Florida Short Route Through the Heart of Historical Indian Country

Best Roads – Fewest Mountains – Least Traffic – Finest Accommodations – Interesting Scenery

This uncommon mid-century road map was issued by the Florida Short Route Association, Inc. to encourage motor tourism along a very specific segment of highway in Alabama and Georgia. Midwestern vacationers headed south had many different route options available, and numerous organizations were created by local Chambers of Commerce and businesses to promote certain highway combinations as ‘better’ than others.

A single line connects Chicago, IL to Columbus, GA, though it represents several different highways. Detailed turn-by-turn information is provided in a few cases and additional instructions are offered on the verso, along with descriptions of several towns along the route.

The use of tragic Native American history for financial gain was not uncommon, but remains distasteful; especially considering many of the original indigenous inhabitants of the region died horrifically along the Trail of Tears. A rubberstamp at the bottom indicates the map was distributed by the Hotel Clement in Opelika, Alabama.