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This 1933 map of Missouri, created by Arthur P. Moody for the Century of Progress Exposition in Chicago, presents a visually striking depiction of the state, highlighting its cities, landscapes, and attractions. Designed to promote Missouri as a destination for travel and settlement, this map showcases the state in a bird's-eye pictorial style, accentuating specific buildings and landmarks. Its creation coincides with a period of significant growth and development in the American Midwest.
The Century of Progress Exposition, held in Chicago in 1933, was a World's Fair commemorating the city's centennial. This event showcased technological innovation and cultural achievement, reflecting the optimistic spirit of the era despite the ongoing Great Depression. The exposition provided a platform for states like Missouri to promote themselves, aligning with the fair's ethos of progress and future possibilities.
Moody's approach to cartography merges artistic representation with functional detail. The map's bird's-eye view offers a unique perspective of Missouri's cities, wherein buildings are rendered with notable attention to architectural characteristics. This style, popular in the early 20th century, provides a vivid and engaging portrayal of urban areas, contrasting with the more topographically focused depiction of the state's natural landscapes.
