FUN WITH MAPS – ISSUE 2023-31 DAILY FEATURE:

By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)

LOVELAND, OH (February 17, 2023) – In today’s edition of Fun with Map from Steve Kovacs, we learn a little history of how John Adams lost a bid to become the President of the United States in a most unique way during the election of 1800.

THOMAS JEFFERSON

Thomas Jefferson held many political offices: he was Virginia state legislator, governor, member of US Congress, Minister to France, Secretary of State, Vice President, but he almost did not become US President.

Rather unbelievably Jefferson and John Adams tied in the Electoral College count in the Presidential race of 1800.  It was up to the House of Representatives to break the tie.  And they finally did so after much backroom maneuvering, including a strong push by Alexander Hamilton in favor of Jefferson.  It took 36 ballots to do so and Jefferson was declared the winner on February 17, 1801.

Jefferson went on to serve two Presidential terms.  One of his key accomplishments was the westward push of the nation, starting with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.

Jefferson was born and died in Virginia, so here is an early map of Virginia and the Carolinas by Hondius, issued in 1606.

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.