Hogs, Going Viral In 1884

Produced by the Decatur, Illinois-based company, H.W. Hill & Co., in 1884, this map is a fine example of “gehography” (pig-inspired cartography) and 19th century viral marketing.

On the map, we see one pig per state or territory, each with one of H.W. Hill’s trademarked triangles through its nose. 

[But] its main attraction was not H.W. Hill’s markers, weaners and rings. It was mailed out—for five one-cent stamps—as a tableau entitled: “Nicknames of the States.”

II noticed that the Dakotas didn't get a nickname, which feels like a faint insult, I suppose.

(Via Big Think)