When people want to insert a state map into text about America in the 1700s, they simply cut out the 13 original states from a contemporary map and use those sizes and shapes. The problem is that the contemporary states don't reflect the states of 1700 America (ie: West Virginia was part of Virginia, the northern border of Pennsylvania and New York was much further north than it is today, etc.) Where can I find maps that show the evolution of the borders of the 13 original colonies during the 1600s and 1700s and how they gradually transformed into their current shapes?

lones78

Try here: http://www.worldmapsonline.com/historicalmaps/historical-maps-1700s.htm Apr 24 10, 6:56 PM

hohohaha

That site really doesn't help very much. All of the map images shown there are small just to show what the map looks like that the site is trying to sell. You can't get a large enough version to see anything in detail. Apr 24 10, 7:06 PM

guitargoddess

These, perhaps? http://www.eduplace.com/ss/maps/historical.html Apr 24 10, 7:10 PM

McGruff

This has a bunch, you can click on each one to enlarge it. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Atlas_of_the_United_States Apr 24 10, 9:15 PM

star_gazer

This, easy to read map, you might also find helpful. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Statecessions.png Apr 24 10, 10:47 PM