Initial Project Proposal - Story Map of Bull Run/Manassas Battlefields

After reading the Final Project directions and possible projects, I am leaning towards creating a Story Map of the Bull Run aka Manassas Battlefields.  The National Park Service provides visitors with a map of the area, and a self-guided driving tour for the second battlefield.  I plan to research the key events, personalities, geography, etc... of the battles and will then visit the battlefields to take photos and notes.  I found US Army Staff Ride guides for both battles on the US Army Center of Military History website (www.history.army.mil).  I can lay out the story maps based upon the timelines and locations on the battlefields.

There are several versions of Story Maps, and I am narrowing my research towards either a Tour or a Cascade.  The Tour seems like a logical choice as the battlefield is already organized for walking and driving tours, but with the additional media and information available, a Cascade map may allow for a more interesting product. 

I plan to photograph and "map" the battlefield from the first 1861 battle, and then the second 1862 battle.  Focusing on one battle may be easier and less confusing, but the first battlefield is not that large (compared to the second).  I will start with the intent to cover both, but if I need to dial it down, I can do just one of the two battles.

http://www.ctevans.net/Nvcc/HIS218/Assignments/Storymap.html


Comments

  1. Professor Charles EvansSeptember 7, 2017 at 12:31 PM

    Like your idea, and I agree that deciding on which kind of story maps will be an interesting decision for you. I also agree that since there kind of is walking tour information already, the Cascade alternative might be more creative. In any case, with all of the information that you will have available, what do you want to do that is unique and that will provide a somewhat unique interpretation of the battle.

    What about a tabbed map series, for example, https://www.barr.com/maps/mwmostorymap/index.html
    Each tab could represent different time/stage of battle. Just a thought.

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