American Airlines System Map [1956]

A mid-century route map of “America’s Leading Airline.”

Fly coast to coast, plus Mexico and Canada, with this 1956 American Airlines map, published in Convent Station, New Jersey, by General Drafting Company. Four primary relief maps (topography by Vahe Kirishjian) highlight the operational routes, noting distances between points and locations of interest. The first two capture the airways across the Northeast and the Midwest, with distances for three different planes’ flying times provided in the accompanying legend.

The verso of the sheet shows maps Number 3 (the West) and Number 4 (Mexico), plus an interesting diagram that places the continental routes of American amid a broader global network. Illustrated vignettes throughout add a pop of visual appeal, plus a showcase of the American Airlines fleet. Nonstop transcontinental service is promoted, now available in both Flagship and Aircoach DC-7s.