MAPS ARE GUIDES, NOT CANON.

These maps are all best efforts to reflect what is in canon and what is projected from what is in canon, but is a story says something, then it’s so. The maps are more in the way of guidelines.

Maps and Geography

As writers, a lot of us rely on Google maps to see where things are and what the basic geography of Grantville is like. (Do a Google maps search for Mannington, WV.) However, it’s been more than two decades since the Ring of Fire. Things have changed. And, not to be Captain Obvious, but outside the approximately 6 mile radius of the Ring of Fire, we’re looking at Thuringia and 17th century Europe. Not West Virginia. And not modern Germany.

Things have changed.

That’s where this section with geographic, political, and economic maps of Grantville and the 1632verse come in. There are several maps that show the altered universe. These include:

• Topographic maps that overlay the circle of the Ring of Fire on the correct area of Thuringia. They have been oriented to show everything correctly.
• Political maps showing new country boundaries. There are several of these showing the changes in different years.
• Economic maps showing the (predicted) spread of USE money.

Over time, more will be added. Like so much of the supporting information for the 1632verse, this is largely volunteer driven. When an author feels a need for something, or a fan feels a drive to create it, then it is created. Many are kind enough to provide what they make so others can benefit from it.

Mannington, West Virginia

Remember, Grantville is not Mannington, but the geography of the two is strangely similar. To download a high resolution version of this simplified street map, click here.

When you look at Google maps of Mannington, most areas have older versions available. If you go into street view, there is normally a black rectangle with the address and the date the images were captured. There is also, often, a link to “see more dates.” Clicking that should bring upp a line of previous dates at the bottom of the screen. It’s generally a good idea to use the oldest dates you can find.

The Redbird Institute

Redbird Institute is a down-time location inspired by the Chatauqua Institute. The primary location is between Dorfklum and Riechenbach. A dam is built and the flooded area creates a lake recreation area. This map shows the rough layout of the area. Please note that you can see the topographical lines under the water as well, which means you can see where water is shallower and where there are steeper drop offs.

This map has a number 1 where Redbird is located number 2 where the train station is expected to be located. Given the steep incline, it is expected to be a cog railroad which will also be a demonstration of the technology. Demonstrating new technology is very much something Redbird will want to do.

This is a topographic map that shows not just Redbird but more of the area surrounding it. It shows less detail for Redbird since it shows a larger area.