Image of a print showing a colorful board game with red, blue, and yellow spaces on a snake-like ribbon numbered from 1 to 122. The game is illustrated with 32 vignettes of views, caricatures, and portraits relating to American history. The illustrations are numbered and correspond to starred spaces on the ribbon. The title is decorative in red, white, and blue stripes, and towards the left of the title is a picture of an American flag with 34 stars and 7 stripes. Players roll dice to move across the board and then follow the instructions listed on the illustrations to move forward. The top of the print includes a portrait of George Washington, and the bottom of the print includes two engravings. The engraving on lower right is labeled, “96. Give the Player two throws” and includes an illustration of a man standing near a cabin and farming supplies. The engraving towards the lower right of the print is labeled. “119. Home of the Washington Family: the Player has lost, and muse cease to play,” along with a view of Washington’s home. Print is bordered on all sides with decorative motifs of leaves and flowers. Probable date based on described copy of print at Library of Congress dating between 1840 and 1860. The flag on the print also has 34 stars, so could possibly be from 1861 when the U.S. had 34 states, but unclear if flag was printed with visual accuracy. “Snake Game Rules. This is played with Two Dice or a Tee-To-Tum; and any Number of Persons can play at it. From No. 1 in rotation, each throw brings the Player forward according to the Number thrown; and if it brings the Player on a Star Number, look at the direction and corresponding figure…” --text, top right corner. “Points. No 2. Washington: gives the Player back his Stake, and he continues to play. No. 114. Mary and Sally: gives the Player one-half of all the Stakes. No. 119. Home of the Washington Family: those who pass the house divide the balance of the Stakes.” --text, top left corner.
Type
image
Extent
1 engraving : hand colored ; overall 63.5 x 50.8 cm (25 x 20 in.)
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