Reading a Map

Step 3 of 3: Compare your answers with those of a historian


Where might this town be? 1668map_large
You:

 

Historian:
In New Jersey – near the Passaic River.

 

How many lots are there? Did any owner have more than one plot?
You:

 

Historian:
There are a total of 64 lots. Owners # 1,11, 20, 2.

 

Why might someone have more than one plot?
You:

 

Historian:
Someone with more power, respect, or money. Robert Treat owned #1. He was seen as the group organizer, and the town agreed he could have more space.

 

What did the town have besides a place for homes?

You:

 

Historian:
See the “references” on the map.

 

What would a “Watering Place” be used for?
You:

 

Historian:
Livestock, horses.

 

Where would these animals be kept?
You:

 

Historian:
In the meadows.

 

What is a “common” fence?
You:

 

Historian:
“Common” means belonging to a community at large such as the town common. The town, rather than an individual is responsible for its upkeep.

 

Why is a fence needed?
You:

 

Historian:
To keep the animals out of town.

 

Find the “Landing Place.” (D) What is a landing place used for?
You:

 

Historian:
To bring in or send out goods and to provide alternate water route for travel.

 

Is this a public or private space and how can you tell?
You:

 

Historian:
Public – off the owned plot, accessible by a road.

 

If it had been on a private lot, what would be the advantages or disadvantages of this for the owner?
You:

 

Historian:
The owner could charge a use fee, but would have to provide upkeep of space.

 

What symbols are used on this map?
You:

 

Historian:
Short lines for meadow area, closer lines for wooded hills, river, sloped area to river, numbers and letters.

 

What is “G” lot?
You:

 

Historian:
Mill lot.

 

What would a mill be used for?
You:

 

Historian:
Process timber in this case.

 

Why is this lot a good place for a mill?
You:

 

Historian:
Near roads and wooded area for direct access. On “Ford River Mill Brook” I to give direct access to the river to send timber away for sale.

 

Why would a mill owner want to have a land plot in the wooded hill area?
You:

 

Historian:
To have easy access to timber for sale.

 

Find the market place. What are the advantages of its location?
You:

 

Historian:
An open area to have room to display wares, accessible by many roads, and close access to river.

 

Find “The Burying Ground” cemetery. Where are burying grounds cemeteries located today? Why are they located there?
You:

 

Historian:
They’re usually outside city limits for health and space reasons.

 

You can print this page, or try reading another primary source.