Folk-Tale Map of the United States

“Like the saplings that were planted by Johnny Appleseed, folk tales sprouted from every part of Young America.”

This whimsical pictorial map of the United States was published in 1973 by Scott Foresman and Company. It was circulated to teachers and classrooms to promote the proprietary Scott Foresman Reading Systems – the illustrations and accompanying text were drawn from one of the lesson plans.

Colorful vignettes represent the heroes (and a few heroines) from many of America’s most beloved folk stories and tall tales. Molly Pitcher defends the Atlantic Coast against Blackbeard while Pecos Bill rides a mountain lion and Johnny Inkslinger (Paul Bunyan’s clerk) keeps careful notes. An interesting blend of fiction and history with, perhaps, questionable educational value.