Map that named America is a puzzle for researchers

**Prophet** · 12-06-2007, 08:25 AM

[size=12pt]Map that named America is a puzzle for researchers[/size]
Reuters
By David Alexander
Mon Dec 3, 2007 1:47pm ES

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The only surviving copy of the 500-year-old map that first used the name America goes on permanent display this month at the Library of Congress, but even as it prepares for its debut, the 1507 Waldseemuller map remains a puzzle for researchers.

Why did the mapmaker name the territory America and then change his mind later? How was he able to draw South America so accurately? Why did he put a huge ocean west of America years before European explorers discovered the Pacific?...

**Purple Floyd** · 12-06-2007, 08:29 AM

"Prophet" wrote:

[size=12pt]Map that named America is a puzzle for researchers[/size]
Reuters
By David Alexander
Mon Dec 3, 2007 1:47pm ES

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The only surviving copy of the 500-year-old map that first used the name America goes on permanent display this month at the Library of Congress, but even as it prepares for its debut, the 1507 Waldseemuller map remains a puzzle for researchers.

Why did the mapmaker name the territory America and then change his mind later? How was he able to draw South America so accurately? Why did he put a huge ocean west of America years before European explorers discovered the Pacific?...

Google earth.

**singersp** · 12-06-2007, 08:44 AM

"Prophet" wrote:

[size=12pt]Map that named America is a puzzle for researchers[/size]
Reuters
By David Alexander
Mon Dec 3, 2007 1:47pm ES

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The only surviving copy of the 500-year-old map that first used the name America goes on permanent display this month at the Library of Congress, but even as it prepares for its debut, the 1507 Waldseemuller map remains a puzzle for researchers.

Why did the mapmaker name the territory America and then change his mind later? How was he able to draw South America so accurately? Why did he put a huge ocean west of America years before European explorers discovered the Pacific?...

Aliens provided the information to him.

**The Dropper** · 12-06-2007, 08:48 AM

His 1516 mariner's map, on the same scale as the 1507 map, steps back even further, showing only parts of the new continents and reconnecting the north to Asia. South America is labeled Terra Nova -- New World -- and North America is labeled Terra de Cuba -- Land of Cuba.

Wait a minute, so if all of North America is the Land of Cuba, does this mean we lost the Cold War?

Son of a bitch Pinko Scum!
erm...I mean, hooray for the Land of Cuba, comrades.

;D

**BadlandsVikings** · 12-06-2007, 08:48 AM

"singersp" wrote:

"Prophet" wrote:

[size=12pt]Map that named America is a puzzle for researchers[/size]
Reuters
By David Alexander
Mon Dec 3, 2007 1:47pm ES

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The only surviving copy of the 500-year-old map that first used the name America goes on permanent display this month at the Library of Congress, but even as it prepares for its debut, the 1507 Waldseemuller map remains a puzzle for researchers.

Why did the mapmaker name the territory America and then change his mind later? How was he able to draw South America so accurately? Why did he put a huge ocean west of America years before European explorers discovered the Pacific?...

Aliens provided the information to him.

I didn't know Tom Cruise was alive then

**singersp** · 12-06-2007, 08:57 AM

"BadlandsViking" wrote:

"singersp" wrote:

"Prophet" wrote:

[size=12pt]Map that named America is a puzzle for researchers[/size]
Reuters
By David Alexander
Mon Dec 3, 2007 1:47pm ES

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The only surviving copy of the 500-year-old map that first used the name America goes on permanent display this month at the Library of Congress, but even as it prepares for its debut, the 1507 Waldseemuller map remains a puzzle for researchers.

Why did the mapmaker name the territory America and then change his mind later? How was he able to draw South America so accurately? Why did he put a huge ocean west of America years before European explorers discovered the Pacific?...

Aliens provided the information to him.

I didn't know Tom Cruise was alive then

He wasn't. It was his ancestors. If I reacall correctly the surname back then was Starcruiseship, but after several generations it was first shortened to Starcruise & then eventually to just Cruise.

Rumor has it that he is also related to members of Jefferson Starship who are also ancestors of that alien visit.