The Thomas Balch Library in Leesburg, VA, is set to host a captivating discussion with renowned author John E. Ross on December 3 at 2 p.m. The event, titled “Traveling through Time,” will delve into the history of Virginia’s exploration and settlement as seen through historic maps. Attendees will have the chance to purchase Ross’s latest book, “Through the Mountains: The French Broad River and Time.”
Ross’s talk will highlight the journey back to the early European discovery of America, focusing on the historical maps that document this era. He will showcase a range of online map portfolios, including Diego Riberio’s 1529 sketch of the western hemisphere’s coast.
The session will also shed light on the beliefs of colonial Virginians about the geography beyond the Blue Ridge, and the remarkable accuracy of historical maps like Louis Michel’s 1707 Shenandoah Valley map and the 1751 Jefferson-Fry Virginia map, created with basic tools like compasses and pens.
Ross emphasizes the significance of old maps in understanding history and appreciates Eugene Scheel’s contributions to mapping and documenting Northern Virginia’s evolution.
Interested participants must pre-register for this enlightening event by calling 703-737-7195, emailing balchlib@leesburgva.gov, or registering online.
John E. Ross, author of the bestselling book “Through the Mountains: The French Broad River and Time,” is currently working on his next book, “Beyond the Blue Horizon: Virginia’s Great Valley and Ridges.” He resides in Middleburg, VA, with his partner Meredith Whiting, actively engaging in various preservation and conservation efforts
