Who or What Is Rand McNally?

Map from Simpsons WikiRand McNally is a well-known American map making and publishing company (due in no small part to it’s appearance in an iconic Simpson’s scene).

It is now evolving into a technology-driven enterprise with a focus on GPS Devices, Fleet Tracking and other related industries.

Here’s an overview of its historical background, and current operations.

Was Rand McNally a real person?

No, instead the name comes from the last name of the two founders of the company. Both William H. Rand and Andrew McNally were real individuals:

• William H. Rand (1828–1915): Born in Quincy, Massachusetts, Rand was a printer who ventured west during the California Gold Rush before settling in Chicago. He established a printing shop in 1856 and co-founded Rand McNally & Co. in 1868. Rand retired in 1899 and passed away in 1915.
• Andrew McNally (1836–1904): Born in Armagh, Ireland, McNally immigrated to the United States in 1857. He joined Rand’s printing shop in 1858 and became a partner in 1868. McNally became president of the company in 1899 after Rand’s retirement and served until his death in 1904.

Their partnership combined Rand’s business acumen with McNally’s printing expertise, laying the foundation for a company that would become synonymous with American cartography.

Company History

Rand McNally’s first Road Map

Founded in 1856 by William H. Rand in Chicago, Rand McNally began as a printing shop.

In 1858, Irish immigrant Andrew McNally joined the firm, leading to the establishment of Rand McNally & Co. in 1868.

Initially focusing on printing tickets and timetables for the burgeoning railroad industry, the company published its first map in 1872 using a cost-effective wax engraving method.

By 1876, it introduced the “Business Atlas,” now known as the “Commercial Atlas & Marketing Guide.”

The company expanded into educational materials, children’s books, and road maps, notably publishing its first road map in 1904.

In 1917, Rand McNally pioneered the numbered highway system, influencing state and federal highway authorities.

More detailed history.

19th Century: Foundations and Early Growth

• 1856: William H. Rand, a printer from Massachusetts, established a small printing shop in Chicago.
• 1858: Andrew McNally, an Irish immigrant and skilled printer, joined Rand’s shop.
• 1868: Rand and McNally, along with Rand’s nephew George Amos Poole, founded Rand, McNally & Co., taking over the Chicago Tribune’s printing operations.
• 1871: During the Great Chicago Fire, Rand and McNally reportedly buried two printing machines in sand to protect them, allowing the company to resume operations shortly after
• 1872: The company published its first map in the December issue of its Railroad Guide, utilizing a cost-effective wax engraving method.
• 1873: Rand McNally was incorporated, with Rand as president and McNally as vice president.
• 1876: The first edition of the Business Atlas was published, providing valuable data for business planning.
• 1880: The company expanded into educational publishing, offering maps, globes, and geography textbooks.

Early 20th Century: Expansion and Innovation

• 1899: William Rand retired, selling his share to McNally, who became president.
• 1904: Rand McNally published its first automobile road map, “New Automobile Road Map of New York City & Vicinity.”
• 1917: Cartographer John Brink introduced a numbered highway system on a map of Peoria, Illinois, which influenced the U.S. highway numbering system.
• 1924: The first edition of the Rand McNally Road Atlas, initially titled “Auto Chum,” was released, becoming a staple for American motorists.
• 1927: Aviator Charles Lindbergh used Rand McNally railroad maps for navigation during his historic transatlantic flight.

Mid to Late 20th Century: Technological Advancements

• 1952: The company moved its headquarters from Chicago to Skokie, Illinois.
• 1961: Rand McNally commissioned cartographer Arthur H. Robinson to develop the Robinson projection, enhancing world map representations.
• 1980: The company sold its educational publishing division to Houghton Mifflin.
• 1982: Rand McNally began creating maps digitally, embracing new technologies.
• 1989: The company donated its extensive collection of maps to the Newberry Library in Chicago.

21st Century: Digital Transformation and Ownership Changes

• 1997: The McNally family sold its majority stake in the company.
• 2003: Leonard Green & Partners acquired the company through a prepackaged Chapter 11 restructuring deal.
• 2007: Patriarch Partners became the sole owner of Rand McNally.
• 2020: TELEO Capital acquired Rand McNally, aiming to revitalize the brand and expand its technological offerings.

Current Rand McNally Business

Today, Rand McNally has transitioned into a technology-focused company specializing in fleet management and connected vehicle solutions.

It’s offerings include:

• RandOne Platform: A comprehensive suite for fleet management, providing real-time tracking, performance monitoring, and compliance tools.
• DriverConnect: An integrated platform featuring electronic logging devices (ELDs), real-time tracking, and driver performance analytics.
• SafetyDirect: A safety and video telematics solution enhancing driver safety and operational efficiency.

The company continues to produce GPS devices, dashcams, and other hardware tailored for commercial transportation needs.

Can I still buy Rand McNally Road Atlases?

Yes, you can. For example, Amazon sells Rand McNally road atlases, and many other Rand McNally products such as maps, GPS devices, and of course globes.

Rand McNally in The Simpsons

Rand McNally made a humorous appearance in The Simpsons episode “Bart vs. Australia” (Season 6, Episode 16).

In the episode, Bart mistakes the Rand McNally logo on a globe for a country. Lisa playfully indulges him, saying, “In fact, in Rand McNally, they wear hats on their feet and hamburgers eat people.”

Here’s the clip: