|
||
|
|
|
|
Early 20th-century Automobile Road Maps
Extensive set of 1920s California "strip" maps issued by the Map Service of the Automobile Club of Southern California. Before the advent of GPS systems and widespread road signage early motorists relied on printed road maps to navigate to a given destination. Instead of opting for the awkward large folding sheet map format, the Automobile Club of Southern California created these compact but highly detailed "strip" maps printed on card stock which could be handily mounted on the inside of a car's windshield or dashboard for easy visual reference while driving.
A notable feature of the maps are the circled numbers which indicate mileage distances from central locations on each map. Additional mileage figures—without circles—are provided as clear distance markers for planning travel time and fuel stops. The contour details depict the terrain and elevation changes, particularly useful for drivers navigating hilly areas. Cities and towns are distinctly labeled, with major highways in bold type, ensuring easy readability. Insets and symbols mark notable landmarks.
Several of the maps of the San Diego region also depict Mexican border towns: Tijuana, Tecate, and Mexicali.
There was a total of 221 strip maps issued by the Automobile Club of Southern California.
The present offering consists of the following 23 maps:
Nos. 1-13 : Southern California series covering: San Diego, Tijuana, La Jolla, Los Angeles, Pasadena, Alhambra, Sierra Madre, Pomona, San Bernardino, Riverside, Imperial, El Centro, Calexico, Mexicali, Salton Sea, Indio, Blythe, etc.
Nos. 28: Barstow to Baker
No. 29: Baker to Las Vegas
No. 35: Salinas to San Jose
No. 36: San Jose to San Francisco
No. 37: San Francisco
No. 48: Fresno to Merced to Modesto
No. 49: San Francisco, Oakland, Stockton, Modesto
No. 56: Salinas, Watsonville, Gilroy, Hollister, Merced
No. 61: San Bernardino to Victorville.
No. 62: Victorville to Barstow
Plus 2 duplicate maps of Nos. 6 & 7
The Automobile Club of Southern California (ACSC), founded in 1900, played a pivotal role in promoting auto touring and travel throughout California, particularly in the early 20th century. As automobiles became more popular, the club advocated for the construction of well-maintained roads and highways, working closely with state and local governments to improve infrastructure. It was instrumental in marking and mapping highways, producing detailed road guides, and installing road signs to assist motorists before the advent of standardized state signage. The ACSC also published extensive road maps and auto guidebooks, providing motorists with essential navigation tools and promoting tourism by highlighting scenic routes and destinations, helping to establish Southern California as a premier auto travel region.
![[Section of Newport Beach]](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/33577df.jpg)
![[ Indio, California ] Thousand and One Things to See and Do in this Fascinating World-Famous Desert Wonderland within and surrounding fabulous Coachella Valley [cover title:] Stay in Indio Date Capital of the U.S.A.](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/90320.jpg)
![[Sweetwater Reservoir] Lot](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/96318.jpg)
