The United States looked very different in the early 1800s. Much of what we now know as the United States of America were territories that belonged to other countries. Here are some maps of what Colorado and the surrounding territories looked like at the time. Can you imagine what it would be like to explore these areas as a trader? What are three things that are different about these maps compared to the maps we see today?

This is a map of the United States in 1836.

Pikes Peak is designated as J. Haines Peak. Shows the situation of the date 1836.

Map, United States

History Colorado

Map of the interior of Louisiana with a part of New Mexico by Captain Zebulon M. Pike.

Map of the interior of Louisiana with a part of New Mexico

Map, Southern United States

Map of Colorado territory, showing the system of parks. Drawn by Frederick J. Ebert under the direction of the governor Wm. Gilpin.

Map, Colorado Territory

Map of Colorado Territory, Compiled from Government Maps & Actual Surveys, 1861

Map of the internal provinces of new Spain; the outlines are from the sketches corrected and improved by Captain Zebulon M. Pike, who was conducted through that country, in the year 1807 by order of the Commandant General of those provinces.

Map of the internal provinces of new Spain ; the outlines are from the sketches corrected and improved by Captain Zebulon M. Pike, who was conducted through that country, in the year 1807 by order of the Commandant General of those provinces.

Standards for Historic Maps of the Colorado Territory

College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework