Measuring America
How an Untamed Wilderness Shaped the United States and Fulfilled the Promise ofD emocracy
By Andro Linklater | Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
About the book
In 1790, America was in enormous debt, having depleted what little money and supplies the country had during its victorious fight for independence. Before the nation's greatest asset, the land west of the Ohio River, could be sold it had to be measured out and mapped. And before that could be done, a uniform set of measurements had to be chosen for the new republic out of the morass of roughly 100,000 different units that were in use in daily life.
Measuring America tells the fascinating story of how we ultimately gained the American Customary System—the last traditional system in the world—and how one man's surveying chain indelibly imprinted its dimensions on the land, on cities, and on our culture from coast to coast.
Editions of Measuring America
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780452284593
Read an Excerpt
In 1790, America was in enormous debt, having depleted what little money and supplies the country had during its victorious fight for independence. Before the nation's greatest asset, the land west of the Ohio River, could be sold it had to be measured out and mapped. And before that could be done, a uniform set of measurements had to be chosen for the new republic out of the morass of roughly 100,000 different units that were in use in daily life.
Measuring America tells the fascinating story of how we ultimately gained the American Customary System—the last traditional system in the world—and how one man's surveying chain indelibly imprinted its dimensions on the land, on cities, and on our culture from coast to coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Measuring America about?
In 1790, America was in enormous debt, having depleted what little money and supplies the country had during its victorious fight for independence. Before the nation's greatest asset, the land west of the Ohio River, could be sold it had to be measured out and mapped. And before that could be done, a uniform set of measurements had to be chosen for the new republic out of the morass of roughly 100,000 different units that were in use in daily life.
Measuring America tells the fascinating story of how we ultimately gained the American Customary System—the last traditional system in the world—and how one man's surveying chain indelibly imprinted its dimensions on the land, on cities, and on our culture from coast to coast.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Measuring America?
History and Archaeology > History > History of the Americas
Where can I read a sample of Measuring America?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780452284593
How long is Measuring America and how many pages does it have?
Measuring America has 320 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Measuring America?
Andro Linklater
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Measuring America is available as paperback(ISBN 9780452284593)
Where can I buy Measuring America online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Measuring America from below
Where can I buy Measuring America?