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Rare large format map of the United States, issued shortly after the conclusion of the Spanish American War.
Issued in the first decade of the 20th century, The Pathfinder Railway Guide Map: Western Section illustrats a pivotal moment in the development of the United States' railway system, a period when the nation’s railroads reached their zenith in terms of geographical coverage and economic significance. This meticulously details map focuses on the lines in the western United States, with insets of Alaska, Yellowstone National Park, the Philippines, Hawaii, and Guam, these regions being of interest following the Alaskan Gold Rush, Spanish American War and growing emphasis on rail tourism to the west.
The representation of railway lines and stations is extraordinary, with an intricate network of routes and railway stations.
The insets provide additional layers of historical context. The map of Alaska, illustrates two fledgingly routes spurred by the Gold Rush. The inset of Yellowstone Park inset reflects the growing popularity of national parks and the expanding tourist industry. The Philippines, Hawaii, and Guam insets underscore the strategic military and colonial interests of the United States during this period of imperial expansion following the conclusion of the Spanish American War and America's increased role as a naval power in the Pacific Rim regions.
