DeGolyer Library Map Collection

About the Collection

The map collection at the DeGolyer Library consists of about 3,000 sheet maps, dating from the 16th to the 20th centuries, with most dating from before 1901. While the map collection includes all areas of the world, it is largely devoted to maps of North America. The American West is a particular strength. The great European mapmakers, such as Sanson, DeLisle, and Coronelli, and their American counterparts, such as Tanner, Mitchell, and Colton, are represented.

Some of the most important maps in the DeGolyer Library are found in printed volumes in the rare book collection. These rare books include significant examples of the art of mapmaking, such as a Ptolemy from 1561, the spectacular Turgot plan of Paris from 1739, and the atlas accompanying Captain Cook’s voyages from 1785. DeGolyer’s other map materials range from representations by 16th-century explorers to 19th-century plat-books and promotional pamphlets. In the manuscript collection, researchers can also find cartographic materials among personal and organizational papers. The library also holds an extensive collection of railroad timetables and guidebooks, as well as road maps issued by oil companies and state tourist agencies.

Not all of these map holdings appear in the library catalog. Researchers are encouraged to consult library staff for help finding cartographic resources. Long-range plans include adding more maps to SMU Libraries digital collections, making them more readily accessible to researchers.