Why Mapmakers Put Fake Towns on Their Maps in the 1920s — and the One That Became Real

In the 1920s, mapmakers began inserting fake towns into their maps to combat copyright infringement, a practice that inadvertently led to some of these fictional locations becoming real. The most famous example is Agloe, New York, which was initially a paper town created as a copyright trap but later appeared in official records and local businesses, blurring the line between fiction and reality.

During the early 20th century, cartographers such as Otto G. Lindberg and his assistant Ernest Alpers devised a method to prevent map copying by adding fictional settlements called paper towns. These were deliberately fabricated locations, including streets and landmarks, designed to serve as copyright traps—if another map copied these features, it could be identified as a copy.

One such paper town, Agloe, New York, was created in the 1920s on a map for the gas station chain Esso. Despite its fictional origin, Agloe was later associated with a real business, Agloe Lodge Farms, which adopted the name and even applied it to a fishing lodge. This led to the place being recognized in official records, effectively making it a real location, at least temporarily.

By the time of a 2014 report, Agloe was no longer marked on Google Earth, illustrating how digital mapping has phased out many of these fictional entries. Nonetheless, the story of Agloe exemplifies how cartographic fiction can influence real-world geography and local identity.

Implications of Fictional Places in Historical Cartography

This story highlights how cartographic practices intended as copyright protections can have unintended real-world consequences. The creation of paper towns like Agloe demonstrates the complex relationship between maps as legal tools and cultural artifacts. It also raises questions about how digital mapping is changing the way we perceive and interact with geographic information, with some fictional places fading away as technology advances.

Historical Use of Fake Towns in Mapmaking

In the early 20th century, mapmakers faced challenges from competitors copying their maps. To combat this, they introduced deliberate inaccuracies—fictitious settlements that would serve as copyright traps. Agloe became the most famous example, originally created as a fictional location but later entering local lore and business records, blurring the line between fiction and reality.

This practice was part of a broader effort to protect intellectual property before digital maps rendered such tactics less effective. Over time, some of these fictional locations persisted, influencing local identities and cartographic history.

“Mapmakers used fake towns as copyright traps to prevent copying, but some of these places, like Agloe, unexpectedly became real locations, illustrating the unpredictable impact of cartographic fiction.”

— an anonymous researcher

Unresolved Questions About Paper Towns’ Impact

While Agloe is the most famous example, it remains unclear how many other fictitious locations created as copyright traps have similarly entered the real world. The extent to which such places influenced local communities or persisted in official records varies, and ongoing digital mapping efforts continue to phase out many of these fictional entries.

Additionally, it is not yet confirmed whether other paper towns created in the 1920s have inspired new settlements or businesses, or if Agloe remains a unique case of fiction becoming reality.

Future of Fictional Map Locations in Digital Maps

As digital mapping technology advances, the practice of inserting fictitious locations as copyright traps is largely obsolete. However, researchers may continue to explore how these stories influence our understanding of geographic identity and cartographic history. There is also potential for uncovering other hidden or forgotten paper towns in old maps, shedding light on the history of mapmaking and intellectual property protection.

Moreover, discussions around how digital maps handle fictional places—whether they are removed or preserved—are likely to shape future cartographic standards and practices.

Key Questions

What was the purpose of fake towns on old maps?

Fake towns, or paper towns, were inserted as copyright traps to prevent copying of maps. They served as deliberate inaccuracies that could identify unauthorized reproductions.

Did any fake towns become real places?

Yes, Agloe, New York, was created as a fictional location but later became a real place through local businesses adopting its name and records confirming its existence.

Are fake towns still used today?

No, with digital mapping and intellectual property protections evolving, the practice of inserting fake towns has largely been discontinued.

How many fake towns created in the 1920s are still recognized today?

Agloe is the most famous example; others have faded or been removed from modern maps, and the total number remains uncertain.

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