Scope and Content Note
A collection of 1344 topographic map sheets created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from 1894 to 1945 that covers the continental United States, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the Panama Canal Area. The maps illustrate tactical and geographic features, such as military bases, landing strips, transportation networks,communication centers, and topography. The maps are labeled in one of three ways: Tactical, Progressive and Strategic. Tactical maps are the most detailed and contain firing grids for artillery.
The map collection reflects changes in U.S. military command structure from pre-World War I to World War II.
Some maps are stamped “restricted.” World War II-era “restricted” maps include oil fields and military sites. These maps are no longer restricted.
The tactical map index was created in 1917 and represents the six geographical military departments. Sheets are numbered using a “Tactical” index and/or “Harriman” index. The Harriman index is not contained in the collection.
Each map contains a sheet number and grid number, location, date, map type (tactical, progressive, etc.), and any additional relevant information. For example, 5 --- S IV E/2 --- Receta Head , OR --- 1920 --- Progressive --- Corps of Engineers.
Grids explained: Each surveyed location was given a number and a grid area, which was divided between north and south. Each half was subdivided in four quadrants (I, II, III & IV). Quadrants were further divided into east and west.
In the above example of Receta Head, OR, the grid location is listed as: 5 --- S IV E/2. This is to be understood as sheet 5, southern half, IV quadrant, east portion of.