Have you ever heard of America’s oldest board game? It’s not Monopoly, but a game called Travellers’ Tour Through the United States, which dates back to 1822. This game takes players on a journey across the young country, testing their knowledge of cities and populations along the way. Unlike modern board games, this historic gem aimed to educate players about the entire United States.
As players navigate through the game, they encounter descriptions of various cities, towns, and regions, emphasizing the value of education. The game showcases institutions of learning and cultural landmarks, offering players a glimpse into early 19th-century America. Despite not achieving commercial success, Travellers’ Tour Through the United States lives on today as a precursor to the great American road trip.
Explore the origins of America’s board game tradition with Travellers’ Tour Through the United States. This fascinating glimpse into early American life continues to inspire curiosity about the country and its rich history.
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Colin Marshall is a writer and broadcaster based in Seoul, exploring cities, language, and culture. Follow his work on his Substack newsletter Books on Cities and his book The Stateless City: a Walk through 21st-Century Los Angeles. Connect with him on Twitter at @colinm or on Facebook.
