This map, titled "Map of the Sixth Division Railway Mail Service," was created by the International Correspondence Schools of Scranton, Pennsylvania, and copyrighted in 1905 by the International Textbook Company. It provides a detailed depiction of the railway mail routes within the Sixth Division, which spans parts of the central United States, encompassing regions such as Colorado, Nebraska, Wyoming, South Dakota, and parts of adjacent states.
The map illustrates the complex network of railway lines used for mail distribution across this division. The Railway Mail Service was a crucial component of the postal system in the United States, utilizing trains to expedite mail delivery across long distances during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The map’s primary function was to aid in understanding the routes and logistics involved in the mail distribution process via rail.
Features and Details:
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Railway Routes: The map meticulously traces the routes of various railway lines, showing the connections between major cities, towns, and junctions within the division. These routes are indicated with fine lines, showcasing the density and reach of the railway network.
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Population Symbols: The map includes symbols to indicate the population size of various towns and cities. Small circles represent locations with up to 5,000 inhabitants, slightly larger circles for those with up to 25,000, and so forth, scaling up to cities with over 100,000 inhabitants. State capitals are marked with distinctive symbols, providing additional context for the significance of each location within the railway mail system.
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Geographical Scope: Covering a broad geographical area, the map highlights the connectivity facilitated by the railways in the region. Key cities such as Denver, Omaha, and Chicago are part of the network, demonstrating the extensive coverage of the Railway Mail Service.
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Topographical Elements: While the map primarily focuses on the railway lines, it also includes basic topographical elements such as state boundaries and significant rivers, aiding in the geographical orientation of the viewer.
Published in 1905, this map represents a time when the railway was a dominant mode of long-distance transportation and communication in the United States. The Railway Mail Service was a critical infrastructure, drastically improving the speed and reliability of mail delivery across the nation. This map not only served practical purposes for those involved in postal operations but also reflects the broader historical significance of railroads in shaping communication and commerce during this era.