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Description

A 1940 edition of the 1933 map of Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho, meticulously surveyed by Max J. Gleissner in 1925 and 1930 and offering a detailed topographical representation of this unique geological wonder and its surroundings.

This map, produced by the USGS and the State of Idaho Bureau of Mines and Geology, employs the polyconic projection and the North American datum. A 5,000-yard grid based on the U.S. zone system, F, is used to accurately convey the landscape of the Craters of the Moon National Monument. The map showcases the usual travel routes, including U.S. and state routes, as well as the hard impervious surfaces and other surface improvements as of 1940.

On the reverse side of the map is a photographically-illustrated essay providing additional information about the National Monument, adding context to the geological formations and the history of the area.

Craters of the Moon National Monument

Craters of the Moon National Monument was established on May 2, 1924, by a presidential proclamation signed by Calvin Coolidge. The monument was founded to preserve the unique volcanic features, such as lava flows and cinder cones, that cover this surreal landscape. Robert Limbert, an explorer and promoter from Idaho, played a crucial role in raising awareness of this "weird and scenic landscape, peculiar to itself" (as per President Coolidge's proclamation), after his extensive explorations in the early 1920s.

In its early years, Craters of the Moon was a remote, seldom-visited destination. The land had a stark, moon-like appearance, with few facilities or amenities to accommodate visitors. This began to change in the 1930s when the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built several visitor amenities, including roads, trails, and picnic areas. The CCC also developed a campground and constructed a stone building that was utilized as a museum and visitor center. These improvements, along with the uniqueness of the site, slowly started to draw more interest from the public.

Condition Description
Old folds (with some toning) as issued. Pencil annotations in the upper left.