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Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
A New Dissected Map of United States of North America
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

A New Dissected Map of United States of North America

Artifact IDMO 2007.858f
Object Type Puzzle, Jigsaw
Maker
Dateca. 1821-1836
Mediumwood, paper, ink
Dimensionsbox/case H 1 3/4 in x W 7 1/2 in x D 6 1/8 in (4.4 cm x 19.1 cm x 15.6 cm )
Physical DescriptionA boxed geographic puzzle. The cover of the two-piece wood box has an illustration of a young man holding a large map, flanked by a variety of figures including Britannia, men and women in clothing from various historical eras, and a North American indigenous man. The title and description of the puzzle are above and below the image: A NEW DISSECTED / MAP / of / UNITED STATES / OF / NORTH AMERICA / For / Teaching / Youth / Geography. A pencil signature on the bottom interior of the box reads: Maria Metcalf. An additional pencil signature on the bottom exterior of the box reads: George Metcalf.

The box contains 41 remaining puzzle pieces of various sizes depicting the U.S. states of the time, as well as the surrounding bodies of water and portions of Canada.
Historical NoteThis puzzle is part of a collection of 19th century games designed for the amuseument and instruction of children (MO 2007.858a-r) purchased by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1939 for $97.50. The games, which were found together in the attic of an old house in Massachusetts, were put up for sale as a collection by The American Autograph Shop in Merion Station, Pennsylvania.
Additional Details
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesPersonal Possessions of the Roosevelt Family (National Archives Identifier 782689)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view