Archie G. Norcross' Panoramic Fire Lookout Maps of Maine (1918–22)

Archie G. Norcross' Maine Forest Fire Maps (1918–22)

Before satellites and camera networks, fire lookouts relied on panoramic maps drawn by civil engineer Archie G. Norcross. These circular charts, centered on each fire tower, let spotters pinpoint smoke plumes and direct firefighting crews. The Maine Forestry Department commissioned dozens of these maps after devastating fires in 1903 and 1908. Now digitized, they offer a unique view of the American wilderness as seen from its lonely watchtowers.