Immerse yourself in a pivotal moment of World War I with this meticulously detailed map of the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, created by General John J. Pershing in 1918. This map, featured in Pershing's final report and published by the Government Printing Office in 1920, offers a vivid portrayal of the daily positions of the front line during one of the most significant military operations of the war. The Meuse-Argonne Offensive, which spanned from September 26 to November 11, 1918, was a crucial Allied push that ultimately led to the Armistice and the end of the war. This map is not just a representation of geography but a chronicle of strategic maneuvers and heroic efforts.
The map encompasses the Meuse and Argonne regions of France, illustrating the intricate network of political boundaries, cities, forts, and other critical landmarks. It captures the essence of the battlefield with detailed depictions of railways, roads, canals, and topographical features such as forests and bodies of water. The inclusion of churches, mills, and drainage patterns adds a layer of depth, providing insight into the terrain and the challenges faced by the troops. The legend and explanatory notes enhance the map's utility, making it an indispensable tool for understanding the complex dynamics of the offensive.
What sets this map apart is its historical significance and the context it provides about the American Expeditionary Forces' operations in Europe. Under Pershing's command, the AEF played a decisive role in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, which was one of the largest and deadliest campaigns involving American troops. The map's detailed indexing of military jurisdictions and daily front line positions offers a unique glimpse into the strategic planning and execution of the offensive. It serves as a testament to the bravery and resilience of the soldiers who fought in this crucial battle.
The map also highlights significant places where important events occurred, such as Verdun, Montfaucon, and Sedan, along with other notable locations like Romagne, Cunel, and Brieulles. These sites were key to the success of the offensive and are marked with precision, allowing historians and enthusiasts to trace the movements and engagements of the Allied forces. The depiction of routes, trails, and camps further enriches the narrative, providing a comprehensive overview of the logistical and tactical elements that defined the campaign.
Owning this map is like holding a piece of history in your hands. It is a valuable artifact that not only documents a critical chapter in World War I but also serves as a tribute to the strategic brilliance and valor of the American Expeditionary Forces. Whether you are a history aficionado, a military enthusiast, or a collector of rare maps, this exquisite piece offers an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the past and explore the intricacies of one of the most significant military operations of the 20th century.
Places on this map
- Verdun
- Montfaucon
- Sedan
- Romagne
- Cunel
- Brieulles
- Apremont
- Sivry-sur-Meuse
- Dun-sur-Meuse
- Exermont
- Châtillon-sur-Bar
- Charpentry
- Fleville
- Bantheville
- Cierges
- Landres-et-Saint-Georges
- Barricourt
- Andevanne
- Cléry-le-Grand
- Consenvoye
Notable Features & Landmarks
- Political boundaries of the Meuse and Argonne regions
- Cities such as Verdun, Montfaucon, and Sedan
- Forts and military positions
- Churches and mills
- Railways and roads, including surface roads and main roads
- Canals and bodies of water, including rivers and streams
- Topographical features such as forests and elevation changes
- Daily front line positions during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive
- Military jurisdictions indexed on the map
- Legend explaining symbols and features
- Bar scales in kilometers and miles
- Drainage patterns and water bodies
- Explanatory notes providing additional context
- Key battle sites and movements
- Significant routes and trails used during the offensive
- Major cities and their strategic importance
- Historic landmarks relevant to the offensive
- Camps and military installations
- Notable events and battles occurring in the depicted regions
- Villages and smaller towns in the operational area
- Surface roads and their conditions
- Standard gauge railroads and their importance
- Double-track railroads for military logistics
- Narrow gauge railroads for specific tactical uses
- Canals used for transportation and supply routes
- Streams and their impact on military operations
- Forested areas and their strategic significance
Historical and design context
- Name of the map: Military map of Meuse and Argonne, France, during World War I
- Featured in the final report of Gen. John J. Pershing
- Published by the Government Printing Office in Washington D.C., 1920
- Depicts the daily position of the front line in the "Meuse-Argonne Offensive" of 1918
- Shows political boundaries, cities, forts, churches, mills, railways, roads, canals, topography, forests, bodies of water, and drainage
- Includes a legend, explanatory notes, and two bar scales given in kilometers and miles
- Indexed to indicate military jurisdictions
- Created by John J. Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I
- The Meuse-Argonne Offensive was a major part of the final Allied offensive of World War I
- One of the largest operations of the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I, leading to the Armistice of November 11, 1918
Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.
This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.
This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 90in (230cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.
Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 20in (50cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.
The model in the listing images is holding the 16x16in (40x40cm) version of this map.
The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.
If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.
Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.
This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.
This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.