The Map Room

Earlier this month, MapHist subscribers learned of the passing of Walter W. Ristow, the former Chief of the Geography and Map Division of the Library of Congress. Ristow died aged 97 on April 3. Today’s Washington Post takes a look back at Ristow’s life and career, which not only included 32 years at the Geography and Map Division (11 as its chief), but also a wartime stint analysing maps for the Office of Military Intelligence. A road map enthusiast, he apparently completed a manuscript on the history of American road maps shortly before his death.

Update, April 18: See also the New York Times obituary.

Update, May 7: Another obituary from the La Crosse Tribune.