The United States Game [Across the Continent]

Later edition of a vibrant board game transporting players across the United States.

“The United States Game” was a board game first produced in 1901 by the Parker Brothers of Salem, Massachusetts. Two or more players would traverse the United States in an attempt to visit various destinations indicated by drawn cards (not included). The first player to reach their location and return to the point of departure is declared the winner. This is a somewhat later version, published in the mid-1930s, though the image remains almost exactly the same as the original edition (including the outdated ferry to San Francisco).

Illustrated vignettes highlight the agricultural production, commercial exports, natural beauty, and major urban areas of the continental United States. Each region of America is visually represented, from the mountainous West to the fields of the Great Plains. Various means of transportation are noted throughout, with a surprising number of sailing ships plying the waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Includes accompanying promotional piece showing ‘Across the Continent’ (and the accompanying game board) as well as other popular Parker Brothers games. The multiple iterations of the game and its various inspirations like Rail Baron and Ticket to Ride are a testament to its popularity and cultural legacy.