A gigantic map of all the cool plaques in the world. A project of 99% Invisible.
Explore the 20,000+ worldwide plaques on the Big Map big map screenshot
The most recent plaques:

Murney Martello Tower

This tower was constructed in 1846 as a part of the new naval defences authorized for Kingston Harbour by the Imperial government during the Oregon Crisis of 1845-46. It was one of the last...

This tower was constructed in 1846 as a part of the new naval defences authorized for Kingston Harbour by the Imperial government during the Oregon Crisis of 1845-46. It was one of the...

  • toronto
  • ontario
  • alan brown

The Masseys at Newcastle

One of the world's largest manufacturers of heavy farm machinery, Massey-Ferguson has its foundations in a modest family business developed in Newcastle. Established in Bond Head by Daniel Massey,...

One of the world's largest manufacturers of heavy farm machinery, Massey-Ferguson has its foundations in a modest family business developed in Newcastle. Established in Bond Head by Daniel Massey,...

  • toronto
  • ontario
  • alan brown

Major-General Sir Isaac Brock, K.B., 1769-1812

One of Canada's outstanding military heroes, Isaac Brock was born on this island. He entered the British Army in 1785, became a lieutenant-colonel of the 49th Regiment of Foot in 1797 and served...

One of Canada's outstanding military heroes, Isaac Brock was born on this island. He entered the British Army in 1785, became a lieutenant-colonel of the 49th Regiment of Foot in 1797 and served...

  • toronto
  • ontario
  • alan brown

The Macpherson House

Built before 1830 this house remains a fine example of a late phase of Georgian architecture. It was constructed by Allan Macpherson, who, about 1812, had leased the mills on the opposite side of...

Built before 1830 this house remains a fine example of a late phase of Georgian architecture. It was constructed by Allan Macpherson, who, about 1812, had leased the mills on the opposite side...

  • toronto
  • ontario
  • alan brown

Malcolm Cameron 1808-1876

A prominent Upper Canadian entrepreneur and politician, Cameron was born in Trois-Rivieres. He began his business career in Perth, establishing himself as a general merchant and in 1834...

A prominent Upper Canadian entrepreneur and politician, Cameron was born in Trois-Rivieres. He began his business career in Perth, establishing himself as a general merchant and in 1834...

  • toronto
  • ontario
  • alan brown

Memorial Hall, 1906

This building, the first in Ontario to be constructed for use solely as an historical museum, was begun in 1906 and completed the following year. Its erection was due largely to the dedicated...

This building, the first in Ontario to be constructed for use solely as an historical museum, was begun in 1906 and completed the following year. Its erection was due largely to the dedicated...

  • toronto
  • ontario
  • alan brown

Mohawk Village

Allies of the British during the American War of Independence, the Six Nations Iroquois received extensive lands along the Grand River in 1784. Mohawks, led by Joseph Brant, established a village...

Allies of the British during the American War of Independence, the Six Nations Iroquois received extensive lands along the Grand River in 1784. Mohawks, led by Joseph Brant, established a village...

  • toronto
  • ontario
  • alan brown

Major John Richardson 1796-1852

This pioneer historian, author and soldier was born in Queenston. His family moved to Amherstburg about 1802, and at the outbreak of the War of 1812 Richardson joined the British army. Retired on...

This pioneer historian, author and soldier was born in Queenston. His family moved to Amherstburg about 1802, and at the outbreak of the War of 1812 Richardson joined the British army. Retired...

  • toronto
  • ontario
  • alan brown

Marmora Ironworks 1823

In 1821 an Irish immigrant, Charles Hayes, began building here one of the province's earliest smelters and foundries, which by June, 1823, was ready to produce pig iron from ore mined near...

In 1821 an Irish immigrant, Charles Hayes, began building here one of the province's earliest smelters and foundries, which by June, 1823, was ready to produce pig iron from ore mined...

  • toronto
  • ontario
  • alan brown

McMaster University 1887

The Honourable William McMaster (1811-1887), a prominent banker and member of the first Senate of Canada, bequeathed funds which enabled Baptists of Ontario and Quebec to found this university....

The Honourable William McMaster (1811-1887), a prominent banker and member of the first Senate of Canada, bequeathed funds which enabled Baptists of Ontario and Quebec to found this...

  • toronto
  • ontario
  • alan brown

The McIntosh Apple

In 1811, John McIntosh discovered an apple sapling on his land in Matilda township. By bringing about its propagation and wide dissemination, he and his family had a significant impact on Canada's...

In 1811, John McIntosh discovered an apple sapling on his land in Matilda township. By bringing about its propagation and wide dissemination, he and his family had a significant impact on Canada's...

  • toronto
  • ontario
  • alan brown

Merrill Denison 1893-1975

A prolific and accomplished playwright, Denison was born in Detroit and raised in Ontario. In 1921, after pursuing studies in architecture, he became Art Director of Hart House Theatre, Toronto....

A prolific and accomplished playwright, Denison was born in Detroit and raised in Ontario. In 1921, after pursuing studies in architecture, he became Art Director of Hart House Theatre, Toronto....

  • toronto
  • ontario
  • alan brown

Mackenzie's Crossing 1837

On Dec. 7, 1837, William Lyon Mackenzie's "Patriot" forces were defeated north of Toronto by Loyalist militia and he fled toward the United States. Travelling little used routes in order to avoid...

On Dec. 7, 1837, William Lyon Mackenzie's "Patriot" forces were defeated north of Toronto by Loyalist militia and he fled toward the United States. Travelling little used routes in order to avoid...

  • toronto
  • ontario
  • alan brown

The Muskoka Road 1858

During the 1850's and 1860's the government attempted to open up the districts lying north of the settled townships by means of "Colonization Roads". Free land was offered to persons who would...

During the 1850's and 1860's the government attempted to open up the districts lying north of the settled townships by means of "Colonization Roads". Free land was offered to persons who...

  • toronto
  • ontario
  • alan brown

The MacMillan Emigration 1802

In September, 1802, over 400 Highland emigrants, including more than 100 MacMillans, arrived at Montreal under the leadership of Archibald McMillan (Murlaggan) on board the vessels "Friends",...

In September, 1802, over 400 Highland emigrants, including more than 100 MacMillans, arrived at Montreal under the leadership of Archibald McMillan (Murlaggan) on board the vessels "Friends",...

  • toronto
  • ontario
  • alan brown

Mary Ann Shadd (Cary) (1823-1893)

Born in Wilmington, Delaware, Mary Ann Shadd became a prominent activist in the Underground Railroad refugee communities of Upper Canada during the 1850s. Arriving in 1851, she taught refugee...

Born in Wilmington, Delaware, Mary Ann Shadd became a prominent activist in the Underground Railroad refugee communities of Upper Canada during the 1850s. Arriving in 1851, she taught refugee...

  • toronto
  • ontario
  • alan brown

Mary (Molly) Brant (Tekonwatonti) (ca. 1736-1796)

A Mohawk woman of great diplomatic skill, Molly Brant exerted an extraordinary influence on the powerful Iroquois Confederacy. During the American Revolutionary War, she passed valuable...

A Mohawk woman of great diplomatic skill, Molly Brant exerted an extraordinary influence on the powerful Iroquois Confederacy. During the American Revolutionary War, she passed valuable...

  • toronto
  • ontario
  • alan brown

McMartin House

Begun in 1830 for barrister Daniel McMartin (1798-1869), this imposing house symbolizes the wealth and social aspirations of this member of the Tory elite. Born at Williamsburg of Loyalist stock,...

Begun in 1830 for barrister Daniel McMartin (1798-1869), this imposing house symbolizes the wealth and social aspirations of this member of the Tory elite. Born at Williamsburg of Loyalist stock,...

  • toronto
  • ontario
  • alan brown

The Monck Road

This road was constructed for the dual purpose of opening up a wilderness area to settlement and providing an alternative, less vulnerable military route between the upper Great Lakes and the...

This road was constructed for the dual purpose of opening up a wilderness area to settlement and providing an alternative, less vulnerable military route between the upper Great Lakes and the...

  • toronto
  • ontario
  • alan brown

The Mountain Portage

This portage around Kakabeka Falls formed a link in the historic Kaministiquia canoe route connecting Lake Superior with Lake of the Woods and the West. First recorded in 1688 by the French...

This portage around Kakabeka Falls formed a link in the historic Kaministiquia canoe route connecting Lake Superior with Lake of the Woods and the West. First recorded in 1688 by the...

  • toronto
  • ontario
  • alan brown