Today in Smithsonian History: October 25, 1983

Visitors View the World Map of Martin Walkdseemuller at “The Naming of America”

October 25, 1983 The Naming of America opens at the National Museum of American History. The exhibition displays the world map created by Martin Waldseemuller, thought to be the first map on which the name “America” was used.

This would be much more interesting if we had a good picture of the map, wouldn’t it? You can learn more and check out an interactive version at the Library of Congress.

Universalis Cosmographia Secundum Ptholomaei Traditionem et Americi Vespucii Alioru[m]que Lustrationes,
St. Dié, 1507

Courtesy of Smithsonian Institution Archives

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