Historical Maps Collection, 1500/2023

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication.

Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Some individual maps may not be reproduced, due to copyright restrictions.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [map title], [(Map-####) map identification number], Historical Maps Collection, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
45 Cubic Feet 13 flat file drawers
Abstract:
A collection of maps depicting geographic features, transportation routes, geological composition, historical settlements, themes, property divisions, and political boundaries, ranging in geographic scope from local (Virginia Tech campus maps) to global (world maps).
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [map title], [(Map-####) map identification number], Historical Maps Collection, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains maps that range in geographic scope from local (Virginia Tech campus maps) to global (world maps). Included are road and transportation maps, topographic maps, geological maps, historical maps, thematic maps, property maps, pictorial maps, and political boundary maps, among others. While the collection includes images dating as early as the 16th century, the older maps are represented in the collection only by reproductions. The earliest original map in the collection dates to 1787.

Acquisition information:
Individual maps and sets of maps within the Historical Maps Collection have been obtained by Virginia Tech Special Collections and Unviversity Archives through various gifts, purchases, and transfers.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Historical Maps Collection was completed in July, 2025.

Arrangement:

The collection is organized primarily by geographic scope, ranging from Virginia Tech campus maps to world maps. Exceptions to this arrangement include railroad and American Civil War maps, which are positioned at the front of the collection. Individual categories of maps are arranged either alphabetically or chronologically.