Take a peek at America's first board game, launched in 1822

[Coloroscopio]

 

Before Monopoly, Clue, or even Chutes and Ladders, there was The Travellers’ Tour Through the United States. Published in 1822, this unassuming board game is often overlooked in the annals of American history, yet it holds a unique place as the nation’s first. Unlike many games of its era that were imported from Europe, The Travellers’ Tour was a homegrown creation, reflecting the aspirations and curiosities of a young nation.

 

 

The game itself was a geographic exercise. Players navigated a hand-colored map of the then-24 states, landing on cities and towns they had to correctly identify. The game’s mechanics were simple: a teetotum (a spinning top) determined movement, and players could advance by correctly answering questions about the places they landed on. The ultimate goal was to reach New Orleans. While it might seem rudimentary by today’s standards, The Travellers’ Tour reflected the growing interest in geography and exploration that characterized the early 19th century.

 

 

Beyond its gameplay, the game offers a lovely glimpse into early American life. The cities and towns included in the game provide a snapshot of the nation’s emerging urban centers. Moreover, the game’s emphasis on knowledge and geography reflects the educational aspirations of the era. In a time before widespread public education, The Travellers’ Tour offered a playful way to learn about one’s country.

 

While its historical significance is undeniable, The Travellers’ Tour remains a relatively obscure artifact. Only a handful of copies are known to exist, making it a coveted item among collectors. Yet, its story is a reminder of the ingenuity and creativity that have always been hallmarks of the American spirit.

 

• https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/americas-first-board-game-travellers-tour 
• https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/what-americas-first-board-game-tells-us-about-the-aspirations-of-a-young-nation-180984338/ 
• https://theconversation.com/what-americas-first-board-game-can-teach-us-about-the-aspirations-of-a-young-nation-228581 

 

 

Images: Wikimedia Commons, Library of Congress