Maps and the American Identity

America enjoys feeling like it has its own unique idenity. That identity might be best described as HARD-WORKING and FUN-LOVING. Lake Tahoe has developed its own unique identity within the American landscape. It is a community that spans two states, California and Nevada. These two states have worked together in creating a unique identity for the lake community they share. The identity of Lake Tahoe is based in recreation, relaxation, and unmatched scenic beauty; it is America’s Adventure Place. It is an area known for its year round recreational possibilities. One might say that Lake Tahoe has focused its efforts in appealing to the FUN-LOVING American identity.
The Tahoe community has made efforts to advertise its recreational identity, and has succeeded in expressing that identity to the nation. One way Tahoe has accomplished this is through maps which display the winter, summer, spring, and fall activities Tahoe offers. These maps are posted on the internet at Tahoe visitor websites. Tahoe.com, VisitingLakeTahoe.com, SkiLakeTahoe.com, and VirtualTahoe.com are all examples of these visitor sites and all of them have maps of Tahoe. All of the maps seem to exclusively show where at Lake Tahoe people can find recreational activities. From skiing and other winter sports to boating, kayaking, and beach-going to nightlife and gaming, all these maps highlight the recreation Lake Tahoe has to offer. There is so much to do at Lake Tahoe, and these maps help show that to those who are considering visiting the region.

Maps are a good way to express the identy of a region. The identity of the Lake Tahoe community is recreation. Tahoe has become world-famous for it, and these various maps work to express that identity.