:
- 1897
- Posted Date:
- 2015-08-25
- ID Number:
- 1125.01
- Collection Number:
- 8548
- File Name:
- PJM_1125_01.jpg
- Style/Period:
- 1870 - 1899
- Subject:
- Deception/Distortion
Advertising & Promotion - Measurement:
- 31 x 52 (centimeters, height x width)
- Notes:
- A promotional map for Wm W. Hart & Co., outfitters, seeking business for those off to join the Klondike Gold Rush. The map uses large red letters to label the numerous "Gold Fields," along with fields of copper and coal. Dark red, dashed lines simplify the apparent access to these areas. This map came folded into a cover (ID # 1125.02) promoting the benefits of Hart's merchandise, including fur suits and waterproof bags.
When gold was discovered in the Yukon, there was an urgent demand for maps of the region, until then virtually unknown. "Consequently, maps of the Klondike and routes to the region were rushed to print and onto distribution with very little concern for accuracy or detail. . . . From the map producers' perspective, the main point was to use the pretense of objectivity - the map as a tool of legitimacy - in order to further specific economic interests" such as the sale of outfitting supplies, train tickets, steamer passage and hotel rooms (Burnette 2006, 46). They were simply "promotional pieces for those southern businesses particularly the transportation companies and large outfitters that stood to make fortunes servicing the needs of the Yukon-bound gold seekers." (Murray, 2011).
These maps are particularly misleading because "all the unexplored river valleys are labelled 'gold fields.' These enhancements made the area appear to be paved in gold when in fact there was only one field (albeit a very rich field) outside Dawson City." (Murray, 2008). Moreover, maps like this one that cover the entire northwestern part of the continent were essentially useless to the prospector on the ground; they "were life-threatening for novices of wilderness travel" who tried to follow them (Murray, 2011b).
For an official U.S. Department of the Interior map subject to much the same criticism, see ID #2078.
For other maps in the collection using the same technique, Search > "Repurposed."
For further information on the Collector’s Notes and a Feedback/Contact Link, see https://persuasivemaps.library.cornell.edu/content/about-collection-personal-statement and https://persuasivemaps.library.cornell.edu/content/feedback-and-contact - Cite As:
- P.J. Mode collection of persuasive cartography, #8548. Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library.
- Repository:
- Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library
- Archival Collection:
- P.J. Mode collection of persuasive cartography
- Format:
- Image
- Rights:
- For important information about copyright and use, see http://persuasivemaps.library.cornell.edu/copyright.