Bird’s-eye view maps were popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The works depicted places as a bird might see them from the air. To achieve the effect, mapmakers drew buildings and topographical features in three dimensions. They highlighted structures of architectural significance. The maps proved popular with individuals and organizations interested in manifesting pride in their cities and towns.
Camille N. Drie
Bird’s Eye View of the City of Raleigh, North Carolina, 1872
C. Drie, 1872
Artist Camille Drie produced similar views for several other primarily southern cities from 1871 to 1904.
Oddly, the two featured images of buildings are the Penitentiary and Dorothea Dix Hospital, here referred to as the “Lunatic Asylum.” Perhaps they were displayed for their architectural merit. The State Capitol, churches, train station, and other historical buildings are rendered in considerable detail, and would have been recognized by residents.
North Carolina Collection
Albert Ruger
Bird’s Eye View of the City of Greensboro, North Carolina, 1891
Madison, Wisconsin: Ruger & Stoner, 1891
This 1891 view of Greensboro was printed by the Burleigh Lithographing Establishment of Troy, New York. Albert Ruger and his partner, Joseph John Stoner, were two of the most prolific artists producing bird’s-eye views.
North Carolina Collection
Pinebluff. N.C. Southern Pines.
Richmond, Virginia: A. Hoen & Co., ca. 1900
The artist behind this colorful bird’s-eye view is unknown. Considering the prominent display of the Seaboard Air Line Railway, this lithograph might have been sponsored by that company.
A. Hoen & Co, a Baltimore, Maryland-based lithography company, was founded in 1840. Hoen patented several improvements in lithography.
North Carolina Collection