What America’s first board game can teach us about the aspirations of a young nation
What America’s first board game can teach us about the aspirations of a young nation
What America’s first board game can teach us about the aspirations of a young nation
By Matthew Wynn Sivils
May 8, 2024
Summary
The board game industry saw substantial growth, reaching over $16.8 billion in 2023 and projected to hit $40.1 billion by 2032. This thriving market includes classics like "Scrabble," modern hits such as "Pandemic" and "Wingspan," which have amassed large followings. In August 2023, at the American Antiquarian Society, researcher Matthew Wynn Sivils discovered "The Travellers’ Tour Through the United States," America's earliest known board game from 1822. Produced by F. & R. Lockwood in New York, it mirrored European geography games, featuring a U.S. map where players recited facts about cities. The game reflects early American aspirations, emphasizing education and cultural growth, yet omits darker aspects like slavery and Indigenous dispossession.
Reference
Sivils, M. W. (2024, May 8). What America’s first board game can teach us about the aspirations of a young nation. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/what-americas-first-board-game-can-teach-us-about-the-aspirations-of-a-young-nation-228581