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Get ready to navigate your way through Read a Road Map Day on April 5! This holiday may seem like it's just about reading a map, but it actually has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century when road maps became widely available to the public. Today, with the rise of GPS and digital navigation, this day is a great reminder to appreciate the art of reading traditional paper maps and honing our navigational skills. So put away your phone and get ready for some old-school map reading adventure!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1917</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Free Road Maps</div><div class='timeline-text'>In 1917, Gulf Refining Company became the first to distribute free road maps at its service stations.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1920</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Rand McNally Auto Chum</div><div class='timeline-text'>In 1920, Rand McNally introduced its first compact, comprehensive road atlas called the "Auto Chum".</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1930</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>AAA Issues Maps</div><div class='timeline-text'>By the 1930s, the American Automobile Association (AAA) started issuing road maps for its members, contributing to popularize road trip culture.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1985</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Read a Road Map Day Established</div><div class='timeline-text'>In 1985, Read a Road Map day was established to remind people about the usefulness and beauty of paper maps.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2005</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Rise of Digital Navigation</div><div class='timeline-text'>Following the rise of digital navigation services like Google Maps in the mid-2000s, the tradition of Read a Road Map Day gained newfound significance and nostalgic appeal.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Plan a road trip</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take advantage of Read a Road Map Day to plan your next road trip! Gather some friends, grab a map, and start plotting out the perfect route to your destination.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a map-inspired craft</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get creative and make a map-inspired craft to celebrate the day. You can make a map-themed scrapbook, wall art, or even a map-shaped pinata!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn map reading skills</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use this day to brush up on your map reading skills. You can take a class, watch tutorials online, or simply practice with a map and compass.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a scavenger hunt</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather some friends and organize a scavenger hunt using a map. This is a fun and interactive way to celebrate Read a Road Map Day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a local map museum</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a trip to a local map museum or exhibit to learn more about the history and art of cartography. You may be surprised by what you discover!</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Discover new places</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Reading a road map can lead you to some amazing adventures. Whether it's finding a hidden gem in your own town or discovering an entirely new destination, using a good old-fashioned paper map allows you to navigate and explore without relying on technology.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Challenge yourself</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Reading a road map requires a fair amount of skill and concentration. It can be both challenging and rewarding to use your sense of direction and problem-solving abilities to get from point A to point B. Plus, it can be a fun activity to do with friends or family!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Learn about geography</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Studying a road map can teach you about different types of terrain, landmarks, and geographical features. It's also a great way to become more familiar with the layout of your country or state. Who knows, you could even discover your new favorite vacation spot!</p></div></div>
Read a Road Map Day is celebrated on April 5th every year. In 2024, Read a Road Map Day will occur on a Friday.
2023
Apr 5
Wednesday
2024
Apr 5
Friday
2025
Apr 5
Saturday
2026
Apr 5
Sunday
2027
Apr 5
Monday
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