When was the first name “American” used on a global map? (Photo)
(8 years ago)On April 25th, 1507, Martin Waldseemüller (c. 1470-1518) was the first to suggest the new earth discovered in the New World to be called America. It was actually South America. The last known copy of this great map of the world is in the Library of the Geography Congress [...]
It was actually South America. The last known copy of this great map of the world is at the Library of the Washington Division Geography Congress, D.C.
Waldseemüller was born in Radolphsell in Bodensee and graduated from the University of Fraiburg in 1490, reports “Locking”, Transmission Periscope. Most of Waldseemüller's early life is unknown.
It first comes to light as a member of the group of human scholars and geographers who thrived in the courtyard of Lauren's Duke Rene II, where they had an influence on 16th century German interests in the field of geography.
News of the New World's discoveries quickly traveled to Europe transalpines Alsaze and Lorraine soon became important centers of interest and research in the discovery of this region.
When copies of the writings of Amerigo Vespucci arrived in court, they generated even more interest in the New World, and Waldseemüller published a volume called a cosmography entry that contained a description of the New World, as well as a translation of Vespucci's letters.
Seeking a name for the new lands, Waldseemüller (who had not yet heard of Christopher Columbus) suggested that they be called America after Vespucci.
America remained the joint appointment for the new continents, and Waldseemüller carried the nickname “ [U.S.]/Periscopi/
