Plat Maps as a History and Geography Teaching Tool

Abstract

THOSE WHO TEACH SOCIAL STUDIES should investigate incorporating plat maps into the curriculum. This is a teaching tool widely available yet seldom considered. The primary function of plat books is to provide detailed maps that indicate land ownership as well as the location and size of properties. These maps generally are compiled into county atlases and each map is devoted to a single township or local unit of government. In areas where change is constantly occurring, the mapping company may update its maps every few years and then sell them on the commercial market through local distributors, e.g., the Farm Bureau, or other organizations. Maps, which show the area where students live, can be selected for instructional use. This should promote students' interest, since they can relate to land owned by their friends, neighbors or possibly their family. A brief article by Conzen describes the evolution of land ownership maps.t The article notes that the first of these maps was produced as early as 1814, although reliable cadastral maps did not appear until the 1840s. Atlases came into existence near the beginning of the Civil War. Land ownership maps focus primarily on rural areas, though some small urban