Moving Hibbing

Title: Map of a Section of Old Hibbing
Type: Map
Date: 1897
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

Description: This map shows part of the old town site of Hibbing in 1897.

Activities:

1. The key tells you that every inch equals 50 feet. Does it matter if the electronic map you're viewing has been shrunk to fit your screen?
   
   
   
   
   Answer: Yes it does matter. If the map is reduced, an inch will cover much more of the map on your computer than it would on the original map. This is one reason why it's important to see the real primary source.
2. The key also identifies one independent hose cart, the prevailing wind directions, and has a note discussing water facilities. Who would you guess then that this map was made for?
   
   
   
   
   Answer: You might guess the fire department, but in fact it was made for insurance companies who need to determine which buildings were at the highest risk of causing fires or being damaged by fire.
3. What kinds of buildings could you find in this part of Hibbing?
   
   
   
   
   Answer: The index identifies churches, hotels, schools, and other buildings, but it is likely that there were plenty of homes in this area, too.
4. What do the numbers between the mines tell you about them?
   
   
   
   
   Answer: They were not very far apart from each other, and were also very close to the town. orth Street is only six hundred feet—twofootball fields—away from the Sellers mine.