Florida

Large Gulf Oil road map of Florida.

Florida’s identity since its annexation from Spain has steadily shifted from a swampy backwater to one of America’s premier vacation destinations. Promotional material such as this has long played a role in helping that transition take place.

Henry Flagler, Rockefeller’s partner in Standard Oil, developed the Florida East Coast Railway in the 1890’s and lauded the state’s recreational opportunities and healthful climates with freely distributed pamphlets and flyers. This road map, issued by Gulf Oil and published by Rand McNally, can be seen as a continuation of the trend. A variety of wildlife, leisure activities, historical sites and natural beauty is neatly illustrated and charts, indices and insets add supplemental information helpful to tourists (especially those traveling by car).