Prussian immigrant Albert Ruger created birds’-eye view drawings and landscapes during the mid-19th century. He developed the concept of the panoramic map, which shows buildings, topographical features, and tiny human and animal figures. He created maps for locations in 22 states, including this rendering of Akron. Ruger lived in Akron from about 1876 until his death and is buried in Hudson.

Akron-Summit County Main Library, North wall, Special Collections