Historical Atlas of the Pacific Northwest: Maps of Exploration and Discovery: British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Yukon

Representing four centuries of discovery and exploration, this unique reference book is a must-have for anyone interested in Northwest history. The Historical Atlas of the Pacific Northwest showcases more than 320 original maps, many never before published. Here are the maps of explorers such as Cook, Vancouver, Bodega y Quadra, Mackenzie, Thompson, and Lewis and Clark. Here too are maps created during boundary disputes, land purchases, the plotting of town sites, and surveys for railroads. Combined with historical background, these maps take the reader on an amazing visual journey through the discovery and development of the Northwest.

The map research is impressive. Derek Hayes has reproduced maps in this book that I never would have known existed. The narative history is good reading as well (I detect the influence of Ken Burns here). The book has greatly increase my knowlege of the place I have chosen to live, both in terms of its history and the physical landscape.

I also recommend it to any history or geography buff, even if you mispronounce Oregon "Or E Gone!"


Beautiful book of old maps and local history!   November 2, 2001
 9 out of 9 found this review helpful

Ok, so I love maps and I live in the area, but this is still a rightly highly-acclaimed wonderful piece of work! Map fans will love it; locals will love it; others will learn (many) things from it. As well as the maps themselves, you also get a sweeping series of historical vignettes associated with each map. The least you'll get from it is the sheer joy of looking at a fantastic collection of wonderful old maps!