A gigantic map of all the cool plaques in the world. A project of 99% Invisible.
Explore the nearly 25,000 worldwide plaques on the Big Map big map screenshot
The most recent plaques:

Horace Bowler, Harbour Missionary

The plaque reads: In loving memory of Horace Bowler, Harbour Missionary. Died August 11 1902 Aged 30 years. “Until the Day Break” Erected by the Congregation of This Church.     Lat:...

The plaque reads: In loving memory of Horace Bowler, Harbour Missionary. Died August 11 1902 Aged 30 years. “Until the Day Break” Erected by the Congregation of This Church.    ...

  • 1902
  • england
  • great britain
  • uk

Jackson: The Jumping Seat of Calaveras County

Commemorating the literally trigger-happy zeal that accompanied mining town politics in the mid-1850′s, this plaque tells the story of Jackson’s Judge Smith entanglements in public policy. In...

Commemorating the literally trigger-happy zeal that accompanied mining town politics in the mid-1850′s, this plaque tells the story of Jackson’s Judge Smith entanglements in public policy. In...

  • 1851
  • california
  • jackson

Founder of Doggie Diner

Thomas J. Bates May 6, 1923 – August 9, 2013 Founder of the Doggie DinerWith heavy hearts we must announce the passing of Tom Bates, Owner of Bates Manor at 120 Hillcrest Road,Father of Antony and...

Thomas J. Bates May 6, 1923 – August 9, 2013 Founder of the Doggie DinerWith heavy hearts we must announce the passing of Tom Bates, Owner of Bates Manor at 120 Hillcrest Road,Father of Antony and...

  • berkeley hills
  • food
  • san francisco

George Bernard McPherson of Guerneville, CA

To a man who still received self satisfaction and a feeling of worth by doing something and accepting nothing instead of doing nothing and accepting something.GEORGE BERNARD McPHERSON 1888 –...

To a man who still received self satisfaction and a feeling of worth by doing something and accepting nothing instead of doing nothing and accepting something.GEORGE BERNARD McPHERSON 1888 –...

  • irishamerica...
  • 1888
  • 1977
  • california

Historic Cerrito Creek

Cerrito Creek plaque, featuring local items, notably the undersold dynamite factory (#3).

Cerrito Creek plaque, featuring local items, notably the undersold dynamite factory (#3).

  • dynamite
  • el cerrito

Strasburg Railroad

Established in 1832 in response to the Philadelphia and Columbia Railroad’s bypass of Strasburg, it remains the oldest original railroad operating under its original charter. Local railroad...

Established in 1832 in response to the Philadelphia and Columbia Railroad’s bypass of Strasburg, it remains the oldest original railroad operating under its original charter. Local railroad...

  • 1832
  • pennsylvania
  • railroad
  • steam

Hayes Mansion

Dolce Hayes Mansion 200 Edenvale Ave, San Jose, CA 95136 Mary Hayes Chynoweth, matriarch of the Hayes family, buit this 65 room, 41,000 square foot Mediterranean Revival-style mansion to replace...

Dolce Hayes Mansion 200 Edenvale Ave, San Jose, CA 95136 Mary Hayes Chynoweth, matriarch of the Hayes family, buit this 65 room, 41,000 square foot Mediterranean Revival-style mansion to replace...

  • 1905
  • hayes
  • san jose

Historic Well

Located in the basement parking garage in Safeway at 1444 Shattuck Pl, Berkeley, CA 94709. Prior to the 2012 remodel, it was located outside next to a covered well on the south east corner of the...

Located in the basement parking garage in Safeway at 1444 Shattuck Pl, Berkeley, CA 94709. Prior to the 2012 remodel, it was located outside next to a covered well on the south east corner of...

  • well
  • berkeley
  • california
  • bay area
  • safeway

Key Route

Key Route Train plaque by large key route mural.The mural has been destroyed under controversial circumstances (https://localwiki.org/oakland/Key_Route_Plaza_mural), but a picture of what it...

Key Route Train plaque by large key route mural.The mural has been destroyed under controversial circumstances (https://localwiki.org /oakland/Key_Route_Plaza_mural), but a picture of what it...

  • oakland
  • train

Honoring the Fictional Dead from The Maltese Falcon

This is the only plaque I’ve ever seen dedicated to the death of a minor fictional character. It’s found at the mouth of Burritt Alley in San Francisco. It says: “On approximately this spot, Miles...

This is the only plaque I’ve ever seen dedicated to the death of a minor fictional character. It’s found at the mouth of Burritt Alley in San Francisco. It says: “On approximately this spot, Miles...

  • dashiell hammett
  • humphrey bogart
  • maltese falcon
  • miles archer
  • mystery

A Town Named Sherman

“John C. Gavin (1842-1924) arrived in Sherman after the Civil War. He was given the honorary title of ‘Mayor of Sherman’ due to the fact that he was the last year-round resident of...

“John C. Gavin (1842-1924) arrived in Sherman after the Civil War. He was given the honorary title of ‘Mayor of Sherman’ due to the fact that he was the last year-round resident...

  • ghost town
  • colorado
  • mining

Alvord Lake Bridge

Tiny plaque above the suspicious fellow reads, “National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, Alvord Lake Bridge, ASCE 1970.” Plaque erected by the American Society of Civil Engineers, founded...

Tiny plaque above the suspicious fellow reads, “National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, Alvord Lake Bridge, ASCE 1970.” Plaque erected by the American Society of Civil Engineers,...

  • 1889
  • 1970
  • bridge
  • engineering
  • golden gate
  • ransome
  • rebar
  • san francisco

Clifton Whipple Truss Bridge

“Built in 1884 by the Wrought Iron Bridge Company of Canton, Ohio, at a cost of $6,465, this bridge spans 150 feet across the North Bosque River. This type of bridge, called a Whipple truss, was...

“Built in 1884 by the Wrought Iron Bridge Company of Canton, Ohio, at a cost of $6,465, this bridge spans 150 feet across the North Bosque River. This type of bridge, called a Whipple truss, was...

  • 1884
  • 1941
  • bosque county
  • bridge
  • clifton
  • cliftontexas
  • cliftontx
  • historic
  • recorded tex...
  • rthl
  • texas
  • truss bridge
  • whipple truss bridge

Harpoon Cannon (Whaling Gun)

“The whaling gun below this plaque came off the ship; “Cody.” Gib Hunter was the Captain of the ship and was the last of the whalers to operate off the West Coast. Captain Hunter presented this...

“The whaling gun below this plaque came off the ship; “Cody.” Gib Hunter was the Captain of the ship and was the last of the whalers to operate off the West Coast. Captain Hunter presented...

  • berkeley
  • harpoon
  • whaling

The Three Corners

  130 feet south is the point where Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio meet. This marker was erected by Hillsdale County Historical Society. 1977

  130 feet south is the point where Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio meet. This marker was erected by Hillsdale County Historical Society. 1977

  • 1977
  • montgomery

The Old Sally Port

“From this place naval heroes innumerable have embarked to fight their country’s battles. Near the spot Catharine of Braganza landed in State, May 14, 1662 previous to her marriage with Charles II...

“From this place naval heroes innumerable have embarked to fight their country’s battles. Near the spot Catharine of Braganza landed in State, May 14, 1662 previous to her marriage with Charles II...

  • old portsmouth

Historic Lorin District

“South Berkeley was originally settled by coast Indians. After Spanish conquest in the 1700s, large land tracts were held by the Peralta, Ashby, and Harmon families.Transportation has been a key...

“South Berkeley was originally settled by coast Indians. After Spanish conquest in the 1700s, large land tracts were held by the Peralta, Ashby, and Harmon families.Transportation has been a...

  • berkeley

Faubourg Marigny

“In 1805 Bernard de Marigny began the subdivision of his plantation, creating the first suburb below the original city. As Americans settled up-river, immigrants and free persons of color settled...

“In 1805 Bernard de Marigny began the subdivision of his plantation, creating the first suburb below the original city. As Americans settled up-river, immigrants and free persons of color settled...

    Lady Bird Johnson at Lincoln Elementary

    “Commemorating the visit of MRS. LYNDON B. JOHNSON who has rallied a new interest in beauty and culture throughout the country and who honored Columbus with her recognition of the community’s...

    “Commemorating the visit of MRS. LYNDON B. JOHNSON who has rallied a new interest in beauty and culture throughout the country and who honored Columbus with her recognition of the...

      Denonville on the Golf Course

      “Denonville with army of 3000 French and Indians crossed these grounds twice in July 1687″State Education Department, 1932

      “Denonville with army of 3000 French and Indians crossed these grounds twice in July 1687″State Education Department, 1932

      • 1687
      • 1932