When William Rand opened his commercial print shop at 148 West Lake Street in Chicago, he advertised “every description of printing, on the most advantageous terms.” It was 1856. Two years later, Andrew McNally, recently arrived from Ireland, entered Rand’s shop, inquired about a job, and was hired on the spot for $9 a week.
When the two men met, they couldn’t have imagined how their business would grow – from printing railroad tickets and timetables to publishing a full line of educational maps, geography textbooks, and globes (1880s); road maps and guides (early 1900s); and the best-selling Road Atlas (1924), which celebrated its centennial anniversary with the 2024 edition.
Today, with the iconic Road Atlas leading the way, our products help travelers make the most of their road trips. Our line of atlases, maps, activity books, and other fine publications are developed to inspire an interest in the world and enrich life’s journey.