Mapping Wiskonsin:  1765-1856

October 2007--A new display in Raynor Library, 3rd floor, features a selection of reproduced maps from the Libraries’ Department of Special Collections and University Archives. The maps depict Wisconsin’s changes from an area called “Wiskonsin” through its statehood in 1848 and highlight items that are accessible to the Marquette community for the first time through MARQCAT.  The exhibit is the culmination of a 2006 project by librarian Michael Schilke to catalog the early Wisconsin and early Milwaukee maps preserved in the Department of Special Collections.

The display includes Captain Carver’s map, published in his popular 1778 book, Travels Through the Interior Parts of North America in 1766, 1767, and 1768. This was the first book describing the region west of Lake Michigan by an English-speaking writer.  Also displayed is “Map of the Territory of Wisconsin ” (1836), which depicts the Wisconsin Territory’s original boundaries as established by the U.S. Congress. This map also illustrates the ethnically diverse Native American population that lived in the region.

The original maps may be viewed in the Francis Paul Prucha, S.J., Reading Room in Special Collections and University Archives on the 3^rd floor of Raynor Library.  For long-term preservation, the maps are now encased in Mylar and stored in acid-free folders.  Most of the early 19th century maps were printed on high-quality rag paper and do not have the preservation problems often associated with 20th century maps  A select number of reproductions will be on display in the lobby of the Raynor Library until mid-December.  The maps on the 3rd floor of the library will remain on display until March 2008.