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:

The Brent Crater

First recognized in 1951 from aerial photographs, the crater is a circular depression about 3 km in diameter formed in Precambrian crystalline rocks. Geophysical and diamond drilling...

First recognized in 1951 from aerial photographs, the crater is a circular depression about 3 km in diameter formed in Precambrian crystalline rocks. Geophysical and diamond drilling...

  • toronto
  • ontario
  • alan brown

Blockhouse Island

On this island, formerly known as Hospital Island, stood the sheds erected to house emigrants who were victims of cholera in the great epidemic of 1832. Many persons died here, including Doctor...

On this island, formerly known as Hospital Island, stood the sheds erected to house emigrants who were victims of cholera in the great epidemic of 1832. Many persons died here, including...

  • toronto
  • ontario
  • alan brown

Battle of Moraviantown, 1813 (Battle of the Thames)

In September 1813, during the second year of the War of 1812, the United States won control of Lake Erie, cutting British supply lines with the east and forcing the British to withdraw from the...

In September 1813, during the second year of the War of 1812, the United States won control of Lake Erie, cutting British supply lines with the east and forcing the British to withdraw from...

  • toronto
  • ontario
  • alan brown

Battle of Stoney Creek

During 1813 the Americans planned to invade Upper Canada from Detroit and the Niagara Peninsula. In late May, an American force crossed the Niagara River, seized Fort George, and with about 3500...

During 1813 the Americans planned to invade Upper Canada from Detroit and the Niagara Peninsula. In late May, an American force crossed the Niagara River, seized Fort George, and with about...

  • toronto
  • ontario
  • alan brown

The Bible Christian Church

Perhaps the most fervent of the Methodist sects, the Bible Christian Church was formed in southwestern England in 1815 and established in Upper Canada during the 1830s. Served by itinerant...

Perhaps the most fervent of the Methodist sects, the Bible Christian Church was formed in southwestern England in 1815 and established in Upper Canada during the 1830s. Served by...

  • toronto
  • ontario
  • alan brown

The Brockville Tunnel 1860

Construction of Canada's first railway tunnel, which runs from this point for 527 metres in a northerly direction, began in September 1854. Designed to give the Brockville and Ottawa Railway...

Construction of Canada's first railway tunnel, which runs from this point for 527 metres in a northerly direction, began in September 1854. Designed to give the Brockville and Ottawa...

  • toronto
  • ontario
  • alan brown

Battle of Lundy's Lane

This was the site of the bloodiest battle of the War of 1812. On the afternoon of 25th July, 1814, Lieutenant-General Gordon Drummond with about 2800 men engaged the invading American army which...

This was the site of the bloodiest battle of the War of 1812. On the afternoon of 25th July, 1814, Lieutenant-General Gordon Drummond with about 2800 men engaged the invading American army which...

  • toronto
  • ontario
  • alan brown

Battle of Crysler's Farm 1813

In November, 1813, an American army of some 8000 men, commanded by Major-General James Wilkinson, moved down the St. Lawrence en route to Montreal. Wilkinson was followed and harassed by a British...

In November, 1813, an American army of some 8000 men, commanded by Major-General James Wilkinson, moved down the St. Lawrence en route to Montreal. Wilkinson was followed and harassed by a...

  • toronto
  • ontario
  • alan brown

The Brant House

The original house on this site was built about 1800 by the famous Mohawk Chief Joseph Brant (Thayendanegea). Two years previously Captain Brant had been granted some 1,415 ha of land in this area...

The original house on this site was built about 1800 by the famous Mohawk Chief Joseph Brant (Thayendanegea). Two years previously Captain Brant had been granted some 1,415 ha of land in this area...

  • toronto
  • ontario
  • alan brown

The Battle of Queenston Heights

In the early morning of 13 October 1812, American troops under Major-General Stephen Van Rensellaer crossed the Niagara River and took possession of Queenston Heights. Major-General Isaac Brock...

In the early morning of 13 October 1812, American troops under Major-General Stephen Van Rensellaer crossed the Niagara River and took possession of Queenston Heights. Major-General Isaac...

  • toronto
  • ontario
  • alan brown

The Battle of Malcolm's Mills 1814

In October, 1814, an invading American force of about 700 men under Brigadier-General Duncan McArthur advanced rapidly up the Thames Valley. He intended to devastate the Grand River settlements...

In October, 1814, an invading American force of about 700 men under Brigadier-General Duncan McArthur advanced rapidly up the Thames Valley. He intended to devastate the Grand River...

  • toronto
  • ontario
  • alan brown

Butler's Rangers

In 1777 John Butler of New York raised a force of Rangers who, with their Iroquois allies, raided the frontiers of New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey throughout the American Revolutionary War....

In 1777 John Butler of New York raised a force of Rangers who, with their Iroquois allies, raided the frontiers of New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey throughout the American Revolutionary...

  • toronto
  • ontario
  • alan brown

Bishop Benjamin Eby, 1785-1853

Born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Eby came to Upper Canada in 1806 and purchased extensive lands in this vicinity on which he settled the following year. He was ordained a minister of the...

Born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Eby came to Upper Canada in 1806 and purchased extensive lands in this vicinity on which he settled the following year. He was ordained a minister of...

  • toronto
  • ontario
  • alan brown

Barnum House

A superb example of a prosperous Upper Canada home, this elegant classical building was erected about 1819. Though its interior has been modified several times since, the façade remains...

A superb example of a prosperous Upper Canada home, this elegant classical building was erected about 1819. Though its interior has been modified several times since, the façade...

  • toronto
  • ontario
  • alan brown

Burlington Heights 1813-1814

Here in June, 1813, General John Vincent assembled troops that made the successful night attack on the invaders at Stoney Creek. From this point of vantage, in December, 1813, the force which...

Here in June, 1813, General John Vincent assembled troops that made the successful night attack on the invaders at Stoney Creek. From this point of vantage, in December, 1813, the force which...

  • toronto
  • ontario
  • alan brown

Bradlo

In 1930 a handful of Slovak immigrants settled eleven kilometres south of Hearst near present-day Highway 583. They helped each other build log houses, clear land and sell wood to pulp and paper...

In 1930 a handful of Slovak immigrants settled eleven kilometres south of Hearst near present-day Highway 583. They helped each other build log houses, clear land and sell wood to pulp and...

  • toronto
  • ontario
  • alan brown

British Commonwealth Air Training Plan

Created as a result of an agreement signed by the United Kingdom and Canada on 17 December, 1939 this Plan was one of Canada's most important contributions to the Allied war effort in World War...

Created as a result of an agreement signed by the United Kingdom and Canada on 17 December, 1939 this Plan was one of Canada's most important contributions to the Allied war effort in World War...

  • toronto
  • ontario
  • alan brown

The Battle of Pelee Island 1838

On February 26, 1838, a group of over 300 American supporters of William Lyon Mackenzie's rebellion, led by 'Major' Lester Hoadley, captured this island. In response, Colonel John Maitland,...

On February 26, 1838, a group of over 300 American supporters of William Lyon Mackenzie's rebellion, led by 'Major' Lester Hoadley, captured this island. In response, Colonel John...

  • toronto
  • ontario
  • alan brown

"Barberton"

At a bend in the Credit River, just east of here, a mill site was developed in 1826. William and Robert Barber purchased the property in 1844 and constructed the Toronto Woollen Mills, one of the...

At a bend in the Credit River, just east of here, a mill site was developed in 1826. William and Robert Barber purchased the property in 1844 and constructed the Toronto Woollen Mills, one of...

  • toronto
  • ontario
  • alan brown

The Buxton Settlement 1849

In 1849 the "Elgin Association", founded by a Presbyterian minister, the Reverend William King (1812-95), purchased 1740 ha of land in this area on which were settled freed and fugitive Negro...

In 1849 the "Elgin Association", founded by a Presbyterian minister, the Reverend William King (1812-95), purchased 1740 ha of land in this area on which were settled freed and fugitive...

  • toronto
  • ontario
  • alan brown