Renie Automobile Road Map Baja Lower California, a detailed and informative navigation guide, was created by Jack J. Renie of Los Angeles, California. Published by Renie Map Service in the mid-twentieth century, this map transcends its primary utilitarian function as an automotive guide, to serve as an insightful record of socio-geographic perspectives and road safety norms prevalent in Baja California during its period of creation.
This comprehensive road map stands out for its inclusion of several critical components for safe, law-abiding travel in Mexico, such as "Driving Hints and Mexican Highway Regulations". It advises prospective motorists to ensure their vehicles are in prime condition before embarking on their journey, and provides a clear, albeit stern, warning against excessive speeding, racing through towns, and impaired driving. Moreover, it includes a note of caution about potential road hazards, specifically the possibility of encountering livestock.
Jack J. Renie's map features specific rules and guidelines for both immigration and customs, shedding light on the legalities faced by travelers during that era. These details are not mere practical instructions for contemporaneous travelers but also serve as historical documents, providing valuable insights into the immigration and customs regulations between Mexico and the United States. The map's explicit distinction of rules applicable to U.S. citizens, aliens, and non-citizens provides context on cross-border mobility norms prevalent in the twentieth century.
Adding to its allure are the smaller, more detailed maps of Tijuana, Ensenada, and Mexicali, neatly arranged along the right side of the main map. These supplements offer an intimate look at these cities' geography, enhancing the overall utility of the map and granting it historical relevance as a record of urban configurations during the mid-1900s.
The Renie Automobile Road Map Baja Lower California is more than a simple navigational guide. Its historical significance lies in its depiction of road regulations, immigration policies, and customs norms of the era, making it a valuable artifact for scholars and enthusiasts interested in the socio-geographical history of Baja California. Its detailed city maps further solidify its status as a reliable source of mid-twentieth-century urban geography in the region.