Back to Homepage of Horace Kephart: Revealing an Enigma

Online Exhibit: Maps and Mapping

Key Map from mapping notebook.

Front cover of mapping notebook.

French Curve.

Pages from mapping notebook.

Journal sketch.

Pages from mapping notebook.

Journal sketch.

Maps and Mapping

Kephart had an interest not only in published maps but also the techniques to accurately draw his own maps. Part of this interest no doubt sprang from the practical need of an avid camper to know how to determine location. Kephart dedicated portions of Camping and Woodcraft to this topic. He also wrote articles on how to find one's way on prairies, in the woods and forest, and how to navigate in the wilderness.

Even when using U.S. Geological Survey Topographic maps, Kephart would occassionally make corrections when exploring the Great Smoky Mountains. At times the early maps were inaccurate, leaving off a ridge line or other physical feature, and Kephart would pencil in the correction on his personal copy.

Mapping Tools

Kephart regretted the missed opportunities to map wilderness areas in his more youthful hunting trips. Tools from his collection show the meticulous nature of his mapping as he learned to value these personal maps and their potential for usefulness and nostalgia.

Map Notebook

Within the pages of this small quadrille ruled notebook, Kephart recorded the locations of geographic features, roads and homes on the Eagle Creek and Hazel Creek watersheds.

Masked Camps

Kephart's maps included small areas as well. His research journals contain sketches of proposed hidden camp locations. The potential for intrigue at these locations were integrated into Kephart's interest in detective stories.

Original spelling and syntax retained in all quotations within this exhibit.

Travel notebook cover and ruler.

Mapping notebook map key.

Compass set.

Pages from mapping notebook.

Pages from mapping notebook.

Travel notebook cover and drafting tools.

Journal sketch.