Fun with Maps ISSUE 2025-047

By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)

LOVELAND, OH (March 14, 2025) – In today’s edition of Fun with Maps, happy Pi Day (or Pie if you’d prefer) 3.14. which has nothing whatsoever to do with this great FwM story.

FIND ME AT YOUR LOCAL POST OFFICE

On March 15, 1950, the FBI issued its first “Ten Most Wanted List” to the public.

The #1 criminal to be added to the list was Thomas James Holden who had robbed a train, escaped from Leavenworth and killed his wife and brothers. A citizen tip led to his arrest in April of 1951. 

Individuals are only removed from the list when they are captured, die, or charges against them are dropped.  Military insurgent Victor Manuel Gerena holds the record for being on the list the longest – 32 years – and Billie Austin Bryant, listed in 1969, was only on the list for 2 hours before being captured in a police manhunt.

Currently the total stands at 535 individuals who have been considered the most dangerous fugitives in America.  Of those, 496 have been captured.  The public posting of the FBI list has proven to be its most effective public communication tool for solving violent crimes.

All FBI Field Offices can “nominate” people for the list, but the ultimate determination is that of the FBI director.

This map of Washington D.C. shows plenty of swamp where the Lincoln Memorial is now.  It is by Johnson from 1863.

Steve Kovacs and his wife Theresa reside in Loveland, Ohio where they raised their two children. He is a passionate collector of antique maps.

Visit his antique map boutique world-on-paper online. Watch for his daily feature Steve Kovacs: Fun with Maps here on Loveland Beacon.