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When you think of a map of the United States, you might picture a balanced view of all 50 states. But what if that map was drawn by someone from Boston? This 1930s creation gives us a hilarious and eye-opening look at how some Bostonians viewed their place in America.
At first glance, this map of the United States seems oddly distorted. Boston, Massachusetts Bay, Cape Cod Bay, and Cape Cod dominate the center, while the rest of the country appears to shrink in comparison. It’s a cartographic representation of local pride taken to the extreme.
The map poster cleverly states:
“A person born in the city of Boston and residing in Boston may not be a Bostonian; yet a person born in Hingham, residing in Newton (dilatory domicile: Magnolia,- frequent crossings to England and the Continent), is likely to be a Bostonian. The lack of a definite textbook definition for a Bostonian has added to the many difficulties encountered by the Publishers of this map… The ideas held, by many Bostonians concerning The United States have been gathered, evaluated, weighted, and combined. This map a composite of these ideas is the result…”
This humorous take on American geography isn’t just a random joke. It reflects Boston’s long-standing importance in U.S. history and culture. Founded in 1630, Boston played a crucial role in the American Revolution and went on to become a center of education, innovation, and culture.
The city’s residents have long been known for their distinctive accent, love of sports (especially the Red Sox), and a certain pride in their hometown. This map captures that pride in a way that’s both amusing and thought-provoking.
Interestingly, this map is part of a tradition of satirical cartography. Similar maps have been created for other cities and regions, each highlighting local perceptions and stereotypes. For example, a famous 1976 New Yorker cover by Saul Steinberg showed a New Yorker’s view of the world, with Manhattan at its center.
While this Boston-centric map might seem exaggerated, it’s worth noting that Boston has indeed left an outsized mark on American culture and history. The city has been home to numerous influential figures, from founding fathers like John Adams to literary giants like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau.
Today, Boston continues to be a major hub for education, with world-renowned institutions like Harvard University and MIT. It’s also a leader in industries such as biotechnology and finance.
This quirky map serves as a reminder that our perspective can shape how we see the world – or in this case, our country. It invites us to consider how our own backgrounds and experiences might influence our view of the United States and beyond.
For those interested in exploring more conventional (and less biased) maps of the United States, here are some options available on Amazon:
Whether you’re a proud Bostonian, a history buff, or simply someone who appreciates a good cartographic joke, this 1930s map offers a unique and entertaining perspective on the United States. It reminds us that sometimes, to understand a place, we need to see it through the eyes of its most enthusiastic residents – even if their view might be a little skewed.
