Mapping America’s Past: The Fascinating Story of the First U.S. Board Game

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When you think of classic American board games, Monopoly probably springs to mind. But did you know that over a century before players first passed “Go” on the Atlantic City-inspired board, Americans were already rolling dice and moving pieces across a very different kind of game board?

Take a look at this fascinating artifact from 1822. What you’re seeing is “Travellers’ Tour Through the United States,” widely considered being the first American-made board game. Unlike the property-trading frenzy of Monopoly, this game had a nobler aim – to educate players about the young nation’s geography and culture.

The game’s centerpiece is a beautifully detailed map of the eastern United States. Keep in mind, this was created just a year after Missouri became the 24th state. The western frontier was still a vast, largely uncharted territory to most Americans. This United States map wasn’t just a game board – it was a window into a country still discovering itself.

Players started their journey in Washington D.C. and made their way to New Orleans, using a “teetotum” (a spinning top that functioned like a die) to determine their moves. Landing on a city, they’d have to name it correctly to stay put. For an extra challenge, some versions even asked players to guess the city’s population!

But “Travellers’ Tour” wasn’t just about memorizing place names. The right side of the board featured detailed descriptions of each location. Philadelphia boasted “numerous and respectable” educational institutions. Charleston was praised for its citizens’ “polished manners and unaffected hospitality.” These snippets paint a vivid picture of how early 19th-century Americans viewed their nation.

It’s tempting to compare these descriptions to Alexis de Tocqueville‘s famous observations of American society. But remember – this game predates de Tocqueville’s visit by nearly a decade. In a way, “Travellers’ Tour” captures an even earlier snapshot of the American self-image.

While it may not have achieved Monopoly-level fame, this pioneering board game tapped into something powerful – Americans’ desire to understand their sprawling, diverse nation. You could argue that the spirit of “Travellers’ Tour” lives on in the great American road trip tradition.

Today’s board game enthusiasts can still capture some of that map-exploring excitement. Modern games like “Ticket to Ride” challenge players to build rail routes across North America. “Scrambled States of America” puts a whimsical spin on U.S. geography. And for those who love a good trivia challenge, “50 States” tests your knowledge of state capitals, landmarks, and more.

These games might have flashier components than their 1822 predecessor, but they share a common thread – the joy of discovery and the fun of learning about the places that make up this vast, varied country.

So the next time you’re plotting your Monopoly strategy or planning a cross-country adventure, spare a thought for “Travellers’ Tour Through the United States.” This unassuming board game, with its carefully drawn United States map, didn’t just entertain – it helped shape how a young nation saw itself.