FUN WITH MAPS ISSUE 2024-201

By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)

LOVELAND, OH (November 5, 2024) – In this edition of Fun with Maps we celebrate the launching of a board game nearly 90 years ago; almost as long as one game lasts.

It is only a Game

The board game Monopoly was launched by Parker Brothers on November 5, 1935.  It is one of the most played and long-lasting board games.

While the objective of Monopoly is to make the most money, the origin of the game traces to something quite the opposite.

Monopoly is loosely based on Lizzie Maggie’s game called Landlord’s Game which launched in 1903.  Its intent was to show that an economy in which many individuals are rewarded is better than one in which a few hold all the wealth in monopolies. 

Parker Brothers was founded in Salem, Massachusetts, so here is Ruth White’s pictorial map of the commonwealth.

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.