George F. Cram

 
George F. Cram (1872–1962) was an American cartographer and map publisher. He was born in Clinton County, Indiana, on December 1, 1872. Cram started his career in the map business in 1867 when he joined his uncle's company, Rufus Blanchard & Co., which was a prominent map publisher at the time.
 
In 1869, Cram moved to Chicago and established his own map publishing company, George F. Cram & Co. The company quickly gained recognition for its high-quality maps and atlases. Cram's maps were known for their accuracy and attention to detail, and they became popular among schools, libraries, and individuals.
 
Over the years, George F. Cram & Co. expanded its product range to include globes, atlases, and educational materials. The company played a significant role in supplying maps to schools and educational institutions across the United States. Cram's maps were widely used for teaching geography and became a staple in classrooms.
 
George F. Cram & Co. continued to thrive under the leadership of George Cram's son, William Cram, after George's retirement in 1921. The company remained in operation until the 1980s when it faced financial difficulties and was eventually sold to the Cartographic Division of the Times Mirror Company.
 
Today, George F. Cram maps and atlases from the late 19th and early 20th centuries are highly sought after by collectors and map enthusiasts. They are valued for their historical significance and the craftsmanship that went into their creation. Cram's maps have become iconic representations of the world as it was understood during that era.